Another NRA Annual Meeting is in the books, the 152nd to be exact; and what a fun and eventful time it was! I always say how much I enjoy the SHOT show but loathe the rules on selling products and the NRA Annual Meeting is like a direct answer to that complaint.
This year’s show spanned across the Indianapolis Convention Center, and I was excited to see many familiar faces there. The fact that it is a domestic show which is focused on the consumer vs being an international show focused on large customers affected the tone, but in a good way. This show allows you to get more intimate with the products themselves and experience things from an end-user point of view. It also highlights the industry vs. looking at it as a sales opportunity.
The highlight on this industry was one of my favorite parts. As we began navigating the floor, we started in the historical aisles which were focused more on the history of guns and our Country. They had exhibits that featured early models of the pistol, large cannons from World War I, weapons used in the Battle of the Thames and of Tippecanoe. The best part was the people they had in this area. The men and women at these booths had so much history within them to share and listening to them talk made you feel like you yourself were a part of history. One of those men were Norris Jernigan, one of the last remaining survivors of World War II. He was there talking about his experience working under Paul Tibbets and signing photos. It was hard not to picture my Great Grandfather sitting in front of me as I spoke to that man, and I was tempted to pull up a seat and just ask him to tell me stories! But alas, there was more floor to cover.
Once I completed my journey through history, I started exploring the floor. I had a chance to meet with clients at the Night Fision, Sig Sauer and Beretta and also had an opportunity to network and meet with a few groups who are soon to be added to that list. While meandering through the aisles I found some apparel that I just HAD TO OWN from Nine Line Apparel. Their graphic designer definitely knows their market, and who doesn’t need to sport cartoon characters demonstrating their 2nd amendment rights?!?
Aside from my apparel purchase, I was also sucked in by the awesome accessory deals they had going on there. I couldn’t resist a new blade from We Knife and a tactical pack from Voodoo Tactical. Timney Triggers also had a great deal on drop-ins and of course, I had to grab one of those! I also fell in love with the swag that FN America was selling as well as the American Pride whiskey decanters that we found at Black Rain Ordnance.
Of course, my meandering wasn’t just filled with meetings and shopping; I also got a chance to listen to some great presentations and meet some folks I really respect in this space. Lena Miculek is one of those people as I always enjoy watching her and her Dad, Jerry Miculek, when they are out shooting together. I can tell you they have given me a new respect for speed shooting, those are some fast fingers! Lena was there at the Sig Sauer booth, talking about the launch of her new Rose line.
By the end of the day Saturday, I had covered the entire floor; I visited with clients, candidates, and friends. I was EXHAUSTED, but in a very fulfilling and good way. There is something about this industry that makes these conventions more like a family reunion than a work event. So, with a heavy heart I waved to the show floor and walked away. Until we meet again my friends, see you at SHOT 2024!
