CANCELLED: 2021 SHOT Show in Las Vegas

On October 30, 2020, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) announced that the 2021 SHOT Show, intended to be held January 19-21, 2021, was cancelled. This cancellation marks the first time that the outdoor industry hasn’t gathered since SHOT Show was first held in St. Louis in 1979.

NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi said in a news release, “Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the world, NSSF, the firearm industry trade association, today makes the difficult announcement that the 2021 SHOT Show has been canceled. NSSF has remained in constant communication with Nevada officials throughout the year in our planning for the 2021 show,” Bartozzi continued. “While there has been a concerted effort to expand the allowable levels for large gatherings by the county and state, with positivity rates peaking during our key planning period we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 show. Sadly, these spikes are currently transpiring worldwide. Given the sheer complexities, diminishing timeline and immense logistical planning required to conduct a trade show as large as SHOT, NSSF simply could not move forward at this point with so many unknowns and variables. We truly appreciate the guidance of Nevada and Las Vegas officials in allowing us to communicate this news to our exhibitors and attendees well in advance of the show. We would also like to thank the Sands (Expo Center) directly for their help and efforts to navigate this unprecedented situation.”

The announcement wasn’t a surprise to many given the cancellation announcements of other large trade shows in Nevada due to Covid-19 restrictions. Nevada is projected to lose more than $80 million in non-gaming revenue. With NSSF and its partners in the planning process for months despite the pandemic and the need for travel restrictions and social distancing, show organizers said that floor space for the event was still near a sell-out capacity nearly three months in advance of the 2021 gathering.

The 2022 SHOT Show is currently scheduled for January 18-21, 2022, in Las Vegas.

“All of this positions us for a 2022 SHOT Show that will be undoubtedly the best in our industry’s history, and we look forward to bringing our entire community together again at a show that will be one to remember,” stated Bartozzi. “During the coming year, NSSF asks for our industry’s unwavering support as we continue our fight to promote, protect and preserve our industry in these unsettling times."