By James Lint, Faculty Member, School of Business, American Military University
The SHOT Show in Las Vegas, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, runs until January 26. It is the only business-to-business event for the shooting, hunting and outdoor markets.
[Latest: SHOT Show 2018 Unveils New Advances in Weapons Technology]
More than 65,000 attendees are expected to attend the three-day show, which is managed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). The NSSF’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports.
Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 12,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers.
SHOT Show President Pays Respectful Tribute to 2017 Shooting Victims
On the NSSF homepage, President Steve Sanetti noted: “This year, we meet respectfully in the shadow of the recent tragedy at Mandalay Bay, with all the special challenges that horrific event brings to the show. Mindful of those challenges, yet recognizing the rightful place that the lawful commerce in firearms for law-abiding citizens holds in our American democracy, we are determined to begin the new year by putting our best foot forward.”
The SHOT Show draws military, law enforcement and homeland security professionals, who get the chance to test new equipment to make more informed buying decisions. Attendees also have the chance to take part in educational presentations.
SHOT Show Offers Multiple Information and Education Opportunities
The Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP) specializes in protection measures and their tactical execution. SHOT Show participants get the opportunity to learn from leading industry- training organizations, such as the National Tactical Officers Association and product manufacturers.
Upon completion of the program, LEEP participants receive a Certificate of Attendance confirming their course participation. Back at their home offices, participants use this certificate to document the training they’ve received.
The Retailer Seminars take place throughout the SHOT Show. Topics for these seminars are developed from inquiries and feedback received from businesses and a special retail advisory council during the previous year. These seminars examine important industry challenges, better management practices and ways to make attendees’ businesses stand out from their competitors.
SHOT Show University is the premier educational event for the shooting sports and hunting industries. This year’s day-long program features two keynotes: Julie Golob’s “Leadership through Influence” and John O’Leary’s “On Fire: The Seven Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life.” SHOT Show University has four education tracks (Retailing 101, Master’s Class, Range Operation and Compliance) with 16 different courses.
Executive Management Seminar Features Keynote Speaker Allen B. West
The Executive Management Seminar took place on Monday, January 22, the day before the show officially opened. The seminar covered management techniques and business practices by leading authorities. Among the topics discussed were:
- How to thrive in a changing market
- Cultivating your leadership skills
- Workforce development
- Avoiding derailment
- Improving mental toughness to make better decisions and hone your business action plans
Former Florida Congressman and Retired Army Lt. Col. Allen B. West delivered the final keynote address of the Executive Management Seminar. West discussed workforce development and leadership. His 22-year career in the U.S. Army and his experience as a Congressman formed the basis for his spirited, high-energy address.
West spoke about how true leaders take responsibility, rather than credit, and advised his listeners to think of all employees as stakeholders in an organization. He also advised the audience to keep employees informed by sending out a leadership note every week, with a quick summation of the week’s accomplishments and expectations for the next week.
SHOT Show Offers Industry Updates as Well as Educational Opportunities
SHOT Show offers everyone a chance to learn. Many professionals attend for the structured education and yearly industry updates.
In addition, law enforcement officers and federal agents come to SHOT Show to learn new ideas in tactical deployment and officer protestation techniques. There are talks about current threat trends in law enforcement.
There are many reasons to attend these industry conventions. One often forgotten benefit are the questions and discussions that provoke new thinking – and new products.
About the Author: James R. Lint recently retired as the (GG-15) civilian director for intelligence and security, G2, U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command. He is an adjunct professor at American Military University. He is also a senior editor for InCyberDefense and a contributor to In Homeland Security, both AMU-sponsored websites. James has been involved in cyberespionage events from just after the turn of the century in Korea supporting 1st Signal Brigade to the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis as the first government cyber intelligence analyst. He has 38 years of experience in military intelligence with the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, government contracting and civil service.
Additionally, James started the Lint Center for National Security Studies, a nonprofit charity that recently awarded its 49th scholarship for national security students and professionals. James was also elected as the 2015 national vice president for the Military Intelligence Corps Association. He has also served in the Department of Energy’s S&S Security Office after his active military career in the Marine Corps for seven years and 14 years in the Army. His military assignments include South Korea, Germany and Cuba, in addition to numerous CONUS locations. In 2017, he was appointed to the position of Adjutant for The American Legion, China Post 1. James has authored a book published in 2013, “Leadership and Management Lessons Learned,” a book published in 2016 “8 Eyes on Korea, A Travel Perspective of Seoul, Korea,” and a new book in 2017 “Secrets to Getting a Federal Government Job.”
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