What Is SHOT Show?
The Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) is the largest trade show in the shooting sports and outdoor industry. Held every January at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, SHOT Show 2027 draws over 60,000 trade professionals from 100+ countries — manufacturers, retailers, law enforcement buyers, military procurement officers, and international distributors — to see the latest in firearms, ammunition, optics, outdoor gear, and accessories.
SHOT Show is trade-only — it is not open to the general public. Attendance requires proof of a valid firearms dealer license, law enforcement credentials, military ID, or media credentials. The show is produced by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and has been held in Las Vegas since 2009.
SHOT Show 2027 — Dates and Venue
SHOT Show 2027 takes place January 19-22 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas — the same week as many Las Vegas visitors are recovering from CES. The Venetian Expo’s connected access to The Venetian Resort makes it one of the most comfortable trade show environments in Las Vegas, particularly useful during January when outdoor temperatures average 5-12°C at night.
The show floor spans over 12 miles of aisles and 700,000+ square feet of exhibition space — among the largest single-floor trade show footprints in the country. Plan for significant walking each day and comfortable footwear is essential.
Best Hotels for SHOT Show
The Venetian Resort is the preferred on-property hotel for SHOT Show. Direct indoor access to the Venetian Expo eliminates the January cold entirely and puts you in the heart of the show’s networking activity. The Venetian’s casino floor and restaurants host dozens of industry dinners and distributor events throughout the week.
Palazzo at The Venetian offers the same venue access in an all-suite format. Wynn Las Vegas and Encore — a 10-minute walk north — are consistently rated among the best for client entertainment during SHOT Show week. For detailed recommendations see our SHOT Show Las Vegas hotel guide.
👉 Compare January hotel rates on Booking.com
👉 Search Venetian area hotels on Expedia
👉 Browse Hotels.com for SHOT Show week
SHOT Show — The Range Day Experience
SHOT Show’s Range Day takes place the Monday before the main show opens — January 18, 2027. Held at the Boulder City Rifle and Pistol Club approximately 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Range Day is where manufacturers bring new products for live-fire demonstrations. Attendance requires the same trade credentials as the main show and is handled by shuttle bus from the Venetian.
Range Day is one of the most valuable days at SHOT Show for buyers and journalists — the informal environment and direct product access make it easier to have substantive conversations with manufacturers than on the crowded show floor. Register specifically for Range Day when completing your SHOT Show registration.
Getting the Most Out of SHOT Show
Use the mobile app. The SHOT Show exhibitor database is extensive — 1,800+ exhibitors across multiple halls. The official app allows you to map your route in advance and mark priority booths. Arriving without a plan means missing exhibitors.
Schedule meetings in advance. The most productive SHOT Show interactions happen through pre-scheduled appointments rather than floor walk-ups. Contact key manufacturer reps 4-6 weeks before the show to set meetings.
The show floor is split across two halls. The Venetian Expo Hall A covers handguns, long guns, and accessories. Hall B covers law enforcement, military, optics, and outdoor gear. Plan to spend time in both and use the indoor walkway between halls.
January Las Vegas — Weather and What to Pack
January is one of the coldest months in Las Vegas — daytime temperatures average 12-15°C with nights dropping to 3-5°C. Rain is possible but uncommon. Light layers work well for transitioning between the Venetian’s warm interior and outdoor areas. The Venetian Expo’s indoor connection to the hotel means outdoor exposure is minimal for most SHOT Show activities.
See our full Las Vegas trade show packing list for a complete guide to what to bring.
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📍 Related: Looking for the complete picture? Check our complete LVCC hotel guide with all 25+ hotels ranked by walking distance to the LVCC, real trade show prices, and insider booking tips.
About this guide
Independent guide for trade show professionals attending events in Las Vegas. We cover hotels near the LVCC and Venetian Expo, transport options, dining, and exhibitor tips for CES, NAB Show, CONEXPO, SHOT Show and 20+ other major Las Vegas trade shows.
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