In a surprise move, just weeks before the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show is to open, Reed Exhibitions, on Jan. 17, announced it was banning some models of modern sporting rifles from the show, specifically AR-platform firearms. The show is the largest outdoor sports show in the United States and perhaps the world.
In a surprise move, just weeks before the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show is to open, Reed Exhibitions, on Jan. 17, announced it was banning some models of modern sporting rifles from the show, specifically AR-platform firearms. The show is the largest outdoor sports show in the United States and perhaps the world.
When the word spread at the firearms industry’s largest trade show, the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show (sm), reaction among exhibitors and attendees was fierce.
While many decided immediately to pull out of the show, others suggested a more united effort that would allow the show to continue this year, while urging a protest during the show with a promise to pull out of the show in 2014.
This is the statement from Reed Exhibitions that started the collision:
As a hunting-focused event, we welcome exhibitors who wish to showcase products and firearms that serve the traditional needs of the sport. Clearly, we strongly support the 2nd Amendment. However, this year we have made the decision not to include certain products that in the current climate may attract negative attention that would distract from the strong focus on hunting and fishing at this family-oriented event and possibly disrupt the broader positive experience of our guests.
ESS is proud to participate in the preservation and promotion of the rich hunting and fishing tradition passed from generation to generation by American families.
Within hours, the National Rifle Association responded.
The National Rifle Association strongly disagrees with Reed Exhibitions’ decision to ban Modern Sporting Rifles from the Eastern Sports Show in Harrisburg, PA, February 2-10. We encourage Reed Exhibitions to reconsider their position.
While this decision has come as a surprise and concern, we have made a commitment to our members in Pennsylvania and surrounding states and are eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to interact with as many as 250,000 fellow hunters and sportsmen. We encourage all attendees to stand and fight for the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and not cower from our principles in the face of media pressure. We urge you to follow the NRA and the outdoor industry’s lead by voicing your displeasure with Reed Exhibitions both before and during the show and encourage them to reconsider their position.
The NRA’s future participation in the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show will be determined by Reed Exhibitions actions in response to the concerns raised by the NRA, the outdoor industry, and America’s law-abiding gun owners.
Contact Reed Exhibitions directly at inquiry@reedexpo.com
Reed Exhibitions
383 Main Avenue
Norwalk CT 06851
Tel: 203 840 4800
Fax: 203 840 5805
Email: inquiry@reedexpo.com
On the floor of the SHOT Show the day of Reed’s announcement, John Annoni a veteran teacher with the Allentown School District and the founder of Camp Compass and Two Million Bullets, programs that benefit inner-city children through involvement in the traditional outdoor sports, made a reasoned plea.
Annoni suggested those considering a boycott of the show think about how to make an effective point without hurting other outdoor family members – show exhibitors and attendees.
“If we don’t attend, we are hurting those who walk with us in an attempt to show those who are anti-gun that we are united and that our position is legal and constitutionally correct,” Annoni told POMA Executive Director Laurie Lee Dovey.
Annoni offered a possible solution. He said, “Replace a boycott with an orange out.” He suggested all people upset with the decision wear orange throughout the show, so Reed Exhibitions could visualize the mass of contempt for their decision. Annoni further suggested each protestor visit the Reed offices during the show and firmly explain they would not attend the show in 2014.
Annoni’s reasoned suggestion didn’t have time to garner traction. As he spoke, companies and celebrities were pulling out, and consumers committed to a boycot.
On Jan. 18, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, which contracts with Reed Exhibitions to produce the SHOT Show, offered a statement, which echoed Annoni’s thoughts:
The National Shooting Sports Foundation strongly disagrees with the decision of the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show’s management to disallow the display and sale of Modern Sporting Rifles at its 2013 exhibition. In our discussions with Reed Exhibitions, we have made this very clear.
While assuring us that all legally available firearms will be welcome at future Eastern Sports and Outdoor Shows, it was explained that this unfortunate decision was made in response to the planned actions of a single retailer that would have drawn significant unwelcomed media coverage at a time when firearms ownership is being assailed in the media. It is important to note that this year’s show will continue to feature a wide variety of firearms.
However, it would be unfair to penalize the 1,200 exhibitors or the some 200,000 sportsmen and women who will attend the show by discouraging participation at a time when the hunting and shooting sports community needs to be united in the face of political challenges.
We urge industry exhibitors and attendees to participate in the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show as planned and encourage attendees to visit the Reed Exhibitions booth at the show to share their concerns and to then enjoy the show.
Social media blazed with comments, some which questioned NSSF’s stance as catowing more to Reed, with whom it works closely, than the industry it serves. Knowing the whys and wherefors of a situation like this, which is vastly complicated on many levels, is virtually impossible for those on the outside. Is it possible that the NSSF in fact caused Reed to back out on a full-fledged ban of this segment of rifles forever, not just this year? Certainly, that’s possible. We just don’t know.
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show for Sale? Share this with everyone you know. These two facts are crirical for anyone interested in the current situation with the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show to know.
“It’s critial we stand and act together, united,” Annoni summed up. “When we’re segmented we lose. So, in fact, Camp Compass and Two Million Bullets did choose to unite with our fellow industry members and have elected not to attend the 2013 show.”
Hundreds Pulling Out
By mid-day Jan. 23, several hundred exhibitors had pulled out of the show, and consumers were promising boycotts.
Reed Exhibitions has not yet responded to POMA’s request for an interview or comment.