After announcing it would ban exhibits of AR-platform modern sporting rifles, Reed Exhibitions the owner and producer of the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show (ESS) aka Harrisburg Show, experienced a viral attack from Second Amendment proponents followed by a week-long sting of pull outs by exhibitors and boycott promises from consumer attendees. A week later, Reed announced it postponed the show. The message was initially delivered to the public by the National Shooting Sport Foundation (NSSF), a POMA Corporate Partner member and on the ESS website.
After announcing it would ban exhibits of AR-platform modern sporting rifles, Reed Exhibitions the owner and producer of the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show (ESS) aka Harrisburg Show, experienced a viral attack from Second Amendment proponents followed by a week-long sting of pull outs by exhibitors and boycott promises from consumer attendees. A week later, Reed announced it postponed the show. The message was initially delivered to the public by the National Shooting Sport Foundation (NSSF), a POMA Corporate Partner member and on the ESS website.
Update, Jan 27: Read a detailed article in Forbes by POMA Media Member Frank Minitier.
NSSF Statement on the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show
We have just learned that Reed Exhibitions has decided to postpone the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show.
In the days following Reed Exhibitions’ announcement that modern sporting rifles would be prohibited from the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, the leadership of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has been in intense, frank discussions with Reed Exhibitions management in an effort to reverse this unacceptable decision. These discussions reached an impasse.
NSSF is in no way affiliated with, nor does it participate in or exhibit at this show in any way. Reed Exhibitions does, however, manage the NSSF-owned SHOT Show (though Reed manages the SHOT Show, all SHOT Show decisions, policies and actions are made at NSSF’s direction).
Because of Reed’s recent actions, NSSF is considering all options regarding the management of future SHOT Shows.
Reed Exhibitions Statement: Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show – Update – January 24, 2013
“Our original decision not to include certain products in the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show this year was made in order to preserve the event’s historical focus on the hunting and fishing traditions enjoyed by American families,” said Chet Burchett, Reed Exhibitions President for the Americas. “In the current climate, we felt that the presence of MSRs would distract from the theme of hunting and fishing, disrupting the broader experience of our guests. This was intended simply as a product decision, of the type event organizers need to make every day.
“It has become very clear to us after speaking with our customers that the event could not be held because the atmosphere of this year’s show would not be conducive to an event that is designed to provide family enjoyment. It is unfortunate that in the current emotionally charged atmosphere this celebratory event has become overshadowed by a decision that directly affected a small percentage of more than 1,000 exhibits showcasing products and services for those interested in hunting and fishing.
“ESS has long been proud to participate in the preservation and promotion of hunting and fishing traditions, and we hope that as the national debate clarifies, we will have an opportunity to consider rescheduling the event when the time is right to focus on the themes it celebrates.”
Refunds From Reed
POMA has confirmed that Reed will refund all consumer attendee tickets, purchased through 10 a.m. Jan. 24, 2013, for the 2013 ESS. In addition, Deer and Deer Hunting magazine informed POMA that Reed Deer and Deer Hunting reports Reed will be refunding exhibitors. The information came from an e-mail sent to exhibitors by Reed, although mention of refunds was not included in Reed’s official statement.