MISSOULA, Mont.—Nearly 87,000 people attended the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s inaugural 10-day Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Exposition, presented by Cabelas, Dec. 3-12 in Las Vegas.
“We are extremely pleased with the entire show,” said Steve Decker, RMEF vice president of Marketing. “It is by far the largest number of attendees we’ve ever had at a RMEF expo, most importantly they were the right attendees for our vendors and we are excited most of our vendors are reporting they had an outstanding show.”
Co-located in the South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) with the popular Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, and in conjunction with the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), the final RMEF expo attendance mark is 86,940.
“Our partnership with RMEF provided fans with yet another way to enjoy the NFR experience,” said Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events. “In addition to the great shopping, the attractions held in the Wrangler Rodeo Arena, including Bullfighters Only, Mini Bucking Bulls and the Roy Cooper Vegas Invitational 2015 among others, and Rodeo Live presented by RODEOHOUSTON – highlighted by ‘Outside the Barrel’ with Flint Rasmussen – created a new energy.”
The combined event covered more than 900,000 square feet in the LVCC with Cowboy Christmas featuring the best of western lifestyle and RMEF Hunter & Outdoor Christmas presenting the best in firearms, optics, outfitters and guides, hunter apparel, and all things hunting and outdoors. Admission was free of charge.
In addition to presenting sponsor Cabela’s, the show featured industry leaders Browning, Federal Ammunition, NRS Trailers, PSE Archery, Polaris, Remington, Winchester, Yamaha and many others. Expo sponsors included Cabela’s, Chevrolet, Yamaha, Alps Outdoorz and Peak & BlueDEF.
“It’s important to recognize that were several firsts this year, first 10-day exposition, first time with Cowboy Christmas and first time in the South Halls, among others. And while we’re excited about the success of the expo, we and our partners at Las Vegas Events learned a great deal this year. We will go to work, incorporate changes based on what we learned and be right back here again December 1–10 of 2016 to do it all over again,” added Decker.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded over 30 years ago, fueled by hunters and a membership of more than 205,000 strong, RMEF has conserved more than 6.7 million acres for elk and other wildlife. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage. Discover why “Hunting Is Conservation™” at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.