It’s Show Time!

Hunting and Fishing shows, that is …

Trade and consumer show have lost some of their punch in other industries, but they are doing just fine in the Outdoors Industry.

From the Shot Show coming up Jan 17-20 in Las Vegas, to the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market show in Salt Lake City Jan 18-22, the new year’s lineup of shows for outdoor enthusiasts looks better than ever.

I’ve been researching these outdoor trade shows/conventions for my business, and picked up a few pointers that may be of use for anyone considering attending these great opportunities to share our passion for the outdoors with other outdoor nuts.

• Not all shows are readily available to the public. Shows like the Outdoor Retailer are meant for commercial buyers who are looking for new inventory for their stores or ecommerce businesses. You may still be able to buy a ticket, but you may have to qualify to get it.
• It can be a blast to just check out a whole convention hall full of new gear and displays, but it helps to have a goal in mind to determine which shows are best for you. Stick to the consumer shows if you just want to shop around. Otherwise, the folks manning the booths will be geared towards buyers and reps, instead of the average customer.
• Find the price and dates that are right for you. The more restricted shows can set you back $500 or more … and that’s just for the ticket. Other consumer shows only cost about $10 a day to get in. You should also check out the schedule first if you are only able to attend for a day or two. Some shows save outside demos for special days at different locations.
• Plan ahead … hotel rooms and flights for the biggest shows can fill up fast. Make your plans at least a month in advance.

Before I go for now, though, I just want to send a little shout out for this year’s ShowSpan hunting and fishing shows coming up in Michigan. I hope to see you there!

The Ultimate Fishing Show—Detroit, January 12 to 15 at Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, is the Midwest’s biggest pure-fishing show in America’s largest freshwater market.  More than 150 booths of new rods, reels, lures and other tackle, plus outfitters, lodges, guides and charter fishing destinations are in the show, along with 200 new fishing boats representing 40 brands.  Led by Kevin Van Dam and Babe Winkelman, nearly 100 free seminars are planned for novice to expert anglers.  Special features:  110,000-gallon Lake Ultimate, Shore Lunch Fish Fry, kids Trout Pond and much more.  Hours:  Thursday, 2 to 9:30; Friday, Noon to 9:30; Saturday, 10 to 9; Sunday, 10 to 5.  Admission:  $10 adults, $4 children 6 to 14, free for children 5 and under.  Information:  www.UltimateFishingShow.com or 800-328-6550.

The 39^th Annual Outdoorama, February 23 to 26 at Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, is one of Michigan’s most popular shows for hunters, anglers, campers, boaters, hikers, conservationists, canoeists and wildlife enthusiasts.  More than 150 booths of new products and fishing boats, pontoons, canoes, kayaks and other specialty boats are in the show.  Dozens of free hunting and fishing seminars by national experts are scheduled, along with special appearances by Michigan Outdoors TV hosts.  MUCC’s  “Big Buck Night,” “Wildlife Encounters” a daily Fish Fry, Trout Pond for kids, and Milt Wilcox’s “Ultimate Air Dogs” are among many special features.  The show is held in conjunction with the 5^th Annual Cottage and Lakefront Living Show – Detroit, providing the public with two major shows for one admission.  Hours:  Thursday and Friday, 2 to 9:30; Saturday, 10 to 9; Sunday, 10 to 5.  Admission:  $10 adults, $4 children 6 to 14, free for children 5 and under.   Information:  www.Outdoorama.com or 800-328-6550.

The 67th Annual Ultimate Sport Show—Grand Rapids, March 15 to 18 at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW in downtown Grand Rapids, is one of America’s largest and longest-running outdoor shows.  More than 350 exhibitors include 100-plus fishing tackle vendors, hunting gear, new fishing boats and 100 or more outfitters, lodges, guides, charter fishing and adventure-travel destinations throughout North America and abroad.  Plus more than 100 non-stop fishing and hunting seminars occur on four stages, including 110,000-gallon Lake Ultimate.  Special features:  Milt Wilcox’s “Ultimate Air Dogs,” MUCC’s “Big Buck Night, West” the Trout Pond, antique sporting goods displays, carvings by the Woodland Woodcarvers, and more.  Statewide competition by the Michigan Taxidermists Association offers hundreds of mounts for free viewing.   Hours:  Thursday, 3 to 9:30; Friday, 11 to 9:30; Saturday, 10 to 9; Sunday, 10 to 5.  Admission:  $10 adults, $4 children 6 to 14, free for children 5 and under.  Information:  www.GRFish.com or 800-328-6550.

Now Get Out There!