The SHOT Show is one of the largest and most influential events in the firearms and outdoor industry. As an FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee), attending the show offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with manufacturers, distributors, and like-minded professionals. But the real work begins once the event ends. To ensure you maximize the value of your SHOT Show experience, follow these key steps to turn connections into long-term opportunities.

1. Organize Your Contacts Immediately

After several days of networking, your pockets (and inbox) are likely overflowing with business cards, brochures, and promotional materials. The first step post-show is to organize these contacts.

• Categorize them based on priority: potential suppliers, business partners, and customers.
• Use a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool to input contact details, notes, and any follow-ups required.
• Label each contact with details about your conversation to personalize future interactions.

2. Follow Up with a Purpose

Timely follow-ups are crucial to maintaining the momentum generated at the event. Within a week of the SHOT Show, reach out to the contacts you made:

• Personalize emails by referencing your conversation.
• Offer something of value, such as a helpful resource or proposal for collaboration.
• Schedule follow-up calls or meetings to continue discussions.

A well-thought-out follow-up message sets the stage for long-term partnerships.

3. Leverage Social Media to Stay Connected

Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) are great tools to maintain relationships.

• Connect with new contacts and engage with their content.
• Post recaps of your SHOT Show experience to keep your network updated.
• Join relevant industry groups to stay in the loop and share your insights.

4. Assess Your Goals and Take Action

Did you achieve what you set out to accomplish at SHOT Show? Whether it was finding new vendors, exploring product lines, or expanding your network, take time to evaluate your results.

• Create a post-event action plan outlining next steps for each opportunity.
• Assign tasks to your team to ensure follow-ups happen efficiently.
• Set deadlines to avoid losing traction.

5. Stay in the Loop with Industry Trends

The SHOT Show introduces new technologies, products, and industry trends that can give your FFL business a competitive edge. Stay informed by:

• Reviewing exhibitor websites and product announcements.
• Subscribing to industry newsletters and publications.
• Attending webinars or follow-up events related to SHOT Show discussions.

6. Strengthen Your Vendor Relationships

If you found potential suppliers or manufacturers at SHOT Show, work on solidifying those relationships.

• Request product samples or demos to ensure they align with your business needs.
• Negotiate favorable terms and explore bulk purchasing options.
• Keep communication open and transparent to foster trust.

7. Implement New Strategies Learned

The event is not just about networking; it’s also about learning. Apply any new strategies, insights, or best practices you discovered to improve your business operations.

• Train your staff on new products or processes.
• Adapt marketing strategies to align with emerging trends.
• Evaluate competitors and adjust your offerings accordingly.

8. Prepare for Next Year’s Event

It’s never too early to start planning for the next SHOT Show. Take notes on what worked well this year and areas for improvement.

• Make a list of booths or exhibitors you missed and prioritize them for next time.
• Set clearer objectives for the next event.
• Plan your budget and logistics in advance to maximize efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Attending SHOT Show is an investment of time and resources, and how you handle the aftermath determines the return on that investment. By following these steps, FFLs can build stronger relationships, seize business opportunities, and set the stage for long-term growth.

At EPIC Merchant Systems, we’re committed to helping businesses like yours thrive by providing reliable merchant processing solutions that align with your values. Whether you need to streamline your payment systems or ensure compliance, we’re here to support you every step of the way.



For more insights and solutions, visit EPICMerchantSystems.com.