Your 2026 Guide to U.S. Shooting and Hunting Trade Shows

For firearm and outdoor manufacturers, the show floor is where business plans turn into purchase orders. It’s where product lines are evaluated, distribution contracts negotiated, and dealer incentives finalized. Every conversation is backed by data — sell-through rates, compliance records, and velocity reports. This is a results-driven environment where performance, not promotion, defines success.

The U.S. shooting and hunting industry continues to expand its footprint — generating over $91.7 billion in annual economic output and supporting nearly 383,000 jobs. Behind those numbers is a trade network that depends heavily on face-to-face business. Trade show exhibits remain the most effective channel for brand visibility in this market.

The modern shooting and hunting show is also more technical. Exhibitors use digital spec displays, trigger-pull demo rigs, and ballistic simulators to enhance buyer experience. Safety compliance, ATF handling protocols, and controlled display zones remain non-negotiable. In this industry, precision isn’t a theme — it’s the operating standard that drives long-term brand equity.

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When: May 18 – 21, 2026
Where: Tampa, Florida

About The Trade Show:

SOF Week is a key gathering for the Special Operations Forces community and its industry partners. The event blends high-level programming with hands-on technology showcases, creating a focused business environment for solution providers supporting defense and tactical operations.

For exhibitors, booth strategy typically prioritizes controlled product presentation, clear capability messaging, and structured meeting space for stakeholder discussions. A well-planned trade show booth rental in Tampa should support efficient demos, private conversations, and professional brand positioning aligned with a highly specialized audience.

10×20 Exhibit Rental at SOF Week 2025, Tampa, FL

4. BLADE Show

When: June 05 – 07, 2026
Where: Atlanta, GA

About The Trade Show:

The BLADE Show is the world’s largest knife event, bringing together more than 900 exhibitors and tens of thousands of knife enthusiasts from around the globe. Hosted in Atlanta, it’s where legendary makers, ABS Master Smiths, and Cutlery Hall-of-Famers gather to showcase the finest in blades, knives, swords, and outdoor gear.
Attendees can explore an unmatched selection of custom and production knives, discover new materials and equipment, and take part in BLADE University classes and live demonstrations — including the Blade Sports World Championship Cutting Competition. With nightly networking in the Blade Show Pit and appearances by industry icons, influencers, and self-defense experts, the 2026 BLADE Show remains the ultimate destination for anyone passionate about the knife-making craft and community.

5. ICAST

When: July 14 – 17, 2026
Where: Orlando, Florida

About The Trade Show:

ICAST is the sportfishing industry’s premier trade event and a major launch platform for new products across rods, reels, tackle, marine accessories, and outdoor lifestyle categories. The show draws retailers, distributors, and media focused on seasonal buying and product discovery.

Exhibitors benefit from booth layouts that balance product visibility with meeting-ready space. A strategic trade show booth rental in Orlando should incorporate organized displays, hands-on demo areas, and efficient storage to support both retailer appointments and media engagement.

6. Texas Hunters & Sportsman’s Expo

When: July 17 – 19, 2026
Where: McAllen, Texas

About The Trade Show:

The Texas Hunters & Sportsman’s Expo is a long-running regional event that attracts hunters and outdoor buyers seeking gear, outfitters, and trip planning resources. It offers a strong mix of consumer traffic and brand visibility in a high-interest market.

To maximize results, exhibitors often focus on strong product presentation and approachable booth layouts. A trade show booth rental designed with clear category signage, open sightlines, and secure display solutions can help convert interest into qualified conversations.

7. DSC Summer Expo

When: July 23 – 25, 2026
Where: Grapevine, Texas

About The Trade Show:

The DSC Summer Expo brings together outfitters, conservation supporters, and serious hunters in a relationship-driven setting built around networking and industry alignment. It provides mid-year momentum for brands looking to strengthen partnerships and visibility.

Booth planning here typically emphasizes premium presentation and comfortable meeting areas. A thoughtfully designed trade show booth rental in Grapevine should support longer discussions, secure product displays, and a polished brand presence that aligns with the event’s professional tone.

8. TTHA Hunters Extravaganza

When: July 31 – August 02, 2026
Where: Houston, Texas

About The Trade Show:

The TTHA Hunters Extravaganza is one of Texas’ largest hunting-focused consumer shows, known for strong attendance and seasonal buying activity. It draws hunters preparing for the upcoming season, creating a high-energy retail environment.

Exhibitors often benefit from open, accessible booth designs that allow easy browsing and product interaction. A practical trade show booth rental in Houston should prioritize visibility, efficient staff movement, and secure storage to handle steady foot traffic.

9. NBS Fall Semi-Annual Market

When: August 24 – 27, 2026
Where: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

About The Trade Show:

The NBS Fall Semi-Annual Market is a retailer-focused buying event where independent dealers place orders across hunting, shooting sports, fishing, and outdoor recreation categories. It is structured around appointments and purchase planning.

Success at this show depends on organization and efficiency. A trade show booth rental that supports clean merchandising, quick access to product specs, and dedicated meeting space can help facilitate productive order-writing conversations.

10. Worldwide Fall Trade Show

When: September 01 – 03, 2026
Where: Reno, Nevada

About The Trade Show:

The Worldwide Fall Trade Show is a buying-focused event hosted by Worldwide Buying Group, connecting retailers with manufacturers across shooting sports and outdoor categories. The show emphasizes deal-making and seasonal alignment.

Exhibitors typically benefit from booth layouts that allow streamlined product review and efficient meetings. A trade show booth rental in Reno should prioritize clear product grouping, visible promotions, and a structured space for back-to-back retailer discussions.

11. NASGW Expo

When: October 13 – 15, 2026
Where: Phoenix, Arizona

About The Trade Show:

The NASGW Expo is a B2B event connecting shooting sports manufacturers and wholesalers for program planning, product alignment, and distribution strategy. It serves as a key marketplace for strengthening supply chain relationships ahead of the upcoming season.

For exhibitors, the focus is on structured business development. A trade show booth rental in Phoenix should include secure product presentation, organized displays, and a dedicated meeting area that supports scheduled appointments and focused wholesale conversations.

Conclusion

The 2026 trade show season reflects a mature industry adapting to new technology, materials, and market behavior. Manufacturers are integrating smarter production, leaner supply chains, and enhanced digital tracking. Retailers want efficiency and accountability at every level.

That’s where execution separates strong brands from the rest. At Exponents, we understand what it takes to perform on this circuit. We design trade show booth rentals that meet FFL requirements, simplify logistics, and showcase hardware safely. Every element from locking racks to lighting setups — is planned with the same precision the industry demands. In a market built on accuracy, reliability, and trust – we help exhibitors deliver all three.