Friday, December 23, 2011

Vegas Bound...

Let's see...

  • Media credentials? Check.

  • Media Day registration? Check.

  • Hotel booked? Check.

  • Flight booked? Check.

  • Rental car arranged? Check.
Looks like I'm all set for the 2012 SHOT Show.

Now, this is the first time I've gone to SHOT, and everything I've heard is that it's a blast - but a lot of work (walking, etc.). I'm trying to take steps to minimize the downside and maximize the experience - like picking up a murse tactical backpack (any suggestions? I know Unc loves his Maxpedition) to carry all my stuff; upgrading the netbook from the 9" screen Eee; and picking up tips from those what have gone before. I've got a couple of friends who have gone to SHOT in years past and they're giving tips, which is great; I'm always open for more, too!

Who else is going to SHOT next month?

That is all.

10 comments:

Dave H said...

I always found a shoulder bag more convenient at shows where I'm on my feet a lot. You can sling it back behind you if you need both hands free, or swing it around to the front without putting it down to get into it. As you pick up swag you can just drop it in without fumbling around to take it off.

Think something like a messenger bag but that doesn't have the huge flap down the front. (That flap gets in the way if you try to open the bag while wearing it.) I have a black nylon canvas computer briefcase with a zipper top and a couple of zippered outside pockets that I use for such missions. I got it at Target for less than $50.

Dave H said...

P.S. I'm jealous as all get out! Have a good trip, and write lots when you get back. D.

My Gun Culture said...

Yah baby! We're there for all the above! Good backpack is a MUST. We're doing a 5.11 Tactical gear challenge to see how three different ones handle the stress of a few thousand pounds of SHOT bling :-)

Also good boots, not tennies!

Would love to meet up and say hi!

Tom and crew

greg said...

Kind of jealous..the credentials thing aludes me...

Anonymous said...

I prefer tennies to boots, guess it just depends on what fits you best. That said, I have to wear dress shoes in the booth. Build a box of the stuff you pick up and ship it UPS instead of trying to work it into luggage. Make a plan. You can't see everything. Take time to get a map and figure out where you want to go. Leave some time for side adventures - hey look, pretty shiney thing. Pick up a ticket to the 3 Gun Nation Wed night event at Booth 805 (Brownells) and say hi.

Jay G said...

Dave H.,

I've been thinking of one of the Maxpedition Gearslinger series, something like the Malaga.

I want something big enough to hold my Nikon D3100 and a netbook; essentially a carryon sized bag.

And no worries. I will be writing *plenty* about SHOT... ;)

Tom,

Heck yeah! I'm sure we'll run into each other in the press office and such. We can coordinate as it gets closer, but I'd definitely be up for a get together of some sort!

Anon,

I'm a fan of running shoes; they've served me well at the NRA conventions thus far. Good point on boots for the Media Day, though...

Jay G said...

Oh, and will definitely be swinging by the Brownells booth! Y'all get enough of my money figure I'd stop in and see where it's going... :)

ExurbanKevin said...

I'm in! Actually, I'm trying to organize a new-media meetup as well. : http://www.exurbanleague.com/misfires/Home/tabid/59/EntryId/1463/SHOT-Show-GunBlogger-Meetup.aspx

B said...

extra batteries and memory cards for the camera. An extra (duffle) bag to take the schwag home(trust me on this).

and mirrored sunglasses to ear all the time so no one can prove you were there when things happen. (Vegas and all that!) I'm just sayin'

YMMV

MedicMatthew said...

Jay, while you're at SHOT, be sure to stop by the Windham Weaponry booth and thank them for hiring back all of the former Bushmaster employees who lost their job when Bushmaster packed up & left.

I also noticed that Windham Weaponry is making MA, NY & CA complaint rifles, I wonder if this means they're submitting guns for MA approval.