2022 SHOT Show attendance Down, Venue not Crowded

Hallway at 2022 SHOT Show. It would normally be full of people.

 As someone who has attended most of the  shot shows in the last decade, the most obvious difference in 2020 is the ability to move through the halls and aisles at the show without the crowed press of people seen at previous shows. Attendance is down by a significant amount. The exhibitors who are present seem to be attracting good interest, such as with this Aimpoint exhibit:

Some major players have a limited presence at the 2022 Shot Show. This Colt location would normally be covered in exhibits and people instead of considerable empty space, as pictured.

Some deals are being done at the table behind the sign. In many previous shows, the aisles were elbow to elbow. 

Many people were wearing masks, as required by the decree of the Democrat Governor of Nevada, Steve Sisolak. 

A mask was required to enter the Venetian Towers accomadations. A mask was required to enter the dining facilities at one of the major restaurants in the Pallazo-Venetian Casino complex. 

 Adherence to the mask mandate was mixed, at best. Masks were worn in slipshod fashion, limiting their usefulness to declarations of obedience to the mandate. Many people wore masks below the nose, or at times, hanging from one ear. 

Reports heard by this correspondent indicate the cancellation of many flights reduced attendance significantly. Once a potential participant understood they would not make the first day of the show, many decided not to come.  Others could not come because of illness. 

One participant of many previous shows informed this correspondent the mask mandate was a contributing factor in their decision not to attend.

The Press Room had, on estimate, about half as many participants as usual.  There were familiar names there, just fewer of them. 

In a strange way, this is an excellent show to attend, because it is easy to see the exhibitors. It is easy to get around. For the attendee who wants to see the exhibits and make contacts, this is a very good show. 

While some major players in the industry have a minimal presence, there are many slightly below the top level. They are easy to find and work with. There are many top players as such as Glock and Smith & Wesson who have their usual large displays and foot prints. 

The ammunition manufacturers and accessory manufacturers are here in force. 

Attendance is down, but this is a significant show worth attending.  

While moving through the show is much easier than in previous years, there is far too much to see to gain more than a fraction of the information available.