It’s that time of year again, we’re excited to officially open registration for the 2025 NASGW Expo, returning this October 15–17 at the stunning Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or considering your first trip, this year’s Expo promises fresh opportunities, familiar faces, and the kind of focused, meaningful business conversations that only NASGW can deliver.
If you’ve been around NASGW for any amount of time, you know the Expo isn’t just another industry event—it’s where business gets done. It’s where conversations happen, deals get inked, and long-term relationships are formed or strengthened over a handshake and a shared mission to move the shooting sports industry forward. This year, I think it’s going to matter more than ever.
One of the real highlights of the Expo each year—and honestly one of my favorite traditions—is the Tuesday Night Appreciation Dinner. It's more than just a dinner; it's the official kickoff to the week, a chance to take a breath, connect, and celebrate the people who make this industry what it is. The dinner is held right on-site at the Gaylord Texan, so no buses, no transfers—just a short walk from your room or booth to your seat.
This dinner has become a staple because it captures the spirit of NASGW: gratitude, camaraderie, and community. If you’re bringing a team, make sure they’re all registered to attend. You never know who you’ll sit next to or what ideas might come out of a casual conversation over dessert.
At its core, the NASGW Expo has always been about creating a productive space for focused business conversations. We don’t try to be all things to all people. This isn’t a fan fest. It’s a marketplace built by and for professionals in the two-step distribution channel. That’s what makes it so valuable.
Whether you’re a manufacturer looking to expand your footprint, a distributor refining your product mix, or a service provider solving industry-specific problems, the Expo is where strategic connections happen. You’ll find yourself in conversations that aren’t possible at larger, noisier shows—and you’ll leave with a clearer sense of what’s working, what’s coming, and how to be ready for it.
Last year, I spoke to a first-time exhibitor who told me, “This show feels like the heartbeat of the industry.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Register Early: This helps with planning and guarantees you get your preferred hotel dates.
Book Through the Official Site: Again, avoid third-party scammers. Stick to the NASGW Expo site.
Plan Your Meetings Now: The businesses that are most productive at the Expo are because people come in with a plan.
Bring Your Team: There’s plenty of value to go around, and cross-functional teams tend to leave with more actionable insight.
Stay Informed: Watch your inbox and follow NASGW for updates on schedules, opportunities, and more.
October might feel like a long way off, but if you’ve been around the block a few times, you know how fast Expo season sneaks up on us. So don’t put it off—go ahead and get registered. This year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most important Expos in recent memory, and we want you there, contributing, connecting, and helping shape the future of our industry.
Until next time,
Bill Sumner
NASGW Chairman