NASGW Expo 2024: What Firearms Dealers Need to Know and Why It Matters

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) Expo is a pivotal event for wholesalers and distributors in the shooting sports and hunting industries. As a firearms dealer (FFL), you might not see yourself as the target audience, but this Expo holds valuable insights that can benefit your business. Staying ahead of industry trends, forging key relationships, and leveraging critical data are all essential for success in today’s competitive firearms marketplace. So, why should firearms dealers care about NASGW Expo 2024? Let’s break it down.

NASGW: Connecting the Industry for Over 70 Years

Founded in 1953, the NASGW has long been a driving force in building relationships between manufacturers, wholesalers, and other industry professionals. Originally known as the Sporting Goods Jobbers Association, the organization evolved into the NASGW we know today—a national voice for wholesale distribution in the sporting goods and firearms industries.

While the NASGW Expo primarily serves wholesalers and distributors, FFL dealers can still gain valuable insights by following event developments. Wholesalers often dictate which products enter the market and when. By keeping up with these trends, dealers can anticipate changes in supply and demand, giving them a competitive edge.

Why FFL Dealers Should Pay Attention to the NASGW Expo

1. Access to Market Data Through SCOPE CLX

The firearms industry is increasingly data-driven, and NASGW’s SCOPE CLX platform offers powerful market insights. By compiling retail sales data from point-of-sale systems nationwide, SCOPE CLX provides a clear picture of which products are trending and where consumer demand is headed.

As an FFL dealer, contributing to this platform allows you to access invaluable data that can guide your purchasing decisions. Wondering whether you should stock more of a specific firearm or focus on a popular accessory? The insights provided by SCOPE CLX can help you make informed choices, giving you an edge in a constantly shifting market.

2. Strengthen Relationships with Key Suppliers

Although the NASGW Expo is industry-only, the relationships forged at this event directly impact FFL dealers. Wholesalers and manufacturers meet to negotiate deals and discuss product launches, which influences what eventually hits retail shelves. By staying informed about these relationships and maintaining good communication with your suppliers, you can secure better terms, stay ahead of product releases, and adapt your inventory to meet your customers’ needs.

Even if you aren’t attending, knowing which manufacturers and wholesalers are building stronger ties can help you position yourself at the forefront when new products become available.

3. Staying Competitive Through Networking and Education

At its core, the NASGW Expo is about networking—bringing together industry players to exchange ideas and stay current with trends. While networking may seem like a concern primarily for wholesalers, the impact trickles down to retailers. The knowledge shared at these events—from regulatory changes to emerging technologies—helps keep your business competitive.

Panel discussions and educational sessions at the Expo explore industry challenges and innovations. By staying informed through reports or updates, you can ensure that your business is not only prepared for the future but also positioned to lead.

4. Preview of Industry Innovations

The NASGW Expo is a showcase for the latest products and technologies in the firearms and sporting goods industries. For FFL dealers, keeping an eye on these innovations can help you prepare for future customer demands. Whether it’s advancements in point-of-sale systems or new compliance technologies, what you learn from the Expo can translate into more efficient operations and an improved customer experience.

By staying up to date with the Expo’s announcements, you can streamline your business processes and stay ahead of the curve, giving your customers more of what they want.

What to Expect at NASGW Expo 2024 in Kansas City

The NASGW Expo 2024 will be held from October 15-18 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Missouri. Here’s what you should know:

• Dates: October 15-18, 2024

• Location: Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO

This private, members-only event is geared toward wholesalers, manufacturers, and sales representatives. While FFL dealers aren’t the primary attendees, keeping up with announcements and trends from the Expo provides a sneak peek into the future of the industry.

Key Features of the Expo:

• Networking Opportunities: Attendees will have access to networking lounges, including the SCOPE Lounge, where data-driven insights will be explored. Even if you aren’t attending, following up on these networking sessions through industry reports can offer you critical business advantages.

• Panel Discussions: Experts will address challenges, market demands, and future trends. Though you may not attend in person, the updates and reports that emerge from these discussions can influence your business strategy.

• Showcasing Cutting-Edge Innovations: The Expo is the stage for manufacturers to unveil their latest products and technologies. From new firearm lines to compliance solutions, these innovations will soon impact retailers, and staying informed can help you prepare your inventory and marketing strategies accordingly.

Kansas City: A Strategic Hub for the Shooting Sports Industry

Kansas City’s central location makes it a convenient meeting ground for manufacturers and wholesalers nationwide. For FFL dealers, paying attention to what happens here is crucial, as the deals and partnerships formed at the Expo can shape product availability and pricing in the months ahead.

Visit Coreware at Booth #1508

If you are attending NASGW Expo 2024 or find yourself in Kansas City during the event, be sure to visit us at booth #1508. Coreware will be showcasing cutting-edge software solutions designed specifically for the firearms industry, including point-of-sale, e-commerce, merchant services, and compliance tools. These innovations can help streamline your business operations, from inventory management to transaction processing.

If you can’t attend the Expo, follow us for updates on the latest tools to keep your business running smoothly.

Conclusion: Why NASGW Expo Matters for Firearms Dealers

While the NASGW Expo is primarily geared toward wholesalers and manufacturers, its influence extends far beyond those in attendance. For FFL dealers, staying informed about the trends, relationships, and innovations emerging from this event can provide a significant advantage. Whether you’re attending or following along from the sidelines, the insights gained from the NASGW Expo will help you position your business for future success in a fast-paced and ever-evolving market.