SHOT Show commits to staying at Sands Expo through 2014

Despite the tight fit, the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show has committed to staying at the Sands Expo and Convention Center for three more years.

The 1,600 exhibitors took up 660,000 square feet at January's edition, but this left about 200 companies on the waiting list due to a lack of space. Show organizers had made inquiries about moving to the larger Las Vegas Convention Center, but could not get dates during January, their preferred month.

However, Bill Dolnack, the senior vice president of the show and the affiliated National Shooting Sports Foundation, said Sands executives have agreed to changes. Last year, Sands invested in new lighting, expanded seating, refurbished restrooms and escalators connecting the main exhibit floors. A second phase this year will include refurbishing the lobby areas and upgrading the cellular and GPS signals. The Sands will also give the show a longer setup time, allowing exhibitors to reduce how much overtime they pay workers.