“It has become very clear to us after speaking with our customers that the event could not be held because the atmosphere of this year’s show would not be conducive to an event that is designed to provide family enjoyment. It is unfortunate that in the current emotionally charged atmosphere this celebratory event has become overshadowed by a decision that directly affected a small percentage of more than 1,000 exhibits showcasing products and services for those interested in hunting and fishing.”
“ESS has long been proud to participate in the preservation and promotion of hunting and fishing traditions, and we hope that as the national debate clarifies, we will have an opportunity to consider rescheduling the event when the time is right to focus on the themes it celebrates.”
President of Reed Exhibitions – Announcement Postponing ESOS
January 24th, 2013
[Let me translate for you.
It has become very clear to us after our customers have responded with such unity and clarity that our actions have destroyed this event. Our taking a political stance obviously destroyed the family atmosphere and our goal to drive a wedge in between different parts of the sporting community has failed spectacularly.
We failed to understand or realize that gun owners and sportsman alike understand that they must hang together or must most assuredly hang separate. In our attempt to double down on stupid after early negotiations it has become obvious that it has destroyed any reputation our show had remaining. We were merely trying to discriminate against a few vendors and did not expect the majority of other vendors to stand up for them.
“ESS has long been proud to manipulate the preservation and promotion of hunting and fishing traditions to try politicize and destroy things Reed finds unacceptable. We will have an opportunity to consider rescheduling the event because we know there are some still willing to do business with a bunch of political hacks.”
Bitter has more on the shutdown of the show. Honestly I am glad to see the show shutdown but the political front is starting to heat up. Time to write back in, though I must say we need to watch and watch closely. I’m not sure what the best approach is, but if we’re going to get stuck with something, we need to get something out of the deal. They have cake they can give up and by all means if they want compromise, lets make it a real one. -B]
TMM is the owner, editor, and principal author at The Minuteman, a competitive shooter, and staff member for Boomershoot. Even in his free time he’s merging his love and knowledge of computers and technology with his love of firearms.
Many know his private name and information however due to the current political climate, many are distancing themselves due to the abandonment of Due Process.
Excellent fisk. You nailed it.
Saw this. Excellent to see people coming together and making an impact.
And the gun grabbers STILL try to convince people that the NRA is ‘…an extreminst organization that is out of step with, and doesn’t represent the vast majority of Americans”…or some such tripe.
Yep, and they ‘may’ lose the SHOT show too! 🙂
@Lyle, yeah I read their statement and my brain just kind of spit that out… I knew I had to write it down.
@AGirl, I love the solidarity, I cannot help but feel the pain that overall we lost the show. That is a loss, even if their D’bags. But if we can build a better show from it, then we can make it a total win.
@Phssthpok, yup, I’ve been called that word a lot lately, and it drives me nuts.
@Old NFO, one can only hope. Heck it would be nice if other shows started dropping their ass just for the PR nightmare they created.