In the dynamic world of private equity, staying ahead of industry trends and forging strategic partnerships are key to successful dealmaking. For firms focusing on the firearms and outdoor industry, attending top conferences is essential to gaining insights, networking with key players, and identifying lucrative investment opportunities. As we look towards 2025, several conferences stand out as must-attend events for private equity professionals seeking to navigate this niche market. These gatherings offer a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and investors to converge, share knowledge, and explore the future of the firearms and outdoor sectors.
Top Firearms and Outdoor Industry Conferences for Dealmaking in 2025
- SHOT Show
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Date: January 21–24, 2025
Description: The SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show) is the largest event of its kind, featuring firearms, ammunition, hunting gear, outdoor apparel, and tactical equipment. With over 2,500 exhibitors and thousands of buyers, it serves as the definitive industry marketplace. For private equity firms, the SHOT Show offers deep insight into the outdoor recreation economy, including consumer demand trends and supply chain innovation. The event is also a prime opportunity to assess emerging brands, evaluate OEM partnerships, and explore roll-up strategies across shooting sports, outdoor gear manufacturing, and safety technology—all within a highly fragmented and high-margin industry.
- NWTF Convention and Sport Show
Location: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Date: February 13–15, 2025
Description: Hosted by the National Wild Turkey Federation, this convention combines wildlife conservation education with a massive expo of hunting products, land management tools, and outdoor lifestyle brands. For PE firms, the NWTF Convention is an entry point into rural and suburban market verticals with strong loyalty and regional affinity. It presents investment angles in hunting apparel, land-use tech, agri-tourism, and conservation-forward product lines. The community-driven nature of the event also highlights durable consumer trends and brand loyalty—key attributes for identifying scalable platforms with grassroots customer acquisition.
- NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Date: April 24–27, 2025
Description: The NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits bring together over 75,000 attendees in a showcase of firearms, tactical gear, and outdoor lifestyle products. Anchored by a loyal consumer base and substantial media attention, this event offers a pulse check on Second Amendment-driven markets. For private equity firms, it’s a lens into passionate consumer communities and highly resilient niche verticals. It enables evaluation of product innovation, DTC brand traction, and regulatory impact on firearms and accessories. PE investors can also explore service-based investments—from firearms training to shooting range operations—within a landscape rich in multi-location scale opportunities.
- Outdoor Retailer Summer Market
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Date: June 18–20, 2025
Description: Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is a premier U.S. event for the outdoor recreation industry, featuring hiking, camping, biking, watersports, and sustainable gear. It attracts global brands and indie innovators alike. For private equity firms, the show provides unique visibility into eco-conscious consumer trends and growth-stage brands ripe for acceleration. Investors can explore sustainability-focused supply chains, ESG product innovation, and active lifestyle platforms that cater to health-conscious millennials and Gen Z. This is also a high-value opportunity for cross-sector plays across fitness, wellness, and environmental consumerism—key themes driving future brand valuation.
- World Deer Expo
Location: Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Date: July 11–13, 2025
Description: The World Deer Expo is the Southeast’s largest consumer hunting show, showcasing whitetail innovations, archery products, hunting properties, and apparel. Known for its deep regional reach and brand-loyal attendees, the expo highlights grassroots engagement and family-driven outdoor culture. For PE investors, this presents a compelling opportunity to identify durable, low-churn consumer brands, evaluate outdoor media properties, and assess monetization models tied to regional land use and recreational real estate. The event also offers exposure to retail product lines and legacy brands that could benefit from e-commerce transformation or franchising strategies.
- Texas Trophy Hunters Extravaganza
Location: Houston, Texas, United States
Date: August 1–3, 2025
Description: The Texas Trophy Hunters Extravaganza is a flagship consumer hunting event with a stronghold in the Southern U.S. market. It features hunting outfitters, gear manufacturers, game calls, firearms, and rural lifestyle products. For private equity firms, this show offers strategic access to high-engagement verticals with generational loyalty and local brand recognition. Investors can identify businesses with deep customer retention, explore acquisition targets in sporting goods and land-based services, and evaluate crossover potential into agricultural tourism and rural property tech. The Extravaganza also highlights consumer readiness for omnichannel expansion across legacy outdoor brands.
- RMEF Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Date: December 4–13, 2025
Description: Organized by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, this 10-day expo coincides with the National Finals Rodeo, drawing tens of thousands of outdoor and western lifestyle enthusiasts. It showcases hunting gear, western wear, outdoor tech, and conservation partners. For PE firms, the event delivers access to converging lifestyle markets—outdoor recreation, land management, and ranch-based luxury. It also offers visibility into brand monetization through event-driven sales, partnerships with conservation entities, and integration into rodeo and rural tourism ecosystems. Investors can explore opportunities in experiential retail, niche apparel, and mission-driven consumer brands with high LTV.
- Dallas Safari Club Convention & Sporting Expo
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Date: January 9–12, 2025
Description: The Dallas Safari Club’s annual convention is a premier event for international hunting outfitters, firearm manufacturers, and conservation partners. While traditionally held in Dallas, the 2025 event relocates to Atlanta, signaling geographic expansion. For private equity firms, this event is a gateway into high-net-worth recreation sectors—trophy hunting, bespoke travel, and luxury outdoor gear. The expo enables direct contact with affluent consumers and showcases scalable assets in elite outdoor services, firearms craftsmanship, and wildlife conservation ventures. It's a high-value venue for evaluating cross-border investment platforms and vertically integrated outdoor brands with legacy appeal.
- Huntex
Location: Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa
Date: April 25–28, 2025
Description: Huntex is Africa’s largest hunting and outdoor trade show, attracting regional and international exhibitors in firearms, gear, optics, and tactical equipment. It also includes law enforcement and civilian defense sectors. For private equity firms with a global thesis, Huntex offers a rare view into African consumer markets, including demand for sporting goods, home defense, and safari-related tourism infrastructure. The event allows for early-stage due diligence on local distributors, gear innovators, and adjacent sectors like private security and land-based recreation. It’s a unique point of access to a growing, undercapitalized outdoor economy on the continent.
Beneficial Impact of Firearms and Outdoor Industry on the Economy
The firearms and outdoor industry is a significant contributor to the global economy. It supports a wide range of businesses, from manufacturing and retail to tourism and hospitality. The industry generates billions in revenue annually and provides employment to millions worldwide. In the United States alone, the firearms sector contributes significantly to tax revenues and supports over 300,000 jobs. The outdoor industry, encompassing activities like hunting, fishing, and camping, further boosts economic activity by driving demand for gear, apparel, and travel services.
Moreover, the industry's impact extends beyond direct economic contributions. It fosters innovation in product development, safety technologies, and sustainable practices. As consumer preferences evolve, companies in this sector are investing in research and development to create more efficient, environmentally friendly products. This not only enhances their competitiveness but also aligns with broader societal goals of sustainability and conservation.
Challenges Faced by the Firearms and Outdoor Industry Sector
Despite its economic contributions, the firearms and outdoor industry faces several challenges. Regulatory changes and public policy debates around gun control and environmental conservation can significantly impact business operations. Companies must navigate a complex landscape of federal, state, and local regulations, which can vary widely and change frequently.
Additionally, the industry must address shifting consumer demographics and preferences. Younger generations are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and ethical sourcing, prompting companies to adapt their products and practices accordingly. The rise of digital technology also presents both opportunities and challenges, as businesses must integrate e-commerce and digital marketing strategies to reach a broader audience.
Furthermore, the industry faces reputational challenges, particularly in the firearms sector, where public perception can influence policy and consumer behavior. Companies must engage in transparent communication and corporate social responsibility initiatives to build trust and maintain their social license to operate.
Conclusion
The firearms and outdoor industry is at a crossroads, with immense opportunities and significant challenges shaping its future. By attending the top conferences in 2025, private equity firms and industry stakeholders can gain critical insights, forge strategic partnerships, and stay ahead of emerging trends. These events serve as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration, driving the industry forward in a rapidly changing world. As we navigate this landscape, it is essential to balance economic growth with social responsibility, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all stakeholders involved.
