Media Badges/Proof of Eligibility
The National Shooting Sports Foundation® welcomes professional media to the SHOT Show®. Each type of SHOT Show media badge—Print, Internet and Broadcast—has a "proof of eligibility" requirement that must be met. Approval of media credentials is at the sole discretion of NSSF®.
Online media registration for the 2013 SHOT Show is closed. Media credentials will not be issued through the mail or on-site during the event
BADGE TYPES (non-transferable)
PRESS—For individuals covering the show for print or website editions of print publications. Allows access to the show floor with permission to carry and use still-photo equipment. It is the photographer's responsibility to obtain all necessary permission and releases.
BROADCAST—For all individuals who plan to shoot video or record audio, as well as members of video and audio crews, who plan to cover the show for television, radio or Web-based video and radio outlets. Allows access to the show floor with permission to carry and use video/film- or sound- recording equipment. It is the broadcaster's responsibility to obtain all necessary permission and releases.
A Broadcast badge also allows access to the show floor with permission to carry and use still-photo equipment. It is the photographer's responsibility to obtain all necessary permission and releases.
INTERNET—For digital media representatives with industry-related websites, such as blogs, online magazines and forums. Allows access to the show floor with permission to carry and use still-photo equipment. It is the photographer's responsibility to obtain all necessary permission and releases.
Proof of Eligibility
Proof of Eligibility is required to ensure that only professional working media attend the SHOT Show. The criteria listed below help NSSF address concerns of SHOT Show exhibitors who wish to maintain a credible business environment at the show. All media registering online MUST provide Proof of Eligibility. It is requested that Proof of Eligibility documents, such as a press card or letter of assignment, be emailed as a digital file, but if you do not have digital versions you may fax a hard copy instead by following the instructions emailed to you after submitting your application.
Press Badge Criteria
- Copy of current individual membership card issued by a bona fide outdoor communicators association, or a
- Copy of valid press pass issued by a bona fide news organization, or a
- Copy of a recent issue of an industry-related publication that lists your name in an editorial position on the masthead, or a
- Copy of a recent bylined story that indicates you are a staff writer, reporter or regular contributor to an industry-related publication, or
- Provide an original letter of assignment from an editor or publisher of a recognized industry-related or general news publication that states you are on assignment to cover the show.
Broadcast Badge Criteria
- Copy of current individual membership card issued by a bona fide outdoor communicators association, or a
- Copy of valid press pass issued by a bona fide news organization, or a
- Original letter of intent from a recognized industry-related or general news outlet that should list the names of all individuals on assignment at the show and should describe the nature of the assignment, or an
- Original letter from a SHOT Show exhibitor with whom you have arranged interviews. The letter, on the exhibitor's official letterhead, must grant permission for you to shoot video or film of that company's product exhibits or conduct interviews. Permission must be obtained from each exhibitor that you wish to cover.
IMPORTANT: Unauthorized filming/taping of exhibits will result in the revocation of all media credentials.
NOTE: Some video crews may be escorted by Press Room staff to and from their interview locations on the show floor.
Internet Badge Criteria
- Copy of current individual membership card issued by a bona fide outdoor communicators association, or a
- Copy of valid press pass issued by a bona fide news organization, or a
- Link to a website or blog that deals with industry-related subject matter and includes the writer's or blogger's name.
NOTE: NSSF will approve or deny credentials to bloggers based on the frequency and quality of posts related to industry subjects.
Professionalism
Media representatives are reminded that the SHOT Show is a private trade show whose primary purpose is to provide a positive business environment for manufacturers, distributors, retailers and others in the shooting, hunting, outdoor and law enforcement industries. NSSF requires all media to conduct themselves in a professional manner and to ask permission before taking still photos or video. We understand that it may be necessary to obtain certain establishing shots of the show floor to complete an assignment. However, we ask that you not shoot close-ups of any booths, persons or products for which you do not have permission. NSSF requires all media to defer to exhibitors who may not want to be interviewed or have their products photographed or videotaped. At its discretion, NSSF may provide an escort for video crews on the show floor. Unauthorized filming or photography, or unprofessional behavior, will result in the immediate revocation of media credentials and removal from the premises, and may jeopardize admission into future shows. NSSF reserves the right to bar from this and future events any press badge holder who attempts to solicit services, advertising or subscriptions from press, registrants or exhibitors.
