Most manufacturers are focused on innovating and manufacturing the best products possible, not logistics. Two-step distribution makes it easier for NASGW manufacturers to reach more consumers and gives our wholesalers the opportunity to do what they do best - distribution and logistics. Take a look at this video to hear from manufacturers how two-step distribution has streamlined their business and broadened their distribution. 

The 2018 Caliber Awards Finalists have been selected for the 2nd annual NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards.

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) in partnership with the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), have chosen the top products in six categories including: Best New Rifle, Best New Handgun, Best New Shotgun, Best New Ammunition, Best New Optic, and Best New Accessory. An independent panel of 18 industry judges will select the winners in each category as well as a Best Overall New Product. In order to qualify, manufacturers needed to be a NASGW member in good standing, the product must have been publicly released between the end of last year’s NASGW Expo and the beginning of this year’s Expo, and submission of the products was required through the NASGW Expo New Product Showcase, found on the NASGW Expo website and NASGW Connect mobile app.

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW), the association representing shooting sports wholesalers, manufacturers, and their trade partners, is proud to announce the nominees for this year's NASGW Leadership Awards.

It is that time of year where shooting sports wholesalers and manufacturers are starting to prepare for the upcoming year. We may still have a few months left in the year, but planning out product launches, sales strategies, budgets, and marketing plans to promote products doesn't happen overnight. That is where the NASGW Expo comes into play. The NASGW Expo is a four-day event that brings together wholesale buyers and manufacturers to layout the sales plan for the next year. This event is closed to the public and attendees must be members of NASGW. The Expo is where the business side of the shooting sports industry happens. This year's Expo will be held in Pittsburgh, PA and we are all looking forward to seeing old friends, getting a pulse of the industry, and discussing ways to improve in 2019.

As August winds down and we move into September there are some big changes on the horizon; kids are going back to school, football season is kicking off, temperatures start to cool and hunting seasons are right around the corner.  I always look forward to this time of year as the fall business cycle swings into gear with dealers stocking up and consumers gearing up for fall.  Of course, the NASGW Expo is only a few weeks away as well and the NASGW team is busy putting together the final details for the Expo.  I’m sure your calendars are already filling up for meetings at the Expo but there are a few things we don’t want you to forget about.

At the NASGW, we foster some of the strongest relationships between wholesalers and manufacturers. The relationships formed grow and continue to grow as our members add value for each other. These relationships are absolutely critical to keep the shooting sports industry moving forward. Hear what some of our manufacturers have to say about the relationships they have formed with our wholesaler members and what these relationships mean to them. 

Each year our team at NASGW walks the show floor to meet new exhibitors and check in with long time exhibitors. We really try to listen and understand how their year is going but more specifically, how their time at the Expo is going. Manufacturers who have been attending the show for years and have established relationships with NASGW wholesalers are usually pretty busy with sales meetings yet the newer manufacturer members are anxious to connect with as many wholesalers as possible. Over the years we've identified a few things that will help exhibitors have a more productive Expo.

Registration has opened for this year's NASGW Expo in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Now is the time to purchase your badges, book your hotel rooms, buy your tickets to the Annual Awards dinner, and register for Range Day. We've also opened up available sponsorship opportunities to purchase through our website. So if you are planning on attending this year, don't wait. Register today! 

October 16th might seem like a long time from now, but it will be here before you know it. Our team at NASGW has been working hard to finalize all of the details for this years Expo in Pittsburgh PA, in order to provide you with a successful and productive experience, and to make this year's registration process as easy as possible. Stay tuned for our announcement about the registration launch for the 2018 NASGW Expo. This year, when you register, you will also have the ability to register for our 2^nd annual Range Day, secure sponsorship opportunities, and of course, book your hotel accommodations. This year's Range Day will be held at a location much closer to downtown, will be open to NASGW media members, and we will be providing transportation to and from the range. We encourage you to schedule some time on Tuesday to stop by Range Day to chat directly with manufacturers and get hands-on experience with products. 

With Shot Show wrapping up last month many people in the industry are settling into a normal routine. Everyone is full steam ahead in 2018 working to improve sales from 2017. At NASGW, we are already deep into planning our 2018 Expo in Pittsburgh, PA. Our team recently visited Pittsburgh to finalize details and preview the Pittsburgh Convention Center, visit area hotels, and scout local shooting ranges for Range Day. With all of this in mind, we can't encourage you enough to start planning your visit for October. It will be here before you know it. Details on hotel blocks, sponsorship opportunities, Range Day, and registration will be out very soon so keep an eye out. If you haven't blocked out time on your calendar, please do so now. Here are some important dates and Expo events to keep in mind for planning your travel.

• Tuesday, October 16th - Range Day & NASGW Annual Appreciation Dinner
• Wednesday, October 17th - Expo floor opens
• Thursday, October 18th - Expo floor open all day followed by NASGW Networking Reception
• Friday, October 19th - Last day of the Expo, the floor will be open until noon

Range Day

Last year saw the return of the NASGW Range Day, which was a great learning experience for our team. This year we have selected a location that is closer and more accessible to downtown and based on attendee feedback, we are working to make a number of improvements. To help us make this year's Range Day even more successful, we encourage you all to arrive early and leave some time on Tuesday to head out to the range and get some valuable time with our participating manufacturers.