Outdoor Show Offically Postponed

[bluetick]

Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show - Update - January 24, 2013

Reed Exhibitions has decided to postpone, for now, the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show given the controversy surrounding its decision to limit the sale or display of modern sporting rifles (also called ARs) at the event. The show was scheduled to take place February 2-10 in Harrisburg, PA.

“Our original decision not to include certain products in the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show this year was made in order to preserve the event’s historical focus on the hunting and fishing traditions enjoyed by American families,” said Chet Burchett, Reed Exhibitions President for the Americas. “In the current climate, we felt that the presence of MSRs would distract from the theme of hunting and fishing, disrupting the broader experience of our guests. This was intended simply as a product decision, of the type event organizers need to make every day.

“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.”



http://www.easternsportshow.com/

[Curmudgeon]

Based on their bullshit it sounds like they think they are surrendering to the brute force of their own market, yet they still don't get it.

They want to respect their market, while condescending to it? Brilliant strategy assholes.

[cruzans]

Amazing they totally lack accountability, and blame everyone but themselves for their decisions. Really, banned tactical weapons to "focus on hunting and fishing" - really! They were cowards and wanted to do what was "politically correct"! All they had to do was man up, take some responsibility and accountability and say "we were wrong, we apologize, we are going to have the show as it was originally planned" and most would have probably accepted their apology. Absolute cowards!

[Shooter X]

Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show - Update - January 24, 2013

This was intended simply as a product decision, of the type event organizers need to make every day.




http://www.easternsportshow.com/

This is pure bullshit. Does anyone remember the advertising that they were doing months before the show? Stating that this years show was going to have alot more firearm vendors, because that is what we asked for? Just man up, and admit you made a knee jerk reaction to public pressure. Don't treat the people that line your pockets like assholes.....Dumb fucks

[badey]

yeah... go ahead, blame everybody else for your stupid decision... you guys bowed to the antis, and now you are reaping what you sowed.

[bluetick]

The story was hitting the national press. Biebart had it, that meant Fox News and others would have it by tonight. Further energizing the gun rights community.


The writing was on the wall. Yesterdays withdraw by exhibitors with massive amounts of floor space placed huge holes in the show layout.

Reed also never made public or changed any perception that the show events and participants had changed. As the promoter, who was selling tickets and floor space based on certain persons and events taking place to draw people, this constitutes fraud. PA state papers were still running press releases promoting the show this week - without any notice, press releases, or correction by Reed of the changed conditions or offerings.


Sportsmen were connected and knew, a lot of us anyway, but not all. The general attending public, mostly would have been in the dark on these events.


In the end, Reed chose to blame sportsmen for the postponement. True to nature, true to form as it played out the last week, Reed takes the lowest road.



Now, pressure must be applied to NSSF to can Reed as the producer of the SHOT Show. Like this action, that effort must be immediate, loud, and directed.


Reed decided to burn their bridges to the American sportsman and Shooters. So be it - lets help them out by removing any possibility of being involved with our shows again.


For the record. Reed owns the Eastern Sports Show - name and all. Hopefully someone will develop a replacement show to compete with Reed and ultimately drive them out of the state.


But make no mistake - they will be back next year... mostly acting like nothing has happened.

[fadetoblack172]

wow....just wow

i never would have dreamed that they would postpone it.
props to everyone for backing out and standing up for what they believe in.
but you can see clearly but trying to infringe on peoples rights, this big companies sponsors, booths, and attendees pushed back harder and forced them to cancel. I wonder when they'll "re schedule" i doubt they will

[bluetick]

“Our original decision not to include certain products in the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show this year was made in order to preserve the event’s historical focus on the hunting and fishing traditions enjoyed by American families,” said Chet Burchett, Reed Exhibitions President for the Americas. “In the current climate, we felt that the presence of MSRs would distract from the theme of hunting and fishing, disrupting the broader experience of our guests. This was intended simply as a product decision, of the type event organizers need to make every day."

“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."




Clearly, Reed blames others (look in the mirror) for the "emotionally charged atmosphere". The next statement that because of the decision (by them)_ to toss a small percentage of exhibitors, the rest of us should have been fine with that.



Now, we shall see what sort of corporate citizen Reed is. Do they refund the exhibitors and advanced ticket sale money... or do they skip town and pocket it?



Reed has questions that need answered. They need asked and answered in a public venue without the benefit of any filter or protection.

[ShooterInPA1]

Those in Congress TAKE NOTE!

[harty]

LOL their response just goes to show their desire to live in the bubble. They are blaming the people who pay their bills. And they call us nuts