Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Treating Cancer With Medication Before Surgery Continues to Increase, Report Shows
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 24 (TNSjou) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release:
* * *
Treating Cancer with Medication Before Surgery Continues to Increase, Report Shows
Second annual report from the National Cancer Database shows a notable increase in the use of medication therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy to treat cancer before surgery
Key Takeaways
* New report shows growing use of medications, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy, given before surgery to treat many types of cancer, potentially making surgery less invasive and
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 24 (TNSjou) -- The American College of Surgeons issued the following news release:
* * *
Treating Cancer with Medication Before Surgery Continues to Increase, Report Shows
Second annual report from the National Cancer Database shows a notable increase in the use of medication therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy to treat cancer before surgery
Key Takeaways
* New report shows growing use of medications, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy, given before surgery to treat many types of cancer, potentially making surgery less invasive andhelping clinicians assess how a patient's cancer responds to medication to guide the most effective treatment options.
* The report also provides in-depth data on esophageal, melanoma, and prostate cancers, including the median age at diagnosis and the most common surgery performed for each cancer.
* Researchers call for more attention to esophageal cancer, which lacks effective screening options and is diagnosed at an advanced stage in roughly half of patients.
*
The second annual report from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) documents a substantial rise in medication treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy, used before surgery to treat many cancers, often allowing less invasive surgery and helping clinicians assess how a patient's cancer responds to medication to guide the most effective treatment options.
The report (https://journals.lww.com/journalacs/abstract/9900/national_cancer_statistics__american_college_of.1526.aspx), published this week in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS), shows the most notable increases in neoadjuvant systemic therapy, which involves treatments that travel throughout the bloodstream and are given before surgery, for pancreatic, gynecologic, and abdominal lining cancers.
A comprehensive cancer database jointly run by the ACS and the American Cancer Society, the NCDB collects data on nearly 75% of cancer cases across the United States and includes metrics not often found in other cancer databases, such as tumor biology and length of hospital stay.
The report summarizes data from more than 22 million cancer cases diagnosed at 1,250 ACS Commission on Cancer (CoC) hospitals from 2004 to 2022, the most recent years for which complete data is available. It also describes in-depth data on esophageal, melanoma, and prostate cancers.
"The NCDB report includes clinically relevant data intended to inform not only researchers but also the public on recent observations of cancer involving the latest treatment, surgical options, and cancer outcomes," said Ronald J. Weigel, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS, medical director of ACS Cancer Programs, and co-author of the JACS study. "As care at CoC-accredited facilities continues to advance, our hope is that this report reflects the vastly changing clinical landscape of cancer treatments using the latest evidence-based treatments."
Big Picture Cancer Observations
Use of neoadjuvant systemic therapy increased notably for certain cancers. The researchers found that from 2010 to 2022, the use of neoadjuvant systemic therapy for gynecologic cancers rose nearly fivefold, from 7% to 34%. Substantial increases in neoadjuvant systemic therapy were also seen for pancreatic cancer, which more than tripled (12% to 40%), and for rarer cancers (peritoneum, omentum, and mesentery) that affect the abdominal lining and tissue, which nearly doubled (23% to 47%).
"Historically, when we thought about treating solid tumors, the first expected treatment was to have surgery to remove the tumor. Now, we are seeing treatment more frequently with targeted medication before surgery," said Judy C. Boughey, MD, FACS, senior author of the JACS study, chair of the ACS Cancer Research Program, and chair of the Division of Breast and Melanoma Surgical Oncology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Dr. Boughey noted the main advantage of neoadjuvant systemic therapy is twofold: first, it shrinks the tumor, ideally allowing for less invasive surgery; and second, it allows clinicians to better understand the tumor's response to systemic treatment, which can help clinicians determine the most effective treatment for a patient.
"If a patient's tumor responds to systemic therapy, they generally will do well with treatment; if that doesn't happen, it tells the clinical team that they need to think about different therapy," she said.
In-Depth Data on Three Cancers
The report also examined three cancers in depth: prostate cancer, a common (high-volume) cancer; esophageal cancer, a less common (low-volume) cancer; and melanoma, selected as a special interest cancer.
Prostate Cancer
Patients with prostate cancer, the most common cancer diagnosed in men, are increasingly being treated with non-surgical options, especially for patients with Stage 1 prostate cancer, according to the report. In 2022, roughly 60% of patients with prostate cancer were treated with methods other than surgery, a rise from 54% in 2018. Of patients who had surgery, removal of the prostate gland (prostatectomy) was the most common surgery, occurring in 85% of patients who had surgery.
Risk factors for dying from prostate cancer are also described in the report. Men who had a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level over 20 at the time of diagnosis, as well as a higher cancer stage and grade of tumor, were more likely to die from the disease.
Esophageal Cancer
The number of patients with esophageal cancer who received immunotherapy rose sharply, increasing from 8% to 30% between 2018 and 2022. While the use of immunotherapy to treat esophageal cancer is growing, the disease is often detected at an advanced stage. About half of patients already have stage 4 disease at the time of their diagnosis.
In the JACS study, the authors call for an effective, widely used screening method to detect esophageal cancer earlier in more patients.
"If patients with esophageal cancer are diagnosed at less advanced stages, we theorize that more patients could be treated with surgery or other less invasive treatment options," said Elizabeth B. Habermann, PhD, MPH, chair of the ACS Cancer Data Modeling Pillar, professor of health services research at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and first author of the JACS study.
Melanoma
Melanoma, a skin cancer that can be deadly if not detected early, most often affected the torso (30%) or the upper limb and shoulder region (25%). Patients with scalp and neck melanomas had the lowest overall survival rates among all invasive melanomas. Ulceration, which occurs when the top layer of the skin involved by melanoma breaks down, was also associated with poorer survival, according to the report.
Future reports will focus on three other cancers to provide the public and researchers with unique data points not often included in other cancer reports, the authors added.
Co-authors of the JACS study are Courtney N. Day, MS; Bryan E. Palis, MA; Daniel Boffa, MD, FACS; Tina J. Hieken, MD, FACS; and Shaheen Alanee, MD, MBA, MPH, FACS.
This study is published as an article in press on the JACS website.
Citation: Habermann E, Day C, Palis B, et al. National Cancer Statistics: American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs Annual Report from 2022 Participant User File. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 2026. DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001747
* * *
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 90,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/treating-cancer-with-medication-before-surgery-continues-to-increase-report-shows/
[Category: Medical]
Small Businesses Seek to Protect Shipping Industry at Supreme Court
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
* * *
Small Businesses Seek to Protect Shipping Industry at Supreme Court
NFIB filed an amicus brief in the case Shawn Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, et al. at the United States Supreme Court. The case questions whether freight brokers can be held liable under state law for a contracted motor carrier's negligent hiring decisions. NFIB joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce along with several other business groups in filing the brief, which emphasizes the critical
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
* * *
Small Businesses Seek to Protect Shipping Industry at Supreme Court
NFIB filed an amicus brief in the case Shawn Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, et al. at the United States Supreme Court. The case questions whether freight brokers can be held liable under state law for a contracted motor carrier's negligent hiring decisions. NFIB joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce along with several other business groups in filing the brief, which emphasizes the criticalrole that freight brokers play in today's shipping industry.
"Businesses of all sizes use freight brokers to coordinate the shipment of their products," said Beth Milito, Vice President and Executive Director of NFIB's Small Business Legal Center. "These brokers function as middlemen, helping connect businesses with trucking companies and arranging shipments. While their importance in transporting goods cannot be overstated, their role remains limited. Making freight brokers liable for the actions of the carriers they contract with will increase costs for brokers, the dependent small businesses, and consumers."
The business amicus brief argues two main points: 1) the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act preempts state tort suits against brokers and 2) permitting broker liability for negligently hiring a motor carrier would impose enormous costs on the shipping industry without improving safety, because those involved in motor carrier selection have no effective way to monitor those motor carriers and the nation's roadways are already extensively regulated.
The NFIB Small Business Legal Center protects the rights of small business owners in the nation's courts. NFIB is currently active in more than 40 cases in federal and state courts across the country and in the U.S. Supreme Court.
***
Original text here: https://www.nfib.com/news/press-release/small-businesses-seek-to-protect-shipping-industry-at-supreme-court/
SEMA APPLAUDS RESCALING OF FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT FOR EMISSIONS TAMPERING
DIAMOND BAR, California, Jan. 23 -- The Specialty Equipment Market Association issued the following news release:
* * *
SEMA APPLAUDS RESCALING OF FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT FOR EMISSIONS TAMPERING
By forgoing criminal prosecutions, federal government reaffirms its commitment to identifying common-sense policies in the regulatory space
*
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 22, 2026) - The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is applauding the Jan. 21 announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice that it will exercise its enforcement discretion for Clean Air Act violations related to tampering with onboard
... Show Full Article
DIAMOND BAR, California, Jan. 23 -- The Specialty Equipment Market Association issued the following news release:
* * *
SEMA APPLAUDS RESCALING OF FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT FOR EMISSIONS TAMPERING
By forgoing criminal prosecutions, federal government reaffirms its commitment to identifying common-sense policies in the regulatory space
*
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 22, 2026) - The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is applauding the Jan. 21 announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice that it will exercise its enforcement discretion for Clean Air Act violations related to tampering with onboarddiagnostic (OBD) devices on vehicles and no longer pursue criminal charges in such cases.
* This announcement only reflects the enforcement discretion of the current administration. The statutes of limitation for such violations goes beyond the term of any single president or administration, and future administrations may view such enforcement differently.
"This is a welcome end to overly harsh penalties for violations that are otherwise addressed through civil enforcement," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "SEMA believes in following the law, and federal law is clear with regards to tampering of emissions systems or profiting from the sales of products that enable such behavior. SEMA remains committed to working with federal regulators at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ensure our industry has a voice in the development of policies impacting compliance with federal and state laws with regards to emissions and safety, and creating a path for our industry to continue its innovation."
* * *
BACKGROUND
* OBD tampering involves altering a vehicle's electronic systems or software, primarily to defeat emissions controls or commit mileage fraud, both of which are illegal under federal and state laws in the U.S.
* Violators are subject to significant civil penalties (up to $37,500 for each part or component) and, until this announcement, even criminal prosecution, with the potential for prison terms.
* SEMA has invested heavily through its SEMA Garage program to provide its members with pathways to navigate federal and state emissions.
* The SEMA Certified Emissions (SC-E) program is a documented pathway for demonstrating that an aftermarket part doesn't increase the emissions of a vehicle on which it's installed. The program was designed around the guidance of the EPA's Tampering Policy as a means to offer aftermarket companies:
- An accelerated path to emissions compliance, allowing products to be legally sold in 49 states prior to receiving a California Air Resources Board (CARB) EO
- Create an industry-wide standard for "reasonable basis"
- Create a centralized database for compliant products
- Provide legitimacy to the claim "EPA compliant"
- Establish a path to compliance for certain products that are unable to receive a CARB EO
* * *
ABOUT SEMA
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun, and even like new again. Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates. The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1.3 million jobs nationally, and generates $52.6 billion in parts sales annually. For more information, visit www.sema.org.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.sema.org/news-media/press-release/sema-applauds-rescaling-federal-enforcement-emissions-tampering
[Category: Industrial Materials]
Infectious Diseases Society: Statement on U.S. Withdrawal From WHO
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 23 -- The Infectious Diseases Society of America issued the following statement on Jan. 22, 2026, by President Ronald G. Nahass:
* * *
Statement on U.S. withdrawal from WHO
The U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization is a shortsighted and misguided abandonment of our global health commitments. Global cooperation and communication are critical to keep our own citizens protected because germs do not respect borders.
Whether facing emerging threats like Ebola or the persistent burden of annual flu outbreaks, international tracking is essential. By withdrawing
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 23 -- The Infectious Diseases Society of America issued the following statement on Jan. 22, 2026, by President Ronald G. Nahass:
* * *
Statement on U.S. withdrawal from WHO
The U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization is a shortsighted and misguided abandonment of our global health commitments. Global cooperation and communication are critical to keep our own citizens protected because germs do not respect borders.
Whether facing emerging threats like Ebola or the persistent burden of annual flu outbreaks, international tracking is essential. By withdrawingfrom WHO, the U.S. will no longer participate in the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, the vital platform for monitoring flu cases and sharing data and viral samples used to develop yearly flu vaccines. This will severely hamper efforts to match vaccines to circulating strains of flu.
Withdrawing from the World Health Organization is scientifically reckless. It fails to acknowledge the fundamental natural history of infectious diseases. Global cooperation is not a luxury; it is a biological necessity.
* * *
About IDSA
The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a global community of 13,000 clinicians, scientists and public health experts working together to solve humanity's smallest and greatest challenges, from tiny microbes to global outbreaks. Rooted in science, committed to health equity and driven by curiosity, our compassionate and knowledgeable members safeguard the health of individuals, our communities and the world by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Visit idsociety.org to learn more.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.idsociety.org/news--publications-new/articles/2026/statement-on-u.s.-withdrawal-from-who
[Category: Medical]
CTA Congratulates Dr. Ximena Gates-Lincolao on Appointment as Chile's New Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 23 -- The Consumer Technology Association issued the following news release:
* * *
CTA Congratulates Dr. Ximena Gates-Lincolao on Appointment as Chile's New Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation
The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, Executive Chair and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and Kinsey Fabrizio, President, CTA:
"We are thrilled to congratulate Dr. Ximena Gates-Lincolao on her appointment as Chile's new Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation. Ximena is a proven builder and global technology
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 23 -- The Consumer Technology Association issued the following news release:
* * *
CTA Congratulates Dr. Ximena Gates-Lincolao on Appointment as Chile's New Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation
The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, Executive Chair and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and Kinsey Fabrizio, President, CTA:
"We are thrilled to congratulate Dr. Ximena Gates-Lincolao on her appointment as Chile's new Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation. Ximena is a proven builder and global technologyleader who has been deeply engaged in CTA's work for years, serving on both our Executive Board and Board of Industry Leaders. Through her leadership at BuildWithin, respected voice on technology, workforce development and CES exhibitor, she has helped redefine how skills, talent, and technology come together to drive inclusive economic growth.
She has also been a valued CES speaker, bringing practical insight on AI, innovation, apprenticeships, and the future of work to audiences across the global tech ecosystem. Ximena is featured in two of Gary Shapiro's books, Ninja Innovation and Pivot or Die, where her leadership experience is highlighted as a source of practical lessons for entrepreneurs and technology innovators.
Ximena's appointment reflects the growing importance of innovation leadership that bridges technology, startups, industry, government, and education, while underscoring Chile's ambition to be a major force in the global technology economy. We are looking forward to working closely with her in this new role and look forward to welcoming a strong delegation of Chilean startups, founders, innovators, and policymakers to CES. This moment represents a powerful opportunity to deepen South American participation at CES and accelerate cross-border collaboration that fuels innovation worldwide."
* * *
About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R):
As North America's largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world's leading innovators - from startups to global brands - helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES(R) - the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.
* * *
About CES(R):
CES is the most powerful tech event in the world - the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R), CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2027 takes place Jan. 6-9, 2027, in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.cta.tech/press-releases/cta-congratulates-dr-ximena-gates-lincolao-on-appointment-as-chile-s-new-minister-of-science-technology-knowledge-and-innovation
[Category: Electronic Products]
American Fintech Council Releases White Paper Warning States Against Harmful, Profit-Driven Database Mandates
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 (TNSrep) -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system, issued the following news release:
* * *
American Fintech Council (AFC) Releases White Paper Warning States Against Harmful, Profit-Driven Database Mandates
New analysis details serious privacy risks, higher consumer costs, and technical failures tied to Catalis' efforts to expand state databases to Earned Wage Access products
*
The American Fintech Council (AFC), the premier industry association representing responsible fintech
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 (TNSrep) -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system, issued the following news release:
* * *
American Fintech Council (AFC) Releases White Paper Warning States Against Harmful, Profit-Driven Database Mandates
New analysis details serious privacy risks, higher consumer costs, and technical failures tied to Catalis' efforts to expand state databases to Earned Wage Access products
*
The American Fintech Council (AFC), the premier industry association representing responsible fintechcompanies, innovative banks, and the largest number of leading earned wage access (EWA) providers, released a new white paper warning state policymakers and regulators against proposals to expand state-mandated lending databases to non-loan responsible Earned Wage Access (EWA) products. The paper, entitled Company Profits Over Consumer Protections: Catalis' Efforts to Expand Harmful Databases, finds that these mandates would jeopardize consumer privacy and fail to deliver meaningful consumer protection.
The white paper (https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:514211b2-a9f5-4e22-9915-b56b78ab9a8c) details the overwhelming deficiencies of existing database systems, which were designed and implemented in a few states specifically for payday loans. These shortcomings for their intended purpose underscore that the systems are poorly equipped to handle EWA products. Attempting to fit responsible and affordable modern financial tools into outdated systems could create higher costs for workers, operational inefficiencies, and technical challenges that make effective regulatory oversight difficult. AFC also notes that expanding the databases would require the collection of additional sensitive personal information, increasing the risk of fraud, data misuse, and privacy breaches.
"Including earned wage access services, which are not loans, in a database of lenders is counter to all principles of transparency, regulatory clarity, and consumer protection," said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. "These proposals would not help consumers; in fact, they would increase confusion in the marketplace and threaten to limit the very benefits EWA services provide to workers--all while creating extra costs and regulatory hurdles for responsible providers. What EWA users and providers need are clear and transparent rules that respect EWA's fundamental differences from traditional credit products and account for the significant benefits responsible EWA offers."
The white paper also outlines how Catalis, the sole operator of all existing state payday lending databases, has aggressively lobbied to preserve and expand its exclusive control of these systems, despite widespread doubts about their efficacy. According to AFC, this conflict of interest has resulted in wasted taxpayer dollars, higher compliance costs, and significant privacy concerns, without reducing cycles of debt or improving regulatory outcomes.
"Expanding state-mandated databases to cover EWA products would put workers at risk and do little to enhance consumer protections. Catalis has poured over half a million dollars into lobbying efforts under the guise of consumer protection, when, in fact, it is seeking to increase its revenue," said Ian P. Moloney, Chief Policy Officer at the American Fintech Council. "Sound consumer protection policy should be evidence-based and focused on real outcomes, not on entrenching a single vendor's business model."
A standards-based organization, the American Fintech Council (AFC) is the largest and most diverse trade association representing financial technology (fintech) companies and innovative banks. On behalf of over 150 member companies and partners, AFC promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system by supporting responsible innovation in financial services and encouraging sound public policy. AFC members foster competition in consumer finance and pioneer products to better serve underserved consumer segments and geographies.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.fintechcouncil.org/press-releases/american-fintech-council-afc-releases-white-paper-warning-states-against-harmful-profit-driven-database-mandates
[Category: Financial Services]
48th SHOT Show Closes With Big Crowds, Big Deals, Big Innovation
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 [Category: Business] -- NSSF-The Firearm Industry Trade Association, issued the following news release:
* * *
48th SHOT Show Closes With Big Crowds, Big Deals, Big Innovation
*
LAS VEGAS - The 48th annual SHOT Show (r), owned and operated by NSSF (r), The Firearm Industry Trade Association, concluded today after an action-packed week that energized more than 53,000 industry professionals. Held across The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum, this year's SHOT Show saw attendees from all 50 states and 126 countries, reaffirming its role as the industry's global epicenter for innovation
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 [Category: Business] -- NSSF-The Firearm Industry Trade Association, issued the following news release:
* * *
48th SHOT Show Closes With Big Crowds, Big Deals, Big Innovation
*
LAS VEGAS - The 48th annual SHOT Show (r), owned and operated by NSSF (r), The Firearm Industry Trade Association, concluded today after an action-packed week that energized more than 53,000 industry professionals. Held across The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum, this year's SHOT Show saw attendees from all 50 states and 126 countries, reaffirming its role as the industry's global epicenter for innovationand commerce.
With 2,744 exhibitors spanning 834,500-plus net square feet -including the full spectrum of target shooting, hunting, outdoor recreation, personal defense and law enforcement sectors -the 2026 SHOT Show demonstrated the strength of the firearm industry at every turn.
"This was a SHOT Show for the ages," said Chris Dolnack, NSSF Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. "It was a week of nonstop movement, meetings and momentum. Every aisle was packed, every booth was buzzing and every conversation felt important. This is where business gets done, where ideas launch and where the industry shows just how strong -and united -it really is."
Beyond the show floor, the SHOT Show generates a lasting impact. As a trade-only event, it fuels NSSF's purpose to advocate, educate and communicate on behalf of the industry. Revenue from the show helps fund NSSF's hallmark initiatives -from Project ChildSafe (r) and Operation Secure Store (r) to its suicide prevention program "Have a Brave Conversation," FixNICS (r) and Don't Lie for the Other Guy(tm) -all parts of Real Solutions. Safer Communities. (r)
"Each person who attends or exhibits at the SHOT Show plays a vital role in shaping the future of our industry," said NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi. "Their presence here supports the critical work we do year-round to advocate on behalf of our industry, grow participation and make our communities safer. We thank everyone in attendance for helping to fuel our mission."
Sentiments from the Show Floor
"The firearm industry is evolving now more than ever," said Adam Ruonala, VP of Sales and Marketing at Canik. "The tides are shifting and there always needs to be a center point to help companies stay focused. The SHOT Show is that lighthouse and in 2026 it is shining bright."
"SHOT Show is the heartbeat of the firearms industry. It's where we get to connect face-to-face with the manufacturers and dealers who actually move this industry forward," said Elliot Aquila, CMO of Silencer Shop. "We're proud to be here building the relationships that make Silencer Shop what it is."
"The quality of connections, customer interactions and collaborative opportunities we gain at SHOT Show surpass every other event we attend," said Buck Holly Founder and CEO of C&H Precision. "If you are serious about operating in this industry, this is not an optional event. You need to be here."
"The SHOT Show is the center of gravity for our strategy and helps guide how we execute it throughout the year. What we hear and learn here plays a direct role in how we move forward," said Rick Elder, CEO of HUXWRX Safety Co.
"The SHOT Show is truly the highest concentration of resources in the industry, and it serves as an invaluable asset to our company," said Jim West, Co-founder and CEO of Lake Erie Arms. "I look forward to taking the ideas and information back to the rest of my team to implement new strategies, helping us continue to grow our business and improve efficiency."
"Being a first-time exhibitor here at the SHOT Show has been phenomenal for us. The new friendships and relationships we've made so far will accelerate our brand's growth," said Thunlwyn Garcia of Elos Thermal. "It's been super informative and we're definitely going to come back next year."
Leadership, Education and Collaboration
This year's SHOT Show again brought together state and national leaders for high-level discussions on policy and progress. The Fifth Annual Governors' Forum hosted seven U.S. governors, who shared strategies to attract and retain firearm businesses in their states. The Third Annual Attorneys General Forum fostered legal dialogue around preserving Second Amendment rights.
In addition to state leadership, SHOT Show 2026 welcomed senior federal officials, underscoring the event's importance as a forum for direct engagement between industry leaders and policymakers. Attendees included U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, White House Counsel David Warrington, and U.S. Assistant AG for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, who met with industry stakeholders and observed firsthand the scale, professionalism and economic impact of the firearm, hunting and outdoor sectors.
Retailers, range operators and law enforcement professionals attended dozens of training sessions through SHOT University(tm), the Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP) and export and compliance courses -gaining actionable knowledge to drive success and ensure compliance in a dynamic market.
A new highlight this year was the Suicide Prevention Town Hall, a powerful addition to NSSF's ongoing efforts in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the suicide prevention community. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins delivered opening remarks at the event, which was followed by a panel of suicide prevention experts and firearm industry representatives who shared how the industry and the firearm-owning community can make a difference and save lives.
"Suicide is preventable. We have materials, we have resources. I want the industry to know, there is something we can do," Bartozzi said. "No one can do everything, but everyone can do something."
SHOT Week Highlights
Events held throughout SHOT Week (r) added even more momentum. The NSSF/HAVA Golf Classic raised funds for Honored American Veterans Afield, while Industry Day at the Range(tm) gave media and buyers hands-on access to the newest firearms and gear.
The Supplier Showcase returned stronger than ever, connecting more than 600 OEM third-party suppliers with manufacturers to streamline the supply chain and spark product development.
This year's SHOT Show opened with a powerful nod to America's 250th anniversary. An unforgettable "Celebration of Freedom" drone show lit up the Las Vegas sky on opening night, honoring America's heritage and symbolizing the industry's enduring commitment to preserving constitutional rights and outdoor traditions for future generations.
The New Product Center once again proved to be a magnet for attendees, offering a first look at hundreds of the latest innovations across every category. From cutting-edge optics to next-gen accessories, it served as a launchpad for what's new and what's next in the industry.
Kim Rhode, one of the most decorated U.S. Olympic athletes and a lifelong ambassador for the shooting sports was awarded the NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award.
Also returning was the Archery Business + Hunting Retailer Pavilion, featuring the latest crossbow and archery innovations for a fast-growing segment of the industry.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
NSSF extends its deepest appreciation to all this year's sponsors. Their support enhances every aspect of the SHOT Show, from networking events to on-site resources, and plays a vital role in the show's success.
Save the Date
Plans are already underway for the 49th SHOT Show, returning to Las Vegas January 19-22, 2027. For updates and exhibitor information, visit SHOTShow.org.
Tags: Las Vegas New Product Center shot show
Categories: BP Item, Featured, Government Relations, Hunting, Industry News, Manufacturers, Press Releases, Ranges, Retailers, Shooting, Top Stories
Next Article
***
Original text here: https://www.nssf.org/articles/48th-shot-show-closes-with-big-crowds-big-deals-big-innovation/
