Building Connections and Listening: The Key to Real Conversations at SHOT Show 2026

By: Project ChildSafe Staff

In an age where digital communication dominates, face-to-face interactions still hold unmatched value. SHOT Show^® 2026 offered an incredible opportunity to foster connections, engage in real conversations and amplify Project ChildSafe’s mission of promoting firearm safety across the nation. With five full days of on-the-ground event support, our SHOT Show presence highlighted how listening and building connections can have real impact.

At the heart of our efforts during SHOT Show 2026 was the ability to truly engage with attendees, partners and supporters. In a bustling environment like SHOT Show, where firearm industry professionals gather to showcase innovation and collaboration, it’s easy to focus solely on pitching ideas or promoting programs. Project ChildSafe’s approach centered on creating genuine dialogue. By asking thoughtful questions and actively listening, we fostered an environment where attendees felt heard and valued. Our interactive booth took this concept even further with activities that encouraged visitors to connect directly with our mission. From pinning their locations on a map to sharing ideas for potential partnerships, we created a space where visitors and partners could express their hopes and aspirations for firearm safety in their communities. This collaboration led to 150+ meaningful conversations and 90 pinned cards representing 32+ states. These were more than just numbers; they were connections that laid the groundwork for actionable change.

Collaboration in Action: Shoot Like a Girl (SLG2)

A standout feature of this year’s Project ChildSafe^® booth was the partnership with Shoot Like a Girl (SLG2). Their presence brought an interactive and educational element—specifically on the variety of secure storage options available to gun owners—that perfectly complemented Project ChildSafe’s mission.

Digital Engagement: Amplifying the Message

The introduction of the “Tiny Mic Series” this year added a fresh, modern approach to interacting with attendees. With short, on-the-spot interviews, we captured authentic and insightful content from 35 supporters on topics like firearm safety, hunting, shooting sports and women in the industry. These interviews resulted in 55+ new video assets, providing a treasure trove of content for future campaigns like Gun Storage Check Week^®, Suicide Prevention Month and Hunt S.A.F.E. By involving notable industry leaders and influencers such as King Pedford, Chris Cheng, Lexi Lagan and more, we strengthened partnerships and expanded our visibility with their followers and fans. These digital connections, rooted in real conversations, will continue to drive Project ChildSafe’s mission forward.

Women of the Gun: A Celebration of Connection and Impact

One of the most inspiring moments of SHOT Show 2026 was the 7th Annual Women of the Gun reception, hosted in partnership with Women’s Outdoor News. This event brought together nearly 250 attendees to celebrate the contributions of women in the industry, thank supporters of Project ChildSafe and create networking opportunities. Keynote speaker and Assistant US Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the importance of defending civil rights, including the Second Amendment, while Julie Golob and NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi shared heartfelt remarks of thanks and empowerment. The reception went beyond a gathering—it was a space for authentic conversations and connections. From the “Polaroid Wall” to the tiny mic interviews, every element was designed to foster engagement and build relationships. These personal touches made the event memorable and reinforced the importance of  listening, collaborating and supporting one another. Please check the upcoming blog for access to the digital version of Polaroid Wall from the event.  

The success of Project ChildSafe at SHOT Show 2026 was built on the foundation of meaningful connections and real conversations. By focusing on listening, we created an environment where attendees felt valued and inspired to take action. Whether through interactive booth activities, partnerships with organizations like SLG2 or digital activations, every effort was rooted in the belief that relationships can drive positive change.

The Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show^SM (SHOT Show) is owned by NSSF^®, the Firearm Industry Trade Association.  