If you are passionate about the military, shooting, hunting, or involved in the tactical equipment industry, you will find great value in attending major military exhibitions and tactical gear trade shows. I have compiled a list of the 15 largest such events globally, all of which are highly recommended for attendance. I trust this information will be beneficial to you.
Here are the tactical gear trade shows along with their location, time and websites(The venue and time of the trade show shall be subject to the official notification of the trade show):
Free Download: Click here to download a PDF version of the trade shows list: Top 15 tactical gear trade shows and exhibitions
1. SHOT Show
The SHOT Show, which stands for Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show, is one of the largest and most comprehensive trade shows for professionals in the shooting sports, hunting, and outdoor industries.
This event attracts industry professionals such as manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and media from around the world. The show usually takes place in January each year.
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Time: In January each year
The IWA OutdoorClassics is a leading international trade fair focused on hunting, shooting sports, outdoor equipment, and security equipment. It is held annually in Nuremberg, Germany, at the NürnbergMesse exhibition center.
IWA OutdoorClassics covers a wide range of products including firearms, ammunition, outdoor apparel, hunting accessories, optics, knives, archery equipment, and equipment for outdoor activities.
Location: Nuremberg, Germany
Time: In February/March each year
3. EUROSATORY
EUROSATORY is a premier international trade show dedicated to defense and security.This tactical gear trade show takes place in June every two years.
EUROSATORY focuses on defense and security equipment, showcasing a wide range of products including military vehicles, weapons systems, communications equipment, protective gear, and technologies related to homeland security and crisis management.
Location: Paris, France
Time: In June every two years
4. DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International)
DSEI takes place biennially, usually in September. It is a prominent biennial trade show focused on defense and security equipment.
The event features indoor and outdoor exhibits, live demonstrations of military equipment and capabilities, conferences, seminars, and networking opportunities. It serves as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies, discussing global defense challenges, and fostering international collaboration in defense and security sectors.
Location: London, UK
Time: In September every two years
5. AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition
The AUSA (Association of the United States Army) Annual Meeting & Exposition is a major event in the defense industry, specifically focusing on the United States Army and related military topics.This event usually takes place in October each year.
The event is organized by the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).It includes exhibitions of military equipment, technology demonstrations, discussions on defense policy and strategy, and presentations on Army programs and initiatives.
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Time: In October each year
6. Enforce Tac
Enforce Tac is an international trade fair dedicated to law enforcement, security, and tactical solutions.It is usually held in March each year.
Enforce Tac is organized by NürnbergMesse GmbH. And it attracts tactical gear supplier, manufacturers and professionals from law enforcement agencies, security services, special forces, and related industries from around the world.
Location: Nuremberg, Germany
Time: In February/March each year
Milipol Paris is a renowned international event dedicated to homeland security and safety. The trade fair is held biennially in Paris, France.
Milipol Paris focuses on showcasing products, equipment, and solutions for homeland security, including law enforcement, counter-terrorism, civil defense, cybersecurity, and emergency response.It usually takes place in November every two years.
Location: Paris, France
Time: In November every two years
The ANME (Army Navy Military Expo) Trade Show is one of famous B2B tactical gear trade shows in the USA. It focus on military surplus, tactical gear, and outdoor products. It showcases a wide range of products such as uniforms, footwear, camping gear, survival equipment, tactical apparel, and outdoor accessories.
This trade show features a variety of exhibitors including manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers of military surplus and tactical products. It is held typically in January and July.
Location:California, USA.
Time: In January and August each year
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LAAD Defense & Security is organized by Clarion Events and it is considered a crucial event for the defense and security industries in Latin America.
LAAD Defense & Security is a prominent defense and security exhibition held in Latin America.The trade fair takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil every two years.
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Time: In April every two years
10. Huntex
Huntex is a prominent trade show focused on hunting, outdoor lifestyle, and related products in South Africa. Huntex is held every year, normally in April or May.
Huntex covers a wide range of products and services related to hunting, outdoor sports, shooting, and wildlife conservation.
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Time: In April/May each year
11. Taccom
TACCOM is a premier event dedicated to showcasing the best in tactical and competitive shooting. Manufacturers and dealers from Canada, the United States and Europe attendees can experience the latest products and technologies in the firearms industry.
Location: Mississauga,Canada
Time: In September each year
12. SOFEX (Special Operations Forces Exhibition & Conference)
SOFEX is a premier event focused on special operations forces and homeland security. The exhibition is normally held in May every two years.
SOFEX showcases a wide range of products, technologies, and services tailored for special operations forces, including various types of tactical gear, firearms, surveillance systems, communication equipment, and specialized vehicles.
Location: Amman, Jordan
Time: In September/October every two years
13. SSAA SHOT EXPO
SSAA SHOT Expo is hosted by the Shooting Sports Association of Australia and is Australia's largest public event promoting the shooting sports, hunting and outdoor trade. The event works with all the major brands to showcase the latest equipment, gear, accessories and services to the industry. The event is open to the public and all ages.
Location: Various cities across Australia
Time: In August/October each year
14. IDEF (International Defence Industry Fair)
The fair is held in May every two years in Istanbul, Turkey.
IDEF covers a wide spectrum of defense and aerospace technologies, products, and services. It includes military vehicles, aircraft, naval vessels, firearms, missiles, radar systems, communication equipment, cybersecurity solutions, and defense electronics.
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Time: In May/July every two years
15. Outdoor Retailer
Although Outdoor Retailer is not a military-related trade show, it is an outdoor sports trade show where you can find a lot of outdoor gear products.It is a leading trade show for the outdoor industry, encompassing gear, apparel, and equipment across various outdoor activities.
Outdoor Retailer holds two main events annually. It covers a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, paddling, and more.
Location: Various locations in the USA e.g., Salt Lake City, Utah
Time: In June and November twice a year