AMERICAS - Reed Exhibitions has cancelled its Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show (ESS) after a decision to ban tactical weapons and high-capacity magazines from the event sparked media controversy and exhibitor withdrawal.
The show, which was due to take place on 2-10 February in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, became the subject of heated discussion over its decision to ban assault rifles and high-capacity magazines in an effort to avoid negative media coverage.
Reed’s decision prompted the withdrawal of the National Rifle Association (NRA) as well as several key sponsors including Cabela’s Inc. The NRA said it had called on Reed Exhibitions to "reconsider its decision", but that they had "steadfastly" refused to do so. "As a result, the NRA will not be participating in the upcoming show in Harrisburg or in any other shows hosted by Reed Exhibitions that maintain this policy," an NRA spokesman said.
The ban also prompted the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to enter into “intense, frank discussions with Reed Exhibitions management in an effort to reverse this unacceptable decision”, discussions an NSSF spokesman later said had “reached an impasse”.
Gun control is a highly sensitive subject in the US at present, where gun ownership is granted by the second amendment of the national constitution. However, recent shootings in the US have brought into question the need for public ownership of high-capacity ammunition cartridges and military-style assault rifles.
Last week US President Barack Obama announced his plans for new gun control measures. These were seen as a response to recent shootings in America, including the massacre at Sandy Hook elementary school on 14 December, in which an assault rifle with a high-capacity cartridge was the principal weapon used.
Chet Burchett, Reed Exhibitions president for the Americas, said that in the current climate, Reed felt the presence of modern sporting rifles (MSRs), which include weapons categorised as assault rifles, would “distract from the theme of hunting and fishing, disrupting the broader experience of our guests”. The company said the limitations it introduced were made “simply as a product decision, of the type event organisers need to make every day”.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
Burchett added that despite cancelling the event in February, Reed will reschedule the event “when the time is right to focus on the themes it celebrates”.
“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,” he said.
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