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April 2018 • Issue No. 16
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4th Annual USCCA Concealed Carry Expo = SUCCESS
BY TIM SCHMIDT - USCCA FOUNDER
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We recently wrapped up our 4[SUP]th[/SUP] Annual USCCA Concealed Carry Expo in Louisville, Kentucky.
I spent a good portion of my weekend meeting with and talking to fellow responsibly armed Americans from all across the country, including a few men and women who joined us from as far as Nevada, Florida, New York and California. I have to admit, knowing that a ton of our members live in the latter makes me really happy. 
Overall, the event was a resounding success. I was absolutely blown away on Monday when Katie, our PR & events manager, told me that a whopping 14,246 people joined us over the course of the weekend. We've experienced tremendous growth since our very first USCCA Expo in West Bend, Wisconsin, and I couldn't be more proud and grateful. I'll also be the first to admit that it simply wouldn't be possible to put on such an incredible event without a LOT of help. From the world-class exhibitors to the engaging speakers to the incredible USCCA team (including dozens of our certified instructors), everyone who came out to the Expo played an integral role in its success. I appreciate every single one of them.
Of course, at the end of the day, it's people like YOU who bring it all together and make the whole thing so meaningful. The USCCA Expo exists for you and because of you, so thank you for your attendance and your support. (If you haven't had a chance to make it to one of our Expos yet, rest assured we're working to bring one to a location near you!)
This year, we made our Live-Fire Range FREE for all attendees. The line was packed all weekend long, but our range staff reported that those standing in line were both gracious and excited for the opportunity to shoot firearms they hadn't tried before.
Our Women's Concealed Carry Showroom was on the main floor this year, which meant that visitors could go directly to vendors' booths after finding new products they loved. Staff in that area told me that dozens of women returned to the showroom to show off their purchases and say "thank you." How cool is that?
Several attendees told me they loved having the USCCA Store so close to the main booth. USCCA staff in both locations certainly had their work cut out for them all weekend long!
Of course, with the rise in attendees from last year, there were a few bumps in the road, including long lines to get in to the Expo and some confusion over seminar times and pricing. I hope you'll trust me when I say we are already working on improving all of these "glitches" before next year. If you attended and experienced any hiccups, I appreciate your patience and hope that the service you received once inside made up for any inconveniences you experienced.
It was a whirlwind weekend but certainly one for the books. Again, a special thank you to our sponsors, all the incredible exhibitors who were at the top of their game all weekend long, the insightful and engaging speakers and presenters who garnered overflowing audiences, the hardworking and dedicated Expo team who planned this event all year long, and the irreplaceable USCCA team members who came home exhausted but smiling.
I can't wait for next year. See you in Pittsburgh?
Oh, one more thing: If you attended the Expo, be sure to take the short survey that should already have hit your inbox. Remember, we get better because of YOUR feedback. Thanks!
Take Care and Stay Safe, 
Tim Schmidt
Publisher - Concealed Carry Report
USCCA Founder
P.S. - Have you been thinking about activating your USCCA Membership? Make the choice today and you could win 1 of 2 Glock 17s, valued at $599 each! And remember: Your new membership is backed by our 365-Day Money-Back Bulletproof Guarantee!
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