by Karen Mehall Phillips - Friday, May 17, 2024
The NRA is all about celebrating every law-abiding American’s right to exercise their Second Amendment freedoms, and nowhere is the celebration bigger than at an annual NRA convention as 70,000-plus NRA members and gun owners head for the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in in Dallas for the 153rd NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, May 17-19.
As I talk with fellow hunters on the show floor this morning, the excitement over attending is akin to how we anticipate opening day—except this time the hunting field is an exhibit hall packed with 14 acres of new firearms, ammo, optics and gear as we visit manufacturers’ booths to see the latest new products that will keep us on top of our game. The three-day family-oriented event is a great opportunity to network with those who share similar interests; learn more about hunting, shooting sports and personal protection; and take in a few educational seminars, special events and inspiring keynote speeches from NRA leadership, hunting, shooting sports and firearms industry icons, political figures and everyday leaders in our quest/fight to protect the Second Amendment.
On a personal note, the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits are all about the people who attend as we cross paths with members of our extended family who share similar interests. We learn a few new things along the way, not only through attending seminars, listening to presentations and asking questions of manufacturers and speakers, but just through the complete experience of being there. But first and foremost, the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits is the nation’s largest gathering of those who stand for freedom.
As in years past, an NRA show highlight will be a keynote speech from former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who will address NRA members here at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on Saturday, May 18. This marks Trump's ninth address on the NRA’s stage, reaffirming his strong commitment to the NRA, the Second Amendment, and the rich and uniquely American tradition of firearm ownership, hunting and the shooting sports.
If you’re on your way to the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits this weekend, head for Convention Center lobbies D and E and show your NRA Membership ID card. NRA members and their immediate families get in free. To help you make the most of your time on the show floor, download the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits Mobile App by clicking here.