(AmmoLand.com) The second annual USCCA Concealed Carry Expo, to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, from April 29 to May 1, is an information-packed, three-day consumer show offering world-class speakers, vendors, demonstrations, and presentations, all dedicated to the concealed-carry lifestyle. But this year’s event, located at the Georgia International Convention Center, also features a number of women-focused events, programs, and products that ladies should be sure not to miss.
Beth Alcazar, Senior Staff Writer for the USCCA, stated, “The Concealed Carry Expo is beyond amazing, chock-full of booths, activities, trainers, and information, so guests can check out new concealed carry products and learn more about self-defense and personal protection. I honestly think the show is even better this year since we’ve added several new events and activities just for the women who attend. This lines up perfectly with the host of new, women-focused programs and products the USCCA is offering!”
While the Expo opens on Friday, April 29, from 3 to 7 pm, all ladies should carve out time in their schedules on Saturday morning, April 30, for a brand new Women’s Concealed Carry Coffee Hour. Held from 9 to 10 am in German Suites 1 & 2, this special, ladies-only gathering will enable show attendees, USCCA team members, and industry professionals a unique opportunity to meet and mingle, ask questions, and share their stories, all while enjoying a delicious continental breakfast. Attendees are encouraged to pre-register for this FREE event.
Later that afternoon at 4:15 pm, Alcazar will share an hour-long presentation entitled “Why Women Hate Guns: Encouraging Women To Accept, Own, Use, & Carry Firearms.” This session is open to men and women alike, but it focuses on some of the reasons why numbers of women don’t shoot, why they don’t have firearms, and why some even hate guns…all with the goal of uncovering mistakes, dispelling myths, and providing suggestions and solutions for getting more women involved.
On Saturday evening, from 6:30 pm to 8pm, the much-anticipated Concealed Carry Fashion Show, emceed by Mark Walters, host of Armed American Radio, will celebrate the concealed-carry lifestyle for both men and women, as models walk the runway with guns, garments, and gear. This event will likely sell out, get your tickets in advance.
According to Marilyn Smolenski, director of the fashion show and owner of Nickel & Lace, “The Firearms and Fashion Show is a truly unique event, sharing not only firearms safety and knowledge but also high-quality, concealed-carry products. This is a fun and effective way for people to see how the newest products can be incorporated into their everyday lives.”
Doors to the fashion show open at 6 pm. Tickets for the limited-seating event are available for $25 each.
Sunday, May 1, will follow up the activities with a Women’s Panel Discussion from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm, located in German Suites 1 & 2. Led by Alcazar, the panel of industry experts will include Smolinski along with Anna Henry, Founder and CEO of Dene Adams, LLC, Carol Craighead, CEO of Crossbreed Holsters, and Cheryl Lavette, firearms instructor and chapter leader of The Well Armed Woman. Each of these women brings a host of knowledge and experience to the table and will be opening up to address subjects gathered from Facebook and from the women’s breakfast along with answering questions live from the audience. All women and men attending the Expo are invited to participate and learn in this interactive discussion.
In addition to the fantastic lineup of activities, attendees should also check out some of the featured, women-focused products from some of our sponsors:
- Crossbreed Holsters: Booth #301 – Women’s Appendix Carry IWB Holster
- Dene Adams: Booth #426 – Concealed Carry Corset
- Nickel & Lace: Booth # 322 – 2016 Faux Fur Vest Collection
- Packin’ Neat: Booth #200 – “The Boss” purse insert
- Silver State Apparel: Booth #101 – Whitney Women’s Concealed Carry Shirt
- UnderTech UnderCover:Booth #217 – Original ¾ Length Concealment Leggings
- USCCA: Booth #201 – Women’s Training DVDs (“Concealed Carry & Personal Protection Guide For Women”)
To confirm your spot, or to learn more about the 2016 Concealed Carry Expo, check out concealedcarryexpo.com and be sure to follow the USCCA Expo on Facebook. USCCA members can present their membership card along with picture ID for 100% free admission. Tickets for the limited-seating Concealed Carry Fashion Show are $25 each and general admission is $10 per day with full-weekend combo tickets available for $20. Participants may also register online in advance for the paid training classes and seminars. In addition, attendees can receive 20% off online orders by sharing the event with friends at checkout. Advance ticket purchases may be made at https://www.concealedcarryexpo.com/uscca-expo-tickets.asp.
General Show Info:
Dates: Friday, April 29, 2016: 3PM – 7PM
Saturday, April 30, 2016: 9AM – 6PM
Sunday, May 1, 2016: 10AM – 4PM
Location: Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta, Georgia
Entry is 100% free for USCCA members
For more information, visit the Show Website: https://www.concealedcarryexpo.com/.
About the USCCA:
The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) is the first and largest, member-owned association designed to educate, train, and insure responsibly armed Americans. USCCA members receive access to a wealth of industry information and insurance protection through its Self-Defense SHIELD program. The USCCA also provides expert advice, product information, and the latest news centered around the concealed carry lifestyle via email, social media, Concealed Carry Magazine, and their nationally syndicated radio program Armed American Radio.