[CedarDave]

Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show - Update - January 24, 2013

Reed Exhibitions has decided to postpone, for now, the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show given the controversy surrounding its decision to limit the sale or display of modern sporting rifles (also called ARs) at the event. The show was scheduled to take place February 2-10 in Harrisburg, PA.

“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,” said Chet Burchett, Reed Exhibitions President for the Americas. “In the current climate, we felt that the presence of MSRs would distract from the theme of hunting and fishing, disrupting the broader experience of our guests. This was intended simply as a product decision, of the type event organizers need to make every day.

“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.

“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 when the time is right to focus on the themes it celebrates.”

[grobdriver]

“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."

Not to mention the hall will be empty.

Well done, all hands!

[WakeUpAndVote]

No mention of close to 400 vendors and speakers and sponsors that bailed on them because of their actions.

[Former MSM Viewer]

“....the preservation and promotion of hunting and fishing traditions.....”

Hey Eastern: It aint just the hunting & fishing aspect of it...

[PeteB570]

Looks like the idiots are blaming “the people” for the postponement.

[GOPFlack]

So no apology, just a bunch of “outliers” causing trouble?

[Sirius Lee]

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.

Maybe they shouldn't have made the emotionally charged decision to ban certain rifles from the show.

Complete non-apology weasel wording.

[Oatka]

It is unfortunate that in the current emotionally charged atmosphere

Which was created by your buddies in the media. Typical liberal - blaming someone else for their error.

[who knows what evil?]

How many years has this show been held?

“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.

What was different this year as opposed to previous years? MSR's didn't seem to bother families then...

[ArrogantBustard]

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

What a bunch of disingenuous weasels! You step on one of us, you bunch of jackasses, you step on all of us. And 20+% is not a "small percentage".

GFY, Reed Exhibitions!

[SAMWolf]

They still don’t get it and then try to blame the evil gun owners for the “postponement”.

[duffee]

No mention of Second Amendment Rights, they have previously mentioned they support The Second Amendment.

[CottonBall]

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.

They sound like a bunch of wimps. Hope they lost a ton of money with their spinelessness. A small percentage? Looks like it was enough for them to pull the plug on their show however.

[freeangel]

“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.”

If it was that small a percentage, then the show certainly would not be affected. They are lying just like their left puppeteers and spinmeisters told them to.

[RightField]

Trying to blame "the people" eh?

I predict the show is toast forever.

Do the exhibitors get their fees back?

[PoloSec]

decision to limit the sale or display of modern sporting rifles (also called ARs) at the event.

Strange ideed, apparently this was not an issue last year or previous years, so why all of sudden this year...They ruined their own show, "We The People" are not responsible, as they conclude.

[Louis Foxwell]

This was intended simply as a product decision, of the type event organizers need to make every day.

Unadulterated BS in its most purified form.

[arthurus]

“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,” said Chet Burchett, Reed Exhibitions President for the Americas. “In the current climate, we felt that the presence of MSRs would distract from the theme of hunting and fishing, disrupting the broader experience of our guests. This was intended simply as a product decision, of the type event organizers need to make every day.

Actually, they are probably right. But they pulled the rug out from under the show when they acted on their insight. Right now hunting and fishing is not at the top of armed people's lists of concerns. Gun grabbing is.

[Solson]

“Hunting and fishing traditions” - is NOT what the Second Amendment is about. Too bad Reed is so damned uncomfortable with the Constitution!!!

[Chuckster]

Blaming your customers for your bad decisions is not good business practice. Listen and learn or fold your tent and go home.

[trisham]

“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.

******************************

Ah, that pesky and irrelevant 2nd Amendment. A chaleyre!