@Mac11FA , what
@chance said is accurate. You have to be affiliated with some firearms related organization to gain access or me Law Enforcement / Military.
There are some costs involved and some loop holes however.
I could register SoutheastTraders as a media site through the NSSF. The catch is to be considered a digital media outlet, you have to demonstrate that you are posting regularly about firearms, hunting, fishing, etc. and under your real name. There are some media guidelines that the NSSF uses to determine if you're a legit media source or just someone trying to gain access to SHOT Show. The media Pass is the golden ticket because the only cost is becoming a member of the NSSF. Plus you gain access to the coveted Media Day at the range and get to hang out in the Media lounge with refreshments.
If I registered SoutheastTraders as a Non-Buyer organization, meaning that we don't place purchase orders for items from vendors, we could easily get passes, however we have to become a member of the NSSF and pay about $350 (since we didn't get the early bird price) for a pass.
The details are on their FAQ pages for SHOT Show.
Honestly
@Mac11FA the best show for non-industry people is the NRAAM which this year will be in Atlanta this Spring. NRAAM is for the everyday person. It's fun, interactive, there's entertainment and the best part is that it's free with your NRA membership... which everyone that owns a gun and appreciates their 2nd Amendment freedoms should be a member of the NRA. Love them or hat them, they still protect our freedoms from the liberal left that wants to strip them from us.
SHOT Show is more about creating and building relationships, developing partnerships, talking strategy as well as some debauchery. That's why when people get all pissy that I'm not walking around taking pics and posting on the forum of the newly unveiled Kimber revolver or the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 45acp, or the Wizbang Gizmo 2000, it's because I'm not there for that reason. That's secondary to my primary objective, which is to create, develop, and build relationships in the industry so that I can afford to support this site, provide product for giveaways and maybe get some extra cool opportunities like the IV8888 Shoot for us to attend, etc.
NRA Show (NRAAM) is about showing off the goodies to the general public and entertaining the masses. This is more laid back, relaxed and a favorite of mine because there is very little "work" pressure and more "fun" pressure.
I hope that helps.