The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo, in partnership with the Cowboy Christmas expo, set an all-time combined attendance record of 231,517 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). The new figure is 6.6 percent higher than the 2015 attendance total of 216,292. 

The Dec. 1-10 event took place at the LVCC’s South Halls in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR). 

“We are grateful for all the people who attended this year’s expo,” said Steve Decker, RMEF vice president of Marketing. “We especially appreciate our expo sponsors, exhibitors and our partners at Las Vegas Events. Without them our expo simply does not exist, let alone experience the success we enjoyed this year.” 

The 2016 expo included a number of new features such as the MTN Ops Shootout-Ultimate Archery Experience, the inaugural Junior NFR at the Wrangler Rodeo Arena, and country music performances and daily wild game cooking demonstrations on the Realtree Live Stage. 

Hunting, outdoor industry leaders and other exhibitors featured firearms, archery equipment, optics, outfitter and guide services, hunting apparel and western lifestyle gear and clothing. 

“This year’s attendance reflects the energy that can only be found in Las Vegas in early December,” said Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events. “Our partnership with RMEF has been beneficial and provided even more opportunities for rodeo fans to enjoy the NFR experience.” 

Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo sponsors included Chevrolet, Cabela’s, ALPS OutdoorZ, MTN OPS, Peak BlueDEF, Sitka, Browning, Realtree, Weatherby, Browning Ammunition, Worldwide Trophy Adventures and Weston. 

“We are anxious to receive more feedback from our attendees and exhibitors to make the 2017 expo even better,” added Decker.