Taking place Wednesday and Thursday, March 27th and 28th, 2013, at the Downtown Marriott in Des Moines, Iowa, the event has become the prime place for gunsmithing students, new grads, veteran gunsmiths, industry legends and gun-related companies to come together, talk business and share tips and stories. Companies with job openings will conduct on-site interviews, so interested attendees are encouraged to arrive properly prepared with resumes up-to-date.
More than 50 exhibitors are expected, including familiar names like Hornady, Gander Mountain, Taurus, DuraCoat Firearm Finishes, JP Enterprises and other large retailers, custom shops, manufacturers and service centers.
An impressive list of industry-insiders including Chen Customs’ founder Stan Chen, Custom Gun & Stock Blanks’ Sharon Dressel, Power Custom’s Ron Power and Brownells’ Chairman Frank Brownell will share their vast knowledge on topics ranging from technical operations to gun-specific business tips in seminars designed to help gunsmiths succeed both at the bench and at the bank.
“The Gunsmithing Conference and Career Fair has developed into an event that all of us here at Brownells look forward to,” said Brownells President/COO Matt Buckingham. “Each year it gets more and more support from gunsmithing schools, companies and attendees. With our roots planted firmly in the gunsmithing industry, we’re very proud of how this great event started and where it’s going.”
Legendary master stockmaker and Honorary Life Member of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild, Joe Balickie, will share tales of his tricks, triumphs and tribulations from his 70-plus years in the business as he delivers the keynote address at Thursday evening’s event-capping banquet.
There is no charge to attend or exhibit, and registration is available online. Those planning to attend or exhibit are encouraged to reserve spots immediately. The full schedule, including speakers and specific topics, can be found at the Brownells Gunsmith Conference and Career Fair website.
The Brownells operation in Montezuma, Iowa, will be open on Tuesday, March 26, 2013, for conference attendees who would like to tour the facility. Tour times may be selected during the registration process.
Founded in 1939, Brownells is an Iowa-based, family-owned company that supplies more than 75,000 firearms parts, accessories, reloading components, gunsmithing tools, and ammunition to armorers, gunsmiths, the military, and shooters worldwide. In addition to their industry-leading 100% lifetime guarantee – forever – on EVERY product sold, their staff of veteran Gun Techs is available to assist customers with technical help to fix any gun-related problem – free of charge. There are no minimum order sizes or return/exchange fees. To place an order, or for more information, call 800-741-0015 or visit www.brownells.com
