A spokesman for the Gun Owners of America discusses the success of this year’s GOALS event, and what’s to come with the next show.
Over the past couple of years, the GOALS convention has left a huge mark in Knoxville, Tennessee, with over thousands in attendance to celebrate all things Second Amendment. But next year, the show will make even bigger moves as it shifts its way to the Midwest – Des Moines, Iowa!
The Gun Owners of America announced the move this week to the Iowa Events Center, noting how the event will cover more than 150,000 square feet of exhibits, featuring the top brands in guns, gear and tactical innovation. “From heritage firearms to cutting-edge equipment, attendees will experience the full spectrum of the 2A lifestyle—all under one roof,” the group noted.
Erich Pratt, who serves as author and Senior Vice President for the group, noted, “GOALS isn’t just something you attend, it is something you experience. Our members are not here to waste time on a weekend. They are here to engage with our leadership, the companies and the community that will ensure that our freedoms are protected and restored. For 50 years we have been on the frontlines and this event will launch us into the next phase of that legacy.”
Attendees going to next year’s GOALS can look forward to:
- A Main Stage packed with top-tier speakers, thought leaders, and advocates shaping the future of gun rights.
- Dynamic panels, workshops, and meetups designed to inspire, educate, and empower.
- An exhibit hall that is bigger and better than ever with top brands and new products.
- A celebration of GOA’s most significant legal victories and the grassroots strength that fuels victories in the states and at the federal level.
- Activities for the whole family and special events honoring the history — and future — of the movement.
A spokesman for the Gun Owners of America — either Mark Jones or Stephen Willeford – joins us now to discuss the impact of GOALS, and how the next event could be the biggest yet.
Q&A:
- What are your thoughts on this year’s GOALS event? How much of a success was it to Gun Owners of America?
- Did you attend the event? What are your personal takeaways from meeting up with people and vendors, as well as seeing the impressive list of speakers?
- Why the move from Tennessee to Iowa? Was there simply more space needed for vendors? Or was there another reason?
- Do you believe next year’s GOALS event will be the biggest yet? Are you expecting a large list of speakers and guests to attend?
- What would you say is the biggest draw for an event such as this, especially at a time when so many arguments over gun rights are happening?
- FOR STEPHEN: You recently wrote a book called A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy, revolving around your 2017 “hero with a gun” situation. Tell us more about how this came together, and why it’s such an important read right now.
- FOR STEPHEN: Where can people find your book?
- You can purchase the book here on Amazon, both in paperback and Kindle format.
- FOR MARK: Tell us more about the Hunter Outreach program.
- Where can we learn more about you, as well as Gun Owners of America?
- You can learn more at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com. You can also read more about the Gun Owners of America at https://www.gunowners.org/.
About Mark Jones…
Mark Jones is National Director for the Gun Owners of America, and also directs the National Hunter Outreach Program across the United States. He also manages legislative responsibilities in Wyoming and is a Certified Wildlife Biologist.
Mark built GOA’s National Hunter Outreach Program almost four years ago after retiring from his first career as a Big Game and Small Game Biologist. Mark has nearly three decades of experience performing wildlife research, publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers, managing wildlife resources, working with hunters and recreational shooters, and engaging in legislative issues with governmental policy.
Mark has been very active in helping GOA take on a National role in protecting the American Hunting Traditions. He is also well known in the Legislature and political circles where he has worked to pass a variety of pro-Second Amendment and pro-hunting Legislation in recent years.
About Stephen Willeford…
Stephen represents Gun Owners of America and is known around the country as the “good guy with the gun” for helping stop the largest Texas mass shooting in the history of the state in 2017. He is available to speak about all gun rights issues, as well as the importance of Gun Owners of America. He is the author of the book A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy. You can read more about him at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com.
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