Optics Wire

Tuesday, September 29, 2026  ■  Events

Shoot Like A Girl Experience Comes to the 2026 Black Bass World Championship in Hot Springs, Arkansas

SLG2, Inc., the outdoor industry's leading experiential marketing company, will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to the Oaklawn Outdoor Show, held in conjunction with the 2026 Black Bass World Championship, October 1-3 at the Hot Springs Convention Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

USAngling is welcoming anglers from 23 nations to Lake Hamilton for the 2026 Black Bass World Championship. While teams compete on the water, Shoot Like A Girl will offer women, men and families at the show an opportunity to experience firearms, archery and a variety of outdoor products in a welcoming, hands-on environment. Led by certified instructors, the experience is designed to meet guests at their individual skill level while emphasizing firearm safety, responsible ownership and confidence.

"We're excited to bring Shoot Like A Girl to a new audience of anglers, professional fishing fans and outdoor enthusiasts," said Karen Butler, Founder and President of SLG2, Inc. "Our team loves all things outdoors, and we're proud to support USAngling and the athletes competing on Lake Hamilton."

Event Location:

Hot Springs Convention Center
134 Convention Blvd
Hot Springs, AR 71901

Event Details:

Thursday, October 1: noon to 7 p.m.

Friday, October 2: noon to 7 p.m.

Saturday, October 3: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The centerpiece of the experience is Shoot Like A Girl's fully enclosed semi-tractor-trailer mobile range, which will be set up inside the convention center. Inside the mobile range, guests aged 18 and older can participate in an instructor-led experience focused on safe firearm handling using a FATS by Inveris military-grade simulator that provides realistic feedback in a controlled environment. Women can also try archery with certified coaches. Youth and teens are encouraged to attend and join in firearm safety discussions, making the event an engaging and educational experience for the entire family.

Outside the mobile range, attendees can explore the Shoot Like A Girl gun bar, featuring a variety of firearms and product demonstrations from some of the outdoor industry's leading brands. Attendees can also take part in hands-on demonstrations of safe storage options, pepper spray (using inert spray), knife sharpening and more, practical skills that build safety, preparedness and confidence in the field and at home.

Guests can test optics, holsters, GTM Original concealed carry handbags and other outdoor accessories, and enjoy samples of Black Rifle Coffee.

Women, men, and families of all experience levels are welcome, and no prior knowledge is required to participate. The event is free to attend, and all equipment will be provided on-site.

For more information about SLG2, Inc. and its brands, please visit slg2inc.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

About SLG2, Inc.

Founded in 2008, SLG2, Inc. is an experiential marketing company specializing in the outdoor and safety industries. Through its flagship brands—Shoot Like A Girl, Safe LivinG, Hunt Like A Girl and SLG2 Consulting—the company creates immersive, safety-focused experiences that build brand loyalty and convert curious newcomers into passionate outdoor enthusiasts. SLG2's iconic mobile events and data-driven insights help partners maximize ROI while expanding their customer base.

For more information, visit SLG2inc.com.

About Oaklawn Outdoor Show

This show is free to attendees and will feature a diverse group of vendors. Because the Hot Springs Convention Center is an indoor venue, the show goes on rain or shine. It runs alongside the 2026 Black Bass World Championship, where anglers from 23 nations are competing for medals on Lake Hamilton, making it an exciting way to be part of this historic event. Saturday will include a special appearance by Charlie Evans and Skye and Marshall of PAW Patrol.