Friday, July 23, 2021

2021 Firearms Industry Compliance Conference Most Well-Attended Yet

More than a year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Firearms Industry Compliance Conference (FICC), co-hosted by Orchid LLC and Williams Mullen’s Firearms Industry Group in Orlando, Fla., was one of the first major shooting sports industry events to take place in-person post-shutdown.

After canceling in 2020, the June conference marked the event’s seventh and most well-attended year with more than 250 professionals from all segments of the industry gathered for two days of networking opportunities, peer discussions and educational sessions led by firearms and federal regulatory agency executives.

“After 2020, it’s obvious the firearms marketplace is changing,” said Jon Rydberg, Orchid CEO. “This year’s conference attendance is proof FFL owners and operators are seeking new solutions to today’s technology, payments and compliance problems. FICC has always been about bringing retailers, manufacturers, distributors, attorneys and agencies together for the betterment of our industry today and in the future.”

Following record-setting firearm sales, unprecedented ammunition shortages and exponential gun ownership growth during the pandemic, 2021 FICC addressed the future of the firearms industry with a focus on ecommerce, offering three distinct learning tracks – “Business Strategy & Legal Liability,” “Managing Compliant Operations” and “Operations & Compliance Technology.” Sessions included notable leaders from Brownells, Davidson’s, Silencer Shop and multiple industry trade associations.

Over the course of two days, attendees participated in more than 20 sessions covering wide-ranging topics from capital raising strategies to mastering ATF manufacturing inspections and implementing ERP and serialization technology. FICC attendees also had the opportunity to engage with FBI/NICS, ATF and DDTC personnel, who led multiple sessions and an open question-and-answer roundtable.

“For many at the conference, FICC is their only opportunity to speak to these agencies directly and have their questions answered,” said Orchid VP of Sales & Marketing, Shaun Phelan. “The FBI, ATF, DDTC and BIS are all dedicated to educating the firearms industry and we’re thankful for their attendance each year – even virtually.”

Orchid would like to thank Williams Mullen’s Firearms Industry Group, FICC sponsors, speakers and attendees for making this year’s conference a success.

“The industry frequently faces new laws and regulations which can impact businesses’ ability to operate and provide services to customers,” said Camden Webb, partner and co-chair of Williams Mullen’s Firearms Industry Group. “We are pleased to continue to support industry members by advising on regulatory compliance, e-commerce development, financing needs, venture capital investments and a host of other legal services.”

Details about 2022 FICC are expected to be announced this fall.