Compliance best practices and digital strategy was main focus for FFL dealers at annual conference

Celerant Technology, a preferred software provider for the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), has wrapped up its 20th annual client conference for FFL dealers. Retailers and industry partners nationwide gathered for three days to share knowledge and best practices. With streamlining ATF compliance and developing a more digital strategy at the forefront, Celerant’s technology experts and industry professionals hosted interactive sessions designed for sportsman retailers.

Key Topics at the 2024 Celerant Client Conference

Celerant’s CEO & President Ian Goldman opened the conference with a welcome address highlighting the importance of technology and innovation in driving business in the firearms industry. The conference featured 25 breakout sessions, interactive workshops, and one-on-one meetings for retailers with Celerant experts. Important topics such as using technology to leverage distributors to sell more, streamlining inventory management with mobile devices, expanding online sales beyond just typical eCommerce sales, improving compliance at the point of sale with electronic A&D and enhancing email marketing through personalization, were discussed.

"We had a great turnout for our 20th annual client conference and appreciated every opportunity to interact with our dealers and industry partners,” said Ian Goldman, President & CEO of Celerant. “Having such a variety of clients to work with helps us be forward-thinking and know what to prepare for as the sportsman industry changes. With restrictions increasing each year, the impact on maintaining compliance and running an FFL dealer is that much more crucial. As the hunt/camp/fish industry evolves, we must provide our dealers with the tools and strategies they need to stay competitive. We also want them to know that we’re here for the long haul to support them in every way possible.”

Keynote Speakers and Partners

This year’s conference featured Paul Erickson of Management One as the keynote speaker. Of the panels offered this year, the ATF Compliance Panel and an ‘Ask the Experts’ with Bryan Chiafullo from FFLGuard for legal compliance backed with attorney/client privilege, Travis Glover from 4473 Cloud/Silencer Shop, Jamison Collins from FastBound, and John ‘JC’ Clark from FFL Consultants allowed dealers to collaborate with experts about the compliance landscape.

“I’ve been to the conference many times over the last 15 years,” stated Kevin Chandler, COO of Vance Outdoors. “Every year, I learn something new. As long as Celerant keeps bringing back industry experts that bring more information for us to learn, we’ll be back every year.”

The new ‘Client Success Panel’ allowed firearm retailers to listen and learn from fellow dealers about their success with Celerant’s technology offerings. Kevin Chandler from Vance Outdoors, Mitch Tyler from SafeSide Tactical, Corbett Ferrell from D&D Texas Outfitters, and more were on the panel.

Retailers also had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with some of Celerant’s industry partners and learn about their software solutions, including RSR Group, NASGW, Lipsey’s, FastBound, FFLGuard, Sports South, FFL Consultants, 2nd Amendment Wholesale, NSSF/Project ChildSafe, Guns America, Fortis, ClearSale, AltruPay, Smartwaiver, Worldpay, Avalara, Shift4 and more. Retailers interacted with partners at their booths, entered giveaways, and learned how each one’s integrations can help bring their business to the next level.

Feedback from conference participants:

“The reason we came to the Celerant conference is because there is so much that the system has to offer. We want to make sure that we’re taking full advantage of it. There’s so many partners here that we wanted to partner with, from distributors to tax professionals. It just makes us a lot more competitive in the market.”

Hunter Simmons, Simmons Sporting Goods

“The biggest reason we come to the conference is to interact with the users. A lot of them are already our customers and we like to interact with them and find out what we can do better of course. But also for those folks who we haven’t had a chance to interact with. It gives us an opportunity to.”

Travis Glover, 4473 Cloud

“We’ve been partners for a long time. The integration is tight. We can enable their business in so many different ways, so it’s great to build a relationship, let them know what Lipsey’s can do. Build the Celerant and Lipsey’s brand together, and then be beneficial going forward.”

Aaron Keating, Lipsey’s

A video recap of Celerant’s 2024 Virtual Client Conference is available here. Celerant clients can access the session materials at www.celerant.com/clientcon24-firearms.

About Celerant Technology

Celerant has supported the archery and outdoor sports industries since 1999 with innovative retail software, enabling dealers to expand their business in-store and online. As a preferred software provider for the ATA, NSSF, NRA and NASGW, Celerant provides point of sale, eCommerce, distributor integrations, A&D/e4473, range and membership management, marketplace integrations, and more. For more information, visit www.celerant.com/firearms.