Heckler & Koch Joins NWTF as Longbeard Sponsor for 2026 Convention and Sport Show
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation welcomes Heckler & Koch as a Longbeard Sponsor for the 2026 NWTF Convention and Sport Show, set for Feb. 11–15 in Nashville. This marks Heckler & Koch’s first year supporting the event at the Longbeard level, bringing a legacy of precision engineering and performance to one of the outdoor industry’s most anticipated gatherings.
“H&K and NWTF may seem like an unusual pairing at face value, since our product line isn’t generally associated with hunting,” said Bill Dermody, Director of Marketing, HK-USA. “However, we see quite a bit of crossover between the personal protection and hunting markets. So many great Americans enthusiastically participate in both. We see this partnership as a great opportunity to get in front of a passionate, driven audience that we think is a great fit for the HK brand.
Founded more than 75 years ago, Heckler & Koch is a globally respected designer and manufacturer of advanced small arms systems and sporting firearms trusted by shooters and outdoorsmen alike. As a Longbeard Sponsor, Heckler & Koch will feature prominent visibility throughout the convention with a banner in the Tennessee Lobby, a column wrap, a banner over the Ryman escalator, and a branded stand in the callmaking area. Attendees can also connect with Heckler & Koch representatives at booth 640 on the sport show floor.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Heckler & Koch as a Longbeard Sponsor for the 2026 Convention and Sport Show,” said Natalia Daniels, NWTF national director of corporate relations and licensing. “Their support brings even more momentum to this milestone event and highlights the continued intersection of innovation and the outdoor lifestyle.”
The 2026 convention week, officially sponsored by Mossy Oak, kicks off in true Nashville style with the Sip and Strut downtown on Wednesday evening, Feb. 11. On Thursday morning, Feb. 12, the doors swing open to the sport show, featuring more than 500 exhibitors packed with the latest gear, calls, artwork and everything else a turkey enthusiast could dream of. That night, the energy ramps up again with the always-popular Kickoff Dinner Party.
The sport show continues through Saturday, Feb. 14, filling Opryland with the unmistakable buzz of stories shared, friendships renewed and lifelong memories made. The week concludes Sunday, Feb. 15, with a free worship service open to all.
For schedules, updates and everything you need to plan your trip, visit nwtf.org/get-involved/nwtf-convention.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to deliver healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.