UPDATE

Fairfax, VA - The National Rifle Association (NRA) is pleased to announce this year’s Annual Meetings and Exhibits to be held at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona from May 15-17, 2009.

Members of the news media are welcome to cover this year’s event. NRA would like to personally invite members of the media to our ribbon cutting ceremony with Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon on Friday, May 15, at 9:30 a.m. at the Phoenix Convention Center. For press credentials, please call NRA Public Affairs at (703) 267-3820. Credentials will be available for pick-up in the Press Office starting Thursday, May 14. Television crews and still photographers should bring necessary equipment and lenses (sports lenses) to cover events from platforms at a distance from the stage.

With an estimated 60,000 attendees and more than 400 exhibits, this year’s Annual Meetings and Exhibits promises to be among the best in NRA’s 138-year history. Leading firearm manufacturers will display the firearm industry’s latest products. Various hunting and shooting accessories and an extensive private collection displayed by NRA-affiliated gun collector clubs will fill acres of convention space.

Back by popular demand, NRA’s Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum will take place Friday, May 15, from 12:00 – 4:30 p.m. at the US Airways Center. Confirmed Speakers for this unique, members only event include Governors Haley Barbour, Jan Brewer and Mitt Romney, Senator John McCain, former Navy SEAL and best selling author Marcus Luttrell, former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, and commentator Michael Reagan .

NRA’s 2nd Annual Celebration of American Values Banquet will take place Saturday, May 16, at 8 p.m. at the Phoenix Convention Center. The featured speakers for the evening are NRA Director, TV personality and author of the bestselling book, American Heroes, Lieutenant Colonel Ollie North, and one of America’s most passionate defenders of liberty, ABC News 20/20 co-anchor John Stossel.

NRA’s Annual Meetings and Exhibits provide a safe and fun atmosphere the whole family can enjoy. The ever-popular air rifle range is a top attention-grabber -- both for participants and observers. NRA offers diverse presentations throughout the three-day convention, including methods of concealed carry; Refuse to Be a Victim® seminars; hunting in Africa; and Firearms Law seminars.

-NRA-

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.