Author:
Cassie Gasaway
ATA-member retailers and exhibitors will have the floor to themselves on Day 1 of the 2020 ATA Trade Show when it opens Jan. 9 in Indianapolis.
This new schedule ensures the industry’s buyers and manufacturers can focus their joint efforts on uninterrupted order-writing, business planning, and new-product evaluations the first 9.5 hours of the three-day Show.
Under this revised Trade Show schedule, which was approved by the ATA Board of Directors in early April, access to the Show floor is limited to only verified ATA-member buyers and exhibitors on Thursday, Jan. 9.
The Show floor in the Indiana Convention Center will open to all other Show attendees the next two days, Jan. 10-11, Friday and Saturday.
2020 Exhibit Hall Hours at a Glance
Thursday, Jan. 9: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
– Badge Types: Retailers/Distributors and Exhibitors/Sales Reps Only (Yellow, Red Badges)
Friday, Jan. 10: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
– Badge Types: ALL badge types
Saturday, Jan. 11: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
– Badge Types: ALL badge types
ATA Board Chair Ben Summers, vice president for T.R.U. Ball Archery Releases and AXCEL Archery Sights and Scopes, said the Board approved the change because the ATA is dedicated to boosting sales for retailers and improving the bottom line for manufacturers.
“We think the new ‘Buyer Day’ will spur industry growth by helping retailers see more of the latest gear, build stronger relationships with manufacturers, and make better decisions about products they stock in their stores,” Summers said.
Matt Kormann, ATA CEO/president, said the new schedule addresses feedback gathered from post-Show surveys. He said the No. 1 suggestion from ATA members was to devote a full Show day to retailer/buyer attendees. “ATA members provide great feedback on a range of topics, and we listen and act on their desires,” Kormann said. “We’re confident this new schedule will generate better business at future ATA events.”
ATA Board Vice Chair Mark Copeland, store director of Jay’s Sporting Goods Inc., said retailers will appreciate the full day of direct access to manufacturers on the Show floor.
“The ATA Trade Show is the one place where we can see everything archery under one roof, so this is a big positive step,” Copeland said. “This schedule connects those who make products with the shops that sell products. In the past, it was often difficult for retailers and manufacturers to make those connections when other entities were competing for the same face time. Dedicating the entire first day to B2B interactions is a huge benefit for retailers, and a step in the right direction for my ATA.”
Summers said the ATA Board spent the past decade working to make the ATA Trade Show a must-attend event. That experience helped steer the Board to dedicate more time for one-on-one interactions for the industry’s shops, stores, buyers and manufacturers.
“The business that takes place at the Trade Show – testing equipment firsthand and then writing orders – forms the background of manufacturers’ annual sales,” Summers said.
Other related events not held on the Show floor will continue as usual on Day 1, including the morning seminar series, affiliate events, business centers and press room. In addition, the ATA will add educational opportunities, and offer a “Buzz Center” that gives exhibitors, media and other ATA members access to a stage to host podcasts, conduct interviews, share Facebook Live events, and broadcast other industry communications.
In other #ATA2020 news …
– Booth selection begins Tuesday, April 23. To view the schedule click here.
– Trade Show registration for ATA members opens June 18.
If you have questions about #ATA2020 or its new schedule, please contact the ATA’s Trade Show & Membership office, (866) 266-2776.
