Author:
Jackie Holbrook
#ATA2019 is coming up quickly! Are you ready for the year’s most exciting gathering of archery and bowhunting enthusiasts? Whether you’re a first-time attendee or an old pro at the Show, the tips that follow can maximize your experience.
Who better to dish out advice than those who put the Show together each year? Enjoy these tips from ATA staff members, who want to help you maximize your time in Louisville, Kentucky.
Our app has the seminar schedules, booth locations, and more. Photo Credit: ATA
Download the App
A little prep work goes far in Louisville. Download the 2019 ATA Show app before the Show and study the floor plan.
“The app lists everything you need to navigate the Show floor,” said Becky Lux, senior manager of the ATA Trade Show. “The app includes a map of the Show floor, and schedules for events and shuttles.”
Plan Ahead
Most business meetings at the Show are scheduled in advance. “The contact information for each company is available on the mobile app,” said Wendy Lang, ATA’s senior manager of membership. “Scroll through the exhibitor list to determine who you need to schedule for a meeting.”
“Know your goals before the Show,” added Maria Lewis, senior director of ATA membership and the Trade Show. “Ask yourself: ‘Who do you want to visit?’ ‘Which items do you need to order?’ ‘Which seminars do you want to attend?’”
“Planning ahead includes more than mapping out your time in the exhibit halls,” said Matt Kormann, ATA’s president/CEO. “The days are long at #ATA2019. If it’s your first time attending the Show, knowing that in advance helps you be prepared.”
Learn Something New
#ATA2019 is the industry’s largest gathering of archery and bowhunting experts. ATA staff prepare a full lineup of educational opportunities to address important topics and issues. Show seminars cover everything from bow tuning to digital marketing, and electronic scouting to field-to-fork hunting tips.
New to #ATA2019 are the Coffee Talks. “The Coffee Talks take place in the ‘My ATA Area’ in East Hall,” Lux said. “Grab a cup of coffee on us, and learn about ATA programs, meet your ATA Staff, and learn how we can help you.”
“A lot of our members schedule meetings first thing each day, and these meetings might prevent you from attending one of the seminars,” Kormann added. “The Coffee Talk sessions might fit your schedule better, and provide opportunities to leave the Show with a better understanding of how to maximize your ATA membership.”
Visit the My ATA area to take a break and interact with our staff or other members. Photo Credit: ATA
Visit ‘My ATA Area’
At the “My ATA Area” you learn more about the year-round tools and services available to ATA members. “We’re Your ATA,” Lang said. “Our member-led teams drive the ATA’s decision making, so stay connected year-round and ask how you can make a difference.”
“The ‘My ATA Area’ includes everything you need to know about ATA’s Explore Bowhunting and Bowfishing programs,” said Josh Gold, ATA’s senior manager of R3 and state regulations. “These‘ready to go’ programs introduce participants to bowhunting and bowfishing skills.”
Get Certified
“If an attendee wants to run classes and programming, archery-instructor certification is a must,” Gold said. “There isn’t a better deal for your time and money than to take these certification courses at the Trade Show.”
Network
Friendships and business relationships are formed at the ATA Trade Show. Take time to get to know other ATA members on the Show floor. “Networking is powerful, so introduce yourself to others and share your stories, ideas and problems,” Lewis said. “Bring plenty of business cards, and keep something handy like a tablet, smartphone or pen and paper to jot down details about new connections you make.”
“If you’ve considered partnering with conservation or archery organizations, many have booths at the Show to discuss how their local chapters can help,” Gold said. “Set aside time to meet them in the ‘My ATA Area’ or the Show’s nonprofit section.”
Our staff will be stationed at various locations around the show to answer any questions you have. Photo Credit: ATA
We Can Help – Just Ask
If you have questions about anything ATA-related, just ask! “Don’t waste time wondering or wandering,” Lewis said. “Seek out an ATA staff member who can assist you right away. You can always find staff at the ‘My ATA Area,’ the main registration counter and the information booth.”
“This year you’ll notice we have a different logo,” Kormann added. “Keep your eyes peeled for all ATA staff members, not just for folks you recognize from the past. Feel free to approach anyone wearing the ATA brand. We’re excited to share everything that’s going on, no matter where you find us.”
Don’t Be a Stranger
“If you see any of us in Louisville, please stop us and chat,” Kormann said. “Ask us what’s new, or share any thoughts you’re having about your business. We’re here to help!”
See you in Louisville Jan. 10-12, 2019!
