How Did the Show Season Go for You?

One of the great things about the ATA Show is that it kicks off the trade show season and often establishes expectations for upcoming shows in the weeks that follow. Whether it’s the various buy group shows, other trade shows or even consumer shows, the ATA Show always seems to establish a level of optimism for the remainder of the show season and even the year.

Success at the show isn’t just about the number of orders you write; it’s also about gathering a sense of the year’s business expectations from the dozens of people you talk to from all corners of the industry. Determining the outlook for specific product categories and popular price points, checking up on your competition, new product buzz and sometimes the buzz about a whole new product category—like when saddles burst on the scene—it all starts at the ATA Show.

All shows are different in their own way. What makes the ATA Show stand out is that it is entirely dedicated to archery and bowhunting, combining three shows in one, with ARRO and NABA buy groups offering exclusive buying opportunities for their members (if you’re not a member of a buy group, you really need to be … for the sake of your bottom line). While many orders are written at the ATA Show, even more buying decisions are made there, with actual orders being placed at one of the following shows throughout the year.

Though only two months into the year, exhibiting companies (the sellers) have invested many hours at numerous shows connecting with customers face-to-face; an opportunity only available by attending a show in person. Exhibitors have established new accounts, met with many new customers, reinforced relationships with existing ones and spent time with old industry friends.

Retailers (the buyers) have spent time at one or more shows making buying decisions to shape their inventory for the year—where in many instances, they’ve added a few new products or even a whole new product category to their lineup. They’ve made their best projections for the year’s product selection and quantities and now patiently wait to see what 2025 has in store for them.

Now that your product orders have been made for the year, don’t wait for 2025 to come to you. Go make it happen! How will you drive more customers through your door? And when they do come in, will they feel welcome? The optimism and energy from the hundreds of conversations and the thousands of people buzzing around the trade shows now rests with you. Use it to make 2025 your best year yet.