Author:
Cassie Gasaway
Don’t waste precious time at the 2023 ATA Trade Show trying to make your game plan. Instead, be proactive, set yourself up for success and finish these 10 things before you arrive in Indianapolis for the upcoming Show, which is Jan. 11-13.
Register online before Jan. 6 to avoid the on-site registration fee. Then, you can print your badge on-site using the QR code you'll receive via email. Photo Credit: ATA
1. Register
Anyone who plans to attend the 2023 ATA Trade Show must have a Trade Show badge to enter the Show floor. By now, the bulk of people have already registered and can skip to section two, but if you procrastinated or are still trying to work out the details to attend, it’s best to register before Jan. 6 to avoid the on-site registration fee.
To register, members can log in to their MyATA Member Dashboard using their username and password. Then, click “Register and Book Hotels” and follow the prompts. You’ll receive a confirmation email with a QR code, which allows you to print your badge at an express pass kiosk at the Show. For registration questions, please contact Sarah Haala, Trade Show coordinator, at sarahhaala@archerytrade.org or (507) 233-8130.
2. Book Your Hotel
There are only a few days left to book in the ATA Hotel Block. The block closes on Dec. 23. ATA members who book in the ATA hotel block can save an average of 25% and feel confident they’re booking through the Visit Indy Housing Bureau, which is the only authorized housing agency for the 2023 Show. Plus, booking in the block ensures free internet access and exclusive amenities like free breakfasts, reduced parking rates or restaurant discounts, depending on the hotel.
Make your reservation online in your MyATA member dashboard by clicking the “Register and Book Hotels” option. Or use the access code in your Show registration confirmation email to book by email (housing@visitindy.com), phone (317-262-8191) or fax (317-262-8270).
3. Download the Mobile App
The 2023 ATA mobile app has many features to make navigating the Show a breeze. Download the free app early to familiarize yourself with the map, planner, schedule, sales guide, and booth and exhibitor guide. The app also lists booth events and shows food-court locations. The app is available through the Apple App Store (iPhone app) and Google Play (Android app). Download it now to plan your itinerary. Click here to learn more.
4. Make Your Priority Exhibitor List
With over 450 exhibitors, you probably won’t be able to visit every booth. Review the Show floor map to see which brands are coming and make a list of your must-visit exhibitors. Plan to meet with them first and save some of your other accounts for later, if you have time. Pro tip: The ATA’s mobile app allows you to “star” your favorite exhibitors!
Schedule meetings with businesses you'd like to talk to ahead of time. Photo Credit: ATA
5. Schedule Meetings
If there’s an exhibitor you want one-on-one time with, schedule a meeting to ensure it happens. By reserving a spot on their calendar, you can get uninterrupted time to discuss products, pricing, terms and orders. Be sure to establish a time and place along with how long you expect the meeting to last and what you want to cover so the sales representative can come prepared with facts and figures. Don’t forget to add the event to your schedule.
6. Mark Your Calendar for Connections
The Connections Celebration, presented by Mossy Oak, is the marquee event of the 2023 Show. Attend the free event on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 6 p.m. in the Sagamore Ballroom to enjoy free food, drinks, yard games and entertainment by country music artist Cole Chaney. You don’t need a ticket to attend — just bring your badge to enter.
7. Make Dinner Reservations
The ATA Show will have food courts on and off the Show floor, but if you want something different, it’s smart to research restaurants and make a reservation before the Show. The Visit Indy website lists hundreds of restaurants. You can sort by keyword, food category or location to find your ideal dining spot. Need a place to start? Look at Visit Indy’s top 25 local restaurants list. Popular restaurants have limited seating, so the sooner you secure a reservation, the better.
Plan to attend education sessions presented by industry experts. Photo Credit: ATA
8. Review Education Opportunities
ATA staff have organized multiple opportunities to learn at the 2023 ATA Show. Pay $100 for the Archery Industry Masterclass to get top-notch business, marketing, coaching and archery tech education. All Masterclass sessions are held on Jan. 10, the day before the Show opens, and preregistration is required. If you already registered for a Trade Show badge, you can register for the Masterclass in your MyATA member dashboard by clicking “Register and Book Hotels.” Or, contact Kurt Smith, ATA’s director of industry relations, at (507) 233-8138 or kurtsmith@archerytrade.org.
If you didn’t budget for education, browse the seminar and Coffee Talk schedules to pick your favorites. They’re free to attend and take place during the three-day Show.
9. Print or Save Your Express Pass
If you preregistered for the Show, the ATA emailed you an Express Pass with a bar code. Print the bar code or download it to your phone so it’s available when you arrive at the Indiana Convention Center. The Express Pass allows you to obtain your Show badge and lanyard at the Show at an Express Pass kiosk. If you forget your Express Pass, use the self-serve kiosk to find your registration reservation by last name, or visit ATA staff at main registration for full-service assistance.
10. Pack Your Bags
You’ll walk a lot in Indianapolis and around the Show floor, so it’s best to bring comfortable clothes and shoes. Hand sanitizer, medicines, cough drops, snacks and a reusable water bottle would also be good things to pack. Don’t forget your phone charger, business cards, pens, notebooks and your sales data.
We look forward to seeing you in Indianapolis! If you need something before the Show, please contact the ATA business, membership and Trade Show office at (507) 233-8130.
