Author:
Jackie Holbrook
Welcome to Louisville, Kentucky! We’re excited to have you join us for #ATA2019.
Get ready to attend exciting events, discover the latest products, and learn more about the archery and bowhunting industry. The Show is also a fun time to catch-up with old friends and make new ones.
With 659 exhibitors and 528,000 square feet of exhibit space, there’s a lot to see on the Trade Show floor. Don’t miss a minute of the excitement by getting turned around. Here are some pro tips on how to navigate #ATA2019.
The 2019 Trade Show App is an easy to use portal for all your Show needs. Photo Credit: ATA
Download the 2019 ATA Trade Show Mobile App
Everything you need to know is at your fingertips with the free 2019 ATA Trade Show mobile app. This user-friendly app hosts maps, floor plans, food options, event information, exhibitor lists and more. The app is available for download on iTunes, Google Play and ChirpE.
“Between the app and maps, we always have a good idea of where we are on the floor,” said Nathan Hertzog with Weaknecht Archery in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
Getting to the Kentucky Exposition Center: Shuttles
ATA provides complementary shuttles to the Kentucky Exposition Center for ATA members staying in the ATA hotel block. Shuttles will run during the following times:
Wed. Jan. 9th 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Thurs. Jan. 10th 6 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri. Jan. 11th 6 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat. Jan. 12th 6 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Here is a look at the hotel shuttle routes. The information is also available on the app and there is also plenty of signage at hotels and at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
Getting to the Kentucky Exposition Center: Parking
If you’re driving, the Kentucky Exposition Center has over 19,000 parking spaces. There are five entry gates. Your phone and/or vehicle’s GPS system will direct you to Gate 1. However, for faster access into the facility, use Gates 2, 3, 4 or 6. Parking passes are available to purchase online and at the gate.
Get your badge smoothly at one of our Express kiosks. Photo Credit: ATA
Getting Your Show Badge
When you registered for #ATA2019 you should have received an email with your Express Pass. Bring your printed Express Pass to registration and scan it at the Express Pass kiosks to print your Trade Show badge. If you have questions, visit the Main Registration located in the South Wing Lobby A.
Find Your Favorite Exhibitors
The quickest and easiest way to find a booth is by using the 2019 ATA Trade Show mobile app. The app’s dashboard has an “Exhibitors” section that contains an alphabetized exhibitor list. (It’s also organized by product category.) Tap the exhibitor you want to locate. Then tap “Map It.” Look for the red pin drop on the floor map to find the location of the booth.
The app also allows you to star exhibitors you want to visit during the Show. Your starred exhibitors will show up in the app’s “My Planner” section. “The app is super helpful,” said Nicole Tindale of Flaming Arrow Archery in Kalispell, Montana. “I starred everyone I want to make sure I visit.”
Under the “Floor Plans/Maps” section of the mobile app, you will find a complete map of the Trade Show floor. If you zoom in you will find each exhibitor name accompanied by the booth number. There are also maps posted throughout the Kentucky Exposition Center and hand-held maps are also available.
“I usually carry a little map with me and I have it on my phone,” said George Wagner, of Shooter’s Choice in Waterloo, Ontario. Wagner has been attending the Show for years and his experience helps him navigate the Show smoothly. “I start in the middle of the floor because the big crowds start at one end or the other, so I go where there are less people to start.”
Jim Akers, co-owner of Twisted Arrow, LLC in Poplar Bluff, Missouri used trial-and-error to figure out the best way to navigate the Show. “The first year we came and tried to stop at every booth,” Akers said. “Because it’s so large, we found that on the last day we were struggling to get everything in. Now we have game plan. We go through our shop, looking at what sold last year and we go there first.”
After hitting the floor for a few hours your feet will need a break and your tummy will need some refueling. Visit the “Food” section of the app for a map and complete list of all the food and drink options available at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
Don’t Miss Booth Events
You won’t want to miss attending some exciting booth events for a glimpse at new products and industry celebs. On the ATA Trade Show mobile app dashboard the “Booth Events” section has a complete list of events. Tap on the individual event listing to find the booth number and tap “Map It” to see the location displayed by a red pin drop on the map within the app.
Bonnie Strubel of K & B Archery in Mitchell, South Dakota always tries to attend a few booth events. She says she usually finds them by following the crowds. “We’ve been coming long enough that we pretty much have an idea of what’s going on and where,” Strubel said.
There are a variety of different topics set up for Seminars and Coffee Talks. Photo Credit: ATA
Get Savvy at a Seminar or Coffee Talk
A variety of educational seminars are held daily from 7:15 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. The seminars take place in the “C” conference rooms. ATA staff will host Coffee Talks throughout the day in the centrally-located My ATA area of the Trade Show floor. For a complete list of seminars and Coffee Talks tap the “Seminars” button on the mobile app. Each listing will be accompanied by the time and location.
What if I Get Lost?
Help is just a click away with the 2019 ATA Trade Show mobile app! If at anytime you don’t know where you are on the floor or you need help locating a booth, tap the “Floor Plan/Maps” button on the app’s dashboard. At the bottom of the screen, below the map, you will see a “Locate Me” button. Tap the button and you will be prompted to enter a nearby exhibitor’s name. Look around and type in the name of the nearest exhibitor you see. The app will place a red pin on the map at that booth, giving you an idea of where you are on the Trade Show floor.
Just Ask!
It’s not like you’re asking for GPS coordinates to a hunting spot – if you have questions about getting around the Trade Show floor, don’t’ be afraid to ask! ATA staff will be walking the floor in logo gear. If you have a question about navigating the Show ask any of the friendly ATA staff.
The centrally-located My ATA area is also a great place to find ATA staff members at the information booth. While you’re at the My ATA area, take a minute to learn more about the many ATA-member programs and how they can boost your business.
Enjoy the Show!
