Retailers: Planning Fun Archery Shoots and Tourneys

Create a Fun, Safe Environment

Participants won’t have fun if they’re worried about getting hurt. Before beginning your event, review its safety rules, introduce the certified instructors who oversee range safety, and ensure everyone knows and understands range etiquette. With everyone on board the safety train, participants can trust the process and enjoy the event.

Long before the big day, carefully plan and design your event’s layout. You’ll ensure an upbeat atmosphere by designing a harmonious flow from the registration booth to the shooting lanes and viewing areas. Place spectators in shady areas if you’re planning a summer event when hot, sunny days are likely. Place food trucks or concession stands near spectators, but downwind or out of sight of the shooting lanes so archers won’t get distracted. Provide free water stations, which can boost spirits and keep everyone hydrated. Also provide resting areas for archers, and alternative activities like a bag toss or bouncy houses for families.

Attract, Recruit Potential Archers

Participants: To help participants feel comfortable competing, offer specific age groups or shooting levels, such as beginner, intermediate or advanced, so everyone competes against similarly qualified archers. Smaller groups also help archers learn and develop friendships with their peers, which makes shooting more fun. You can also host family shoots or events for people with specific skills, assuming there’s interest. Market your event to attract archers and potential archers you can easily work with.

Staff: You need friendly, knowledgeable instructors to help participants and keep your events on schedule. Ask employees to fill in, but don’t force them into uncomfortable situations. If your bow technician lacks people skills, don’t make him run the registration booth. Consider training community volunteers to help, and ask your technician to help with the event’s set-up chores and behind-the-scenes work. Workers make or break events, so recruit people who feel comfortable in crowds. In addition, it’s best to have extras on hand to help.

Celebrities: Football fans enjoy meeting professional football players, right? Well, archery fans like meeting great archers. Imagine a child’s excitement when meeting a well-known archer or pro-staff shooter. They’ll be happy and inspired. Try arranging visits from professional archers or archery celebrities. Their presence will likely boost attendance, too.