Author:
Cassie Gasaway
As the archery industry and ATA membership evolve, so must the ATA and the Trade Show. You’ve witnessed many changes the past year through the ATA’s strategic planning priorities, but that work is never done.
Maria Lewis, ATA’s senior director of the Trade Show and membership, worked with her team and the Show’s advisory team to review post-Show surveys and begin planning the best Show yet. They’re excited about those efforts, and you should be, too!
Let’s review what’s new for the 2020 ATA Trade Show in Indianapolis Jan. 9-11.
This year there will be a designated day for buyers and exhibitors to do business without other badge holders on the Show floor. Photo Credit: ATA
Buyer Day
Only those with a yellow buyers badge or red exhibitors badge can enter the exhibit hall on Day 1 of the 2020 ATA Trade Show. This change ensures buyers and manufacturers can focus their efforts on uninterrupted order writing, business planning, and new-product evaluations the first 9.5 hours of the three-day Show. The Show floor opens to all attendees the next two days, Jan. 10-11. The ATA Board of Directors approved this change in April.
Awards Programs
The ATA created an awards program to recognize members for their achievements or for creating products. The ATA will present about 26 awards at the Show. Innovative new equipment, products in the Featured Product Showcase, and people and companies inspiring others to try archery are eligible for awards. Click here for more information.
Seminars will now start at 8 a.m. and not until the second day of the Show. Photo Credit: ATA
Seminars
Seminars have long been offered each day of the Show at 7: 15 a.m. The 2020 Show offers seminars at 8 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. on Day 2 and Day 3. Seminars will not be offered on Day 1. This change lets attendees focus on business the first day, but still attend multiple seminars the next two mornings.
Seminars are hour-long formal classes that help attendees learn, grow and prosper. They’re presented in “classrooms” to share information and answer questions. The topics range from websites, marketing and social media to high-priority issues like counterfeiting, MAP policies and federal-excise taxes. They’re great opportunities to gain knowledge and perspective, and learn about best practices for business and the industry.
Kurt Smith, ATA’s director of industry relations, is accepting presenter application forms through the MyATA Login tab on archerytrade.org until July 31. To apply, log into your MyATA member dashboard and click “Call for Presenters.” Complete the form and click “finish” to submit your application. You’ll receive an email confirmation. You can submit the form up to five times if you’re proposing different ideas or wish to present at multiple platforms.
Hands-on Demonstrations
Besides the seminars and Coffee Talks, the ATA Show is including hands-on demonstrations by exhibitors. They’re free, and will take place in two spaces on the Show floor. Exhibitors can present a demonstration or training session in 30- or 60-minute time slots to share tips and techniques beyond what’s possible at their booth.
The demonstrations help attendees familiarize themselves with products. This firsthand knowledge of products and how they works helps retailers market the items to customers. Exhibitors can apply to hold these presentations using the same process described earlier in the seminar section. The application deadline is July 31.
$5,000 Giveaways
The ATA is giving away $5,000 each day of the Show for a total of $15,000. Retailers who place $5,000 in orders at the Show can fill out the first coupon in their Big Buck Tags book, and drop it off in the MyATA Area for a chance to win $5,000. This new giveaway and raffle is the ATA’s way of thanking attendees for doing business on the Show floor.
Once retailers submit their coupon they’ll be eligible to win throughout the Show. For example, retailers who place $5,000 in orders on Day 1 will have three chances to win. Winners will be selected in the MyATA Area at 5 p.m. on Day 1 and 2, and 3 p.m. on Day 3. Retailers must be present to win. Winners will need to provide proof of written orders.
Merchandise
The ATA will sell merchandise including hats, T-shirts and sweatshirts in the MyATA Area. Buyers will have six original designs to choose from, all of which help promote archery.
There will still be a MyATA area and Coffee Talks. Photo Credit: ATA
Back by Popular Demand
The 2020 Show will again feature the MyATA Area, a dedicated space on the Show floor that focuses on learning and collaboration. ATA staff will be nearby if you want to ask questions, get information, or share thoughts and opinions.
Attendees can also attend Coffee Talks, casual 30-minute discussions that take place regularly in the MyATA Area. The talks were well-received in 2019, and gave attendees a chance to sit and take a break while learning about the ATA, its partners and initiatives.
Don’t miss the fun! #ATA2020 is your chance to learn new things, earn awards and win giveaways. Register for the 2020 ATA Trade Show today! Log into your MyATA member dashboard and click “Badge Registration” to register.
Questions? Need help registering? Contact the ATA Trade Show, business and membership office toll-free at (866) 266-2776, option 1.
