Held in conjunction with the ATA Show, the Summit is the most efficient and impactful way to bring together industry leaders and state and federal agencies to discuss archery and bowhunting.
- Take part in interactive discussions and panel talks
-
Be the first to hear findings from our multi-state grant study
on the crossbow market - Enjoy exclusive access to the ATA Trade Show floor
- And much more!
Education, alignment and strong partnerships between the archery industry and public agencies are essential to advancing R3 and conservation efforts. We hope you’ll make plans to join us!
For questions, contact Nicole Nash, ATA’s senior manager of outreach, at nicolenash@archerytrade.org.
Step 1: Register for the ATA Trade Show.
Step 2: Under the Events/Certification Section, click the “Select” button next to the Summit to add the event to your registration.
Please note: The Summit is $100 per person for Department of Natural Resource groups that would like to sign up.
It is free to attend for any other attendee groups (retailers, exhibitors, etc.) that are already attending the Show.
PRELIMINARY2026 SUMMIT AGENDA
As of Nov. 8, 2025
8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — ATA Show Floor Open
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. — Welcome
Kick off the Summit with a warm welcome from ATA and a quick rundown of Summit housekeeping—including details on your welcome packet and an exciting raffle giveaway! Get the latest update on the LA 2028 Summer Olympics, where the Compound Bow Mixed Team event is making waves, and hear news about the upcoming Rushmore Rumble in Indy. We’ll also take a moment to recognize and thank our incredible sponsors who make it all possible!
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Multi-State Crossbow Study: Key Insights & First Look at Findings
Thanks to support from the Multi-State Conservation Grant Program, ATA and Responsive Management conducted a comprehensive crossbow study across several states. This session offers an exclusive first look at the report’s findings, providing valuable insights into crossbow use, participation trends, and public perceptions. Attendees will gain a broader understanding of crossbows’ role across multiple jurisdictions and what it means for the future of archery and bowhunting.
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. — The Wisconsin Crossbow Study: Trends, Data and Industry Impact
This session offers an in-depth look at the Wisconsin Crossbow Study, highlighting key trends and data sets collected since the inception of the state’s crossbow season. Attendees will gain a state-level perspective on how crossbow participation has evolved over time — and how it continues to support the broader archery and bowhunting industry.
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. — BREAK
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — State Director Panel: Crossbows and the Future of Bowhunting Participation
What is the right balance between inclusion and integrity when it comes to crossbow policy and the future of bowhunting? Crossbows have become a key access point for new and returning hunters, especially for youth, women, and older participants. However, they also raise ongoing debates around fair chase, technology limits, and season integrity. The ATA and its partners are uniquely positioned to help shape data-driven, inclusive, and ethical policy frameworks.
Discussion Focus:
– How crossbow adoption has affected overall bowhunting participation and recruitment.
– Balancing technology and tradition: how to maintain the identity of archery seasons while welcoming new hunters.
– Lessons from states that have expanded crossbow seasons and seen positive (or neutral) participation impacts.
– Opportunities for manufacturers and state agencies to collaborate on education and hunter competency.
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. — Industry Celebration Event, presented by Mossy Oak – Must have Show Badge
8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — ATA Show Floor Open
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. — State Director Panel: The Future of Bowhunting Participation: Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation 2.0
How can the archery industry and its partners modernize R3 strategies to ensure bowhunting remains relevant, inclusive, and sustainable for the next generation? Participation is the foundation of bowhunting’s future. While early R3 (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation) initiatives stabilized hunter numbers, changing demographics, cultural shifts, and new technologies — including crossbows — require a fresh approach. “R3 2.0” represents the next evolution: a coordinated, data-driven strategy to engage new audiences, retain active hunters, and re-engage lapsed participants through modern outreach and partnerships.
Discussion Focus:
– Lessons learned from the first decade of R3 efforts and how to modernize them.
– How crossbow inclusion and technology adoption influence participation growth.
– Strategies for reaching emerging audiences: women, youth, and urban participants.
– The role of retailers, manufacturers, and state agencies in sustaining participation.
– Using data and customer engagement metrics to track long-term success.
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. — Public Views of Hunting and Shooting Sports
Public opinion can make—or break—the future of hunting and the shooting sports. Join the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS) for an eye-opening look at research from the Multi-State Grant Study with Responsive Management, revealing what Americans really think about hunting, archery, and the shooting sports today.
This dynamic session goes beyond the data to uncover new opportunities—especially in archery, one of the fastest-growing entry points for new participants. Learn how to spark authentic, value-based conversations that build understanding, break down barriers, and inspire support for the traditions we all care about. Come ready to rethink how we connect, communicate, and champion the future of our outdoor heritage.
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. — Friends of NASP®: Building Community Connections Through Retail Engagement
Discover how the Friends of NASP® program helps connect youth archers with local, NASP®-friendly retailers. Hear from real supporters and learn how this ATA-led initiative gives retailers practical ways to get involved and grow future participation.
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — BREAK
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Youth Programming Panel: Reducing Barriers & Strengthening the R3 ORAM Pathway
Why is it important to know what’s going on in your local archery scene when trying to build a strong community? Join a panel of organizations leading youth-focused archery and bowhunting programs as they share how their efforts can seamlessly integrate with state agency goals — with no added workload for agency staff. Retailers can use this information to expand their customer base. This discussion will highlight the value of simply being aware of what’s already happening in your state — and how that awareness can help remove participation barriers and strengthen recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts.
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Panel Discussion – State Director Panel: Aligning State Regulations: Consistency, Access, and Fair Chase
How can the archery industry and state agencies work together to modernize and align crossbow regulations for clarity, consistency, and hunter success? Crossbow hunting regulations remain inconsistent across the U.S. — with differing definitions, draw-weight limits, and season access rules. This regulatory patchwork confuses hunters, burdens manufacturers, and complicates advocacy. A leadership-level discussion can identify how ATA can support greater alignment, clarity, and evidence-based policy.
Discussion Focus:
– The state-by-state variation in crossbow definitions and access rules.
– Balancing biological data, public opinion, and industry interests in regulatory decisions.
– How important the role of the ATA is in promoting model policy frameworks or science-based recommendations.
– Opportunities for improving communication and data sharing among state agencies.
The Summit provides agencies, organizations, and manufacturers the opportunity to create a melting pot of ideas. The excitement and energy these folks bring to the table sends you home with dozens of new ideas and initiatives. That drive keeps us motivated and pushing to create a brighter future for the next generation of archery.
– Todd Holmes, Pennsylvania Game Commission
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
- Meet Peers at the Welcome Social
- Attend Education Sessions and Panel Discussions
- Access the ATA Trade Show Floor
- Enjoy the ATA Industry Celebration Event
2026 SUMMIT SPONSORS
