The 2024 ATA Show heads to St. Louis Jan. 11-13, 2024, for the first time in ATA Trade Show history. The city’s many offerings and robust archery scene indicate ATA members will enjoy their time and experiences in the area during the upcoming Show.
St. Louis welcomes 28.2 million annual visitors for leisure, conventions, meetings and business travel each year. Plus, thousands of the city’s residents partake in archery or bowhunting. The city has the St. Louis Archery Club, the St. Louis Bowhunter’s Archery Club, urban bowhunting opportunities, and several pro shops and outdoor archery ranges.
Mike Lawson says many St. Louis area residents enjoy archery and bowhunting, as seen in the growing popularity of his shop. Photo Credit: North American Outfitters
North American Outfitters, an archery pro shop 35 minutes from St. Louis, is bowhunting focused but caters to everyone in the area who enjoys recreational or competition archery. Manager Mike Lawson said the shop has a 12,000-plus customer base and is steadily growing.
“Post-COVID has been amazing for our shop with the best years of sales in our 19-year history, and we’re still growing,” he said. “Our busy months are beyond extremely busy, and our slower months are becoming busier every year. The growth of our industry and shop have been amazing.”
Lawson believes the St. Louis population becomes more receptive to archery and bowhunting each year and said the ATA Show’s presence in centrally located St. Louis will benefit residents, businesses and the industry.
“Having the ATA Show local cuts down on travel for us, but it will also bring a big influx of income and archery awareness to the St. Louis metro area,” he said. “The Show will help us promote the sport and hopefully grow archery and the outdoor community here.”
Lawson and his team attend the ATA Show annually for business and cushion their trip with vacation time to experience the location. He and his wife toured the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, and went to Churchill Downs and took a bourbon tour in Louisville. He encourages ATA members to attend the Show and reserve a few days before or after the three-day event to explore St. Louis because there’s a lot to see and do.
“St. Louis gets a bad rap, but it’s a good city,” Lawson said. “My family has been here for 75 to 80 years. I kept my family here because you get a little bit of everything weather wise, and it takes me 45 minutes to get to town and do anything I’ve ever wanted to do. It really is a great city to visit. People will like St. Louis if they give it a chance.”
St. Louis is home to great entertainment and sightseeing. Photo Credit: Explore St. Louis
Cat Neville, communications vice president for Explore St. Louis, agrees. She’s lived in the city her entire life and worked in St. Louis media for over 20 years. She said it’s an ideal location for the ATA Show and Showgoers.
“St. Louis is family-friendly, caters to music, history and sports buffs, and has many places to enjoy beer, sports and live music,” she said. “Our city is so vibrant, and the people are so hospitable. We have so much to offer visitors, including many free experiences, and I think ATA members will really enjoy their time in town.”
Neville said members can start planning their trip to St. Louis for the ATA Show, Jan. 11-13, 2024. Use the Explore St. Louis website for helpful information, and view the St. Louis Visitors Guide online or request a free printed copy. For visitor information, call (800) 916-8938.
“We look forward to welcoming ATA members to our city,” Neville said. “We’re here to make sure you have an unparalleled experience. Please connect with us if you need help planning your trip.”
Booth selection for the 2024 ATA Show opens in June. Registration opens in August. Stay tuned for future ATA articles about St. Louis. We’ll share Neville’s and Lawson’s recommendations on where to eat, what to see and how to navigate the city in the coming months.
The ATA Show is a members-only event. Contact the ATA’s business, membership and Trade Show office to join the ATA or for questions at (866) 266-2776.
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