Trade Show
The ATA Show Then and Now (We’re Looking at You 2024!)
The ATA Show is constantly evolving. Discover what the 2024 ATA Show has to offer.
Photo Credit: ATA
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Author: Cassie Gasaway
Twenty-six years after the first ATA Show in 1997, the ATA Show is still a business-to-business event focused on commerce and growth. It’s also the industry’s largest celebration of archery and bowhunting, gathering thousands of men and women from different ethnicities and geographic locations to connect with peers, see new products, conduct business and share trade insights. It’s the family reunion of the archery industry.
Discover everything the 2024 Show in St. Louis, Jan. 11-13, has to offer and stroll down memory lane with Brian Bychowski, president of Pine Ridge Archery and Du-Bro Products, exhibiting in Booth 1905 at the 2024 Show.
The ATA Show allows members to see and feel new products and network with other industry members. Photo credit: Brian Bychowski
Then and Now
Bychowski attended his first ATA Show in 2002 under the Archery Manufacturers Organization name. He said a few things have changed, but “ATA has done a great job of keeping (the ATA Show) what it was compared to back in the day.”
In other words, the ATA Show will, as always, focus on facilitating connections, strengthening business, and growing the archery and bowhunting industry.
The ATA Show is a members-only event that attracts retailers, manufacturers, distributors, archery coaches, outdoor media, industry representatives and conservation organization staff to chat about all things archery. Show conversations kick-start improvement and recruitment ideas, and open the door to relationships, partnerships and business opportunities.
Bychowski said the current ATA Show is more diverse and all-encompassing than it was. The dynamic event now has:
- New products: Exhibitors launched over 200 new products at the 2023 Show, giving attendees a once-a-year opportunity to see, touch and examine products and talk to product engineers. ATA members can expect similar new product releases at the upcoming event.
- Promotions: Show-goers have multiple ways to save and score, including the ATA’s “First Night’s on Us” promotion, where each retail account will receive a $150 credit on their bill for the first night of their hotel stay, as long as they book in the ATA hotel block. The 2024 Show will also bring back beloved favorites like the goody bag and Big Buck Tag coupon book. The ATA will announce more promotions in the coming weeks.
- Post-Show events: Attendees can enjoy free drinks, food and entertainment after the Show floor closes at events like the ATA’s Industry Celebrations, presented by Mossy Oak and Outtech Innovations.
- Certification courses: Earn your Bow Technician Certification through the ATA or take an archery instructor certification course at the Show.
- Awards: ATA recognizes new products, industry icons and those growing the industry through education and recruiting through its Best in Show awards program.
- Educational opportunities: ATA members can attend Coffee Talks and the Archery Industry Masterclass to gather information on business, marketing, coaching and more.
- Staff support: ATA staff are available to talk through ATA-member resources, like the ATA’s Quarterly Retail Business Tracker Survey.
Bychowski said these improvements benefit ATA members who take advantage of them.
The Show has been an invaluable part of the industry for decades. Photo credit: Brian Bychowski
Timeless Unmatched Business Opportunities
Bychowski loves the ATA Show most for its social aspect and opportunities, which are unmatched and ever-expanding, and said the ATA Show has the best buying atmosphere.
“It’s a heavy order-writing Show for us, of all the shows we attend,” he said. “We joke that many of our deals are done off the Show floor at restaurants, hotels and bars. That’s somewhat a lie because we meet people at the booth and give them a pitch but run into them afterward and start chatting.”
Whether ATA members do business at the Show or after it because of the Show, attending the ATA Show will always be more productive and constructive than conducting business by phone or email.
“Some retailers come to us wanting to order wrenches and that’s it, but while they’re (at our booth), they’re physically touching samples and listening to our sales reps mention complementary products,” he said. “They walk away with an order of 15 SKUs that they needed but would’ve overlooked in a product catalog. Retailers can look at you from across the table and know if you’re genuine or throwing BS. You can’t get any of that from a phone call.”
Attend and See
Register now for the 2024 ATA Show and plan your trip to St. Louis.
“Everyone needs to be there in St. Louis,” Bychowski said. “We have to go for the greater good of the industry. We have to meet face to face and support each other to keep the network and industry strong. You’ll get deals, better shipping, product discounts and exposure to new items. That and the face time you get with peers and the relationships you build at the Show are invaluable.”
Questions? Contact Sarah Haala, ATA’s Trade Show coordinator at sarahhaala@archerytrade.org.
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