The First Look at the 2022 ATA Trade Show

It’s been a while, but in seven months, we can finally get together in person for the 2022 ATA Trade Show. Everything looks good, and planning is well underway for the three-day event on Jan. 7-9, 2022.

https://youtu.be/qxN9cYH5bD4

Before we preview #ATA2022 happenings, let’s take a quick look at some recent news.

• The KEC Is Back to Normal: Kentucky dropped its mask mandate and capacity restrictions on June 11. Everyone attending the 2022 Show at the Kentucky Exposition Center can go mask-free, if they choose. Additionally, the KEC will hold events at 100% capacity, meaning the ATA Show can host over 40,000 people, although the members-only Show usually tops out near 11,000.
• Membership Numbers Are On Point: As of May 31, ATA member renewals are trending with previous years. In fact, the retail and range membership category is at 99% of where it was compared with the last in-person Show, which was in January 2020. As such, the ATA expects to have a good Show turnout.
• The Show Floor Is Quickly Filling: The ATA is halfway through the preferred booth selection process. Over 276 companies have secured their spot and just over 75% of the 2022 Show floor space is reserved. Preferred booth selection ends on June 16 and booth selection opens to new ATA Trade Show exhibitors on June 17. Becky Lux, ATA’s senior manager of Trade Show, said we’re on track to sell out the Show floor! Click here to see the floor plan in real-time.

In other words, the future looks bright for the 2022 ATA Trade Show. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect to see at the upcoming Show and what ATA staff are working on for January.

Registration, Press Registration & Hotels

Registration for #ATA2022 opens Aug. 10 and press registration opens Sept. 21. ATA members will have access to the ATA’s hotel block after they register for the Show. As always, the ATA Trade Show is a business-to-business event. You must be an ATA member to register. Please join the ATA or renew your membership so you’re prepared when it’s time to register and book your hotel room.

Please note: The 2022 ATA Trade Show is a Friday-Saturday-Sunday event, which is different from the typical Thursday to Saturday Shows held in the past. Please plan accordingly.

Buyer Day

Buyer Day restricts the Show floor to verified buyers and exhibitors the first day of the Show, Jan. 7. It debuted at the 2020 Show and wasn’t applicable for the ATA 2021 Online, which was the ATA’s virtual Show this year. Over 80% of retailers surveyed after the 2020 ATA Trade Show said Buyer Day was a positive addition to the Show, and 90% of retailers surveyed said they wanted Buyer Day to return for future events. Therefore, the ATA is bringing it back for 2022.

Buyer Day ensures buyers and manufacturers can focus on order writing, business planning, and new-product evaluations the first 9½ hours of the three-day Show. All verified Show attendees will have access Jan. 8-9. The ATA Show offers several fun, educational activities for all Show attendees on Day 1, but keep Buyer Day in mind as you book hotels and plan your trip.

NEW! USA Archery Tournament

For the first time in ATA Trade Show history, USA Archery will host an archery tournament at the Show. The tournament will be held on Friday (Buyer Day) and Saturday in South Wing C. Archers will have the option to walk the Show floor on Sunday as part of their tournament fee. They can pay extra for an additional pass. The event will feature a unique 25-meter shooting distance and will be World Archery certified so participants have a chance to break world records. USA Archery hopes to offer payouts to the winners.

USA Archery is seeking event sponsors. Contact Rod Menzer at rmenzer@usarchery.org for more information.