As the archery industry and ATA membership evolve, so must the ATA and its 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, senior director of the ATA Trade Show and membership, worked with her team and the show’s advisory team to review post-show surveys and begin planning the best archery 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, Indiana, Jan. 9 to 11, 2020.

Buyer Day

Only those with a yellow buyers badge or red exhibitors badge can enter the exhibit hall on day No. 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 3-day show. The show floor opens to all attendees the next 2 days, January 10 to 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 2020 show. Innovative new equipment, featured products, as well as individuals and companies inspiring others to try archery are eligible for awards.

Seminars

Seminars have long been offered each day of the show at 7:15 a.m. The 2020 event offers seminars at 8 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. on days two and three. Seminars will not be offered on day No. 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 such as 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.

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 work helps retailers market the items to customers.

$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, then drop it off in the MyATA Area for a chance to win $5,000. This new giveaway and raffle is ATA’s way of thanking attendees for doing business on the show floor.

After retailers submit their coupon, they’ll be eligible to win throughout the show. For example, retailers who place $5,000 in orders on day No. 1 will have three chances to win. Winners will be selected in the MyATA Area at 5 p.m. on days one and two, and 3 p.m. on day No. 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.

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. The 2020 ATA Show (#ATA2020) is your chance to learn, earn awards and win giveaways. Register for the event today by logging into your MyATA member dashboard and clicking “Badge Registration.”

Still have questions or need help registering? Contact the ATA Trade Show, business and membership office toll-free at (866) 266-2776, option 1, or visit www.archerytrade.org.