News Release
For Immediate Release
Indy Welcomes Back ATA Trade Show
The Archery industry’s annual ‘Super Bowl’ returns to Indianapolis Jan. 10-12, 2008, expecting its largest show ever in the Indiana Convention Center.
The Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis is making final preparations for the Jan. 10-12 ATA Trade Show — the archery industry’s annual business extravaganza — for the first time since January 2005, with expectations that exhibitors’ booths will cover record amounts of floor space at the Convention Center.
Atlanta played host to the 2006 and 2007 ATA Trade Shows and drew strong attendance by exhibitors and dealers alike. This year’s “business-to-business” show, which isn’t open to the general public, is expected to attract about 3,000 archery dealers and buyers, as well as more than 300 media representatives, because Indianapolis is located within the nation’s core archery and bowhunting region.
As of December 12, 459 exhibitors had reserved booth space totaling 153,950 square feet, which means this year’s show will rival and could exceed the 2005 and 2006 ATA Trade Shows in several categories. The 2006 show in Atlanta drew a record 499 exhibitors, whose booths covered a record 155,500 square feet. The 2005 show in Indianapolis drew 459 exhibitors, whose booths covered 145,400 square feet, a record for that venue.
Archery dealers, buyers and exhibitors interested in attending this potential record-breaking show for Indianapolis have until the end of business on Friday, Dec. 28, to pre-register. For details on registration fees and online registration, click on this link, www.archerytrade.org/tradeshow08/index.html, or call the ATA Trade Show business office at (866) 266-2776 or (801) 261-2380 with questions. The ATA will mail pre-registered attendee packets on Dec. 31. Attendees who miss the pre-registration deadline can register onsite in Indianapolis before and during the show.
For those who need lodging, the deadline has passed for the ATA’s block of discounted rooms, so attendees must make arrangements on their own. For changes to current reservations, contact Indy’s Housing Bureau at (317) 684-2573.
ATA Trade Show attendees not only get to inspect and try out the industry’s latest bows, arrows and accessories, they also receive special show-only discounts for products ordered at the show. In fact, attendees can cover their show-related costs by taking advantage of discounts featured in “The Real Deal,” a dealer program that debuted in 2007 at Atlanta. This program features an exclusive dealer-only room where exhibitors showcase discounted products. Once the show ends Jan. 12, those deals will not be available again. Because only dealers are allowed in the room during show hours, they can efficiently “quick-shop” the aisles and then visit the manufacturers’ booths to place their orders.
Another popular attraction that debuted at the 2007 ATA Trade Show is the “ATA Great Giveaway,” which will be held Friday night, Jan. 11, in the Sagamore Ballroom. Over $200,000 in prizes will be given away to show attendees with tickets during this two-hour event, with all proceeds going toward programs dedicated to growing archery and bowhunting worldwide. For dealers, several “Dealer Dream Hunts” offer special opportunities to win a chance to bowhunt with legends and VIP’s from the industry, in addition to other dealer-only prizes.
Tickets for the Great Giveaway are still available, but online sales close Dec. 28, with the last batch mailing Dec. 31. Click on this link to order tickets now: http://www.archerytrade.org/tradeshow08/greatgiveaway.html. After Dec. 28, Great Giveaway tickets will be available for purchase during the show at registration or the ATA booth on the show floor.
All the fun isn’t confined to Friday night, of course. New for the 2008 show is the World Finals of the Hunting Simulation Organization’s archery tournament, which will be held Thursday night, Jan. 10, in the Sagamore Ballroom, after the show floor closes. Shooters from across the country will compete in this new motion-target event that generates drama, tension and excitement along the shooting line and throughout the stands.
Jay McAninch, ATA president and CEO, said he expects another successful show in Indianapolis. “The ATA Show offers industry professionals many great opportunities,” he said. “It’s a great way for dealers and buyers to meet, strengthen their networks, and to conduct business face to face with our many manufacturers.
“Plus, the more industry professionals who attend, the more revenue the show generates for beginning archery programs like NASP and ASAP, archery ranges, community-archery programs, and other efforts to grow archery and bowhunting nationwide. It’s great to know we can offer ATA members valuable business opportunities and a big return on their investment by growing this market.”
As a result of the consistent strength, size and attendance, the ATA Trade Show ranks among the top 200 trade shows in the United States.
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Contact:
Denise Jordan,
ATA Communications Manager
(866) 266-2776, ext. 206
denisejordan@archerytrade.org
