October Marks a Registration Tipping Point

By Amy Hatfield

After the 2011 Trade Show, the ATA - led by Kelly Hotovec, our in-house data and Excel guru - studied registration numbers and the habits of Trade Show attendees.

While we don't know all your habits - like your favorite midnight snack or how often you brush - we do know when you register, when you respond to promotional materials when you don't, and when certain membership groups like to register.

In 2010 we averaged 50 weekly registrations for the 13 weeks between July 5 and Oct. 3. Then, during that first full week of October, weekly registrations jumped dramatically. No less than 100 registrations came in weekly until the Show opened in January, with the busiest weeks of autumn tallying registration numbers of 614, 832 and 1,115.

These registration trends are more than simple fun facts. They show us that October is a tipping point. We're in that moment right now where the sounds of mounting movement pierce the quiet like the birth of an avalanche. You guys are the snow and you're about to cascade into the ATA hotel blocks. It's go time. Rooms are limited, but they remain. This won't be the case as we move further along, into the final months of this year. Beginning now, I encourage you to be the first snow down the mountain.

Below you'll find links and steps to register, and access the ATA hotel block. But before you scroll down, check out the latest numbers on floor space sold. As of September 30:

• 439 exhibitors have reserved space on the Show floor.
• These exhibitors have rented 157,400 square feet of space.
• Of the 439 exhibitors, 54 (12 percent) are new to the ATA Show.
• 24 companies have locked in space in the Innovation Zone, totaling 1,152 square feet.
  
• All 73 shooting lanes - 20,100 square feet of space - have been rented.

NOTE: Unexpected circumstances can cause a few exhibitors to change their booth size or cancel their space, so there's always the chance limited room will become available. If you want to exhibit at the 2012 Trade Show, get on the ATA's waiting list by contacting Maria Lewis, Trade Show manager, at (507) 233-8133 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

To Register for the 2012 Trade Show and Reserve Your Hotel Room at the Show:

1. Register First. You must register to attend the 2012 Trade Show HERE.
2. Next, Receive Your Access Code. Once registered, you'll receive a confirmation e-mail that includes an access code and instructions to book your room.