ATA Trade Show: Less Than 8 Weeks Away

I'd like to talk about tipping points again (I did that last month in the context of registration trends). If I think about Trade Show prep for those attending, there's a tipping point there too. We often read information as it comes, sometimes skimming for what's most important or interesting, but reading liberally to get a feel for the event. Then, as the event is nearly upon us, there's a shift. Planning really starts and it becomes focused on mining the raw information needed to get from point A to point B.

Take a guy prepping for a football game he'll attend in a week. There's a time he will read the gameday promos, player profiles and editorial on how offenses wills stack up against defenses and so on. But five minutes before kickoff, what does he hold in his hand? A roster. There's no graphics and no hype; just a list of names, jersey numbers and a few other fundamental items. For the Trade Show, as always, you'll have the Show Guide at the Show, which offers your fundamental information: schedules, floor plan, booth numbers and so on. But unlike always, this year's Show Guide is a dual threat.

The 2012 publication - the Official ATA Show Guide and Membership Directory -list all ATA member companies in a comprehensive directory including manufacturers, retailers, distributors, sales reps, media and other industry businesses. Now that the directory will be an addition to the existing ATA Show Guide, every industry company attending the 2012 ATA Show will receive a complete directory to start the year. Distribution throughout the outdoor business and nonprofit community is also planned. Plus, register before Nov. 30 and your business will be listed in this all-new publication.

What's In It For The Dealers?

• Location-over 70 percent of all the dealers in the ATA's database are within 600 miles of Columbus, including 25 percent within 200 miles or less
• Shooting Lanes-There are 74 shooting lanes this year to demo products
• Member Lounge-2 member lounges open throughout show hours and are no charge to you. You can access the Internet, grab a snack and conduct business.
• Booth Personnel-Speak directly to company owners, engineers, sales staff, make key contacts and direct contact with the experts.
• Diversified Exhibitors-over 440 exhibitors that cover every archery and bowhunting product as well as supporting categories like cutlery, clothing, optics, cooking, camping and ATV
• Show Discounts & Promotions-Exhibitors offer plenty of Show discounts that more than off-set the cost to attend the Show. See new products revealed at the Show.
• NABA- NABA holds one of their two annual shows in conjunction with the ATA Trade Show. NABA members find their buy group discounts at participating company booths on the ATA Show floor.
• ARRO-ARRO holds their annual HOT show in conjunction with the ATA Trade Show. ARRO will be holding its annual HOT SHOW Sunday, Jan. 8 and Monday, Jan. 9 also at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. ARRO retailers may be eligible for travel reimbursement based on the orders they place at the HOT SHOW.
• Other Events-Outtech will hold their Innovations event on Monday before the ATA Show opens. Beer and Gear Exchange, the Celebrity Can Cooker Event and the Baldies event to support cancer research. Hudalla and Associates will also sponsor a cash giveaway event.
• Hotels- Negotiated discounted hotel packages for members that include complimentary Internet as well as complimentary or discounted breakfast and parking.

Exhibitors: Don't Overlook Fast Approaching Deadlines in Your Exhibitor Kit

Important dates are listed in the first page of your Exhibitor Kit, plus you can download deadlines here. The list is a quick reference to what you need and when it's too late to get it at the best rates available.

The deadline to update your Show Guide information or enter booth events is December 2. This year, both are updated online through your You Are Here admin access.

Something New. It Involves Your Gadgets.

This year, the ATA is placing four Business Hubs on the Trade Show floor. Each Business Hub features three items: 1) For the first time, power charging stations so you're not walking around conserving your one bar that remains on the battery-life graphic of your phone's display screen. 2) You Are Here kiosks featuring the interactive floor plan and directory. Plus, use the kiosks to find who you're looking for and print the location and company information. 3) Literature kiosks, where you can grab free materials on products and companies that meet your interest.

Show Facts Featured In This Newsletter

If you need instructions on how to register online or who to call to walk you through registration, there are instructions and contact information on our registration feature. Exhibitors looking to buy Beer and Gear tickets for their top dealers, should go to our piece featuring Kurt Weber's contact information. Big Buck Tags coupon book is going to print in the next few weeks, here's how to participate. If you're a journalist and are looking to obtain a press badge, go to our Web page with instructions for press.