ATA Board Tours Louisville Convention Center

During a tour of Louisville and the city’s convention center, ATA Board and staff also dropped in on Churchill Downs.

Nearly 15 years have passed since the archery industry held its trade show in Louisville, Ky., but the ATA Board of Directors recently took a first step toward returning the annual show to its January 1990 birthplace.

When the Board gathered in late June for its annual summer meeting, its members toured the revamped Louisville Convention Center and its facilities. “Louisville has made substantial changes and significant improvements to its Convention Center since the city last hosted our industry show during the mid-1990s,” said Jay McAninch, ATA’s CEO/president. “The Board members indicated they would like to return the show to Louisville at some point, if we can work out terms and conditions that make sense for our members. We haven’t yet scheduled the show for Louisville, but we like its Convention Center and the central location to many hotels. The Board’s visit and positive response made it possible to open negotiations.”

June Board Meeting Briefing

Web site Redesign and Review of User Data. Amy Hatfield, ATA’s communications manager, reviewed efforts to improve the site and increase its usefulness and user interaction. She also presented user data to establish benchmarks and future strategies to evolve the site.

Trade Show Marketing and Promotion. Evaluated marketing and promotion tactics to enhance visibility and attendance at the annual ATA Trade Show. In April, the ATA hired Kurt Weber, an independent brand management consultant and former owner of Apple Archery Products, LLC. During his tenure with Apple, Weber rebuilt the Apple brand and created the Excellence Through Innovation team, launching more than 10 new product offerings in two years.

ATA’s Brand and Identity. Reviewed the ATA’s campaign to increase the visibility and revitalization of its brand and identity. Weber spoke about the history of the brand, and how it will be protected and managed in the years ahead.

Archery and Bowhunting Growth. Considered ATA’s efforts, strategies and outcomes over the past five years to grow archery and bowhunting. “We’ve built a program that is not only enjoying widespread success, but is positioned for even more archery and bowhunting growth nationwide,” McAninch said. “The Board took a hard look at our programs and strategies. Things are going well, but we also see many opportunities for continued growth.”

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