6.9.10 | ATA Trade Show Becomes a Members-Only Event

IMPORTANT UPDATE, 6.21.10: The ATA Board has temporarily suspended the implementation of a members-only Trade Show for 2011.

New Ulm, Minn. - In a move to simplify registration and reward consistent and loyal attendees, the ATA Trade Show will be a members-only show in 2011.

Already, the ATA has secured three new, downtown hotels - all deeply discounted and within walking distance of the Indianapolis Convention Center - which will be offered first to longstanding ATA retailer members. More specifically, each of these three hotels are located across the street from the Trade Show and connected by covered skywalks.

"With this change we've committed to two things: first, we're taking that next step in a larger and on-going effort to streamline registration," said Jay McAninch, the ATA president/CEO, who initiated an effort last year to make online registration available to Show attendees. "Secondly, we've dedicated ourselves to looking out for our member retailers and rewarding that group for their loyalty and we're doing it with the most significant hotel packages we've ever offered."

In past years, the ATA featured two registration systems, one for members and one for non-members. Yet, only a quarter of retailers who attended the 2010 Show were non-members. This made it increasingly difficult to justify a separate, non-member registration that involved a two-step process. Non-member attendees must first be verified as valid and legitimate businesses in the archery and bowhunting industry. Then, registration information must be captured for proper Show access and badging.

"In addition to the benefit of attending the Trade Show, the ATA membership is ultimately an investment in the industry's efforts to grow its sports and that's a shared interest among everyone attending the Show," said Michele Eichler, CEO of Muzzy Products Corp and ATA Board Chair.

The ATA Trade Show is the only archery and bowhunting show that dedicates net revenues to fund archery and bowhunting programs, projects and industry growth. Over the past five years, the ATA has invested and pledged nearly $2 million to bring introductory archery and bowhunting programs and shooting facilities to U.S. cities.

If you have questions or concerns, please call Maria Lewis toll free at (866) 266-2776, extension 2 or she can be reached by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .