The 2024 ATA Show’s first trip to St. Louis kicked off the year by connecting the archery industry with exhibitors reporting strong order writing and retailers getting their first look at more than 150 newly launched products. Additionally, this year’s event attracted more than 100 archery retailers to their first ATA Show.
Jeff Poole, ATA’s president and CEO, said, “The ATA Show continues to be the best place to see new products, connect face to face and conduct business with archery professionals from around the globe. We’ve heard great things about the Show location, atmosphere and buying opportunities.”
Overall, both exhibitors and retailers were satisfied with the 2024 ATA Show.
“The ATA Show is the place to meet people, make friends and build relationships,” said David Merrill, owner of Bow Spider in Riverton, Wyoming. “I’ve reached a lot of clients I haven’t in the past by being here in St. Louis. It’s good to get in front of fresh eyeballs, write orders and sell products but it’s interactions with the smallest dealer to the biggest industry influencer that make the ATA Show irreplaceable.”
Phil Kepple, owner of 4 Arrows Archery in Weedsport, New York, had a similar reaction to the Show from a retailer’s perspective.
“It’s important to make the investment to come to the ATA Show because you get business and relationship opportunities that you wouldn’t get if you didn’t attend. I’ll say with 100% confidence going into my 11th year of business that I wouldn’t be in business if I wasn’t an ATA member and I didn’t attend the ATA Show.”
New Products
Exhibitors came to impress and launched a record 156 new products at the ATA Show. Attendees had the opportunity to see, touch and test the products released on Day 1 of the Show, including several bows and crossbows launched by Obsession Bows, Excalibur, BALLISTA and more.
“It’s nice to see old friends in person but I love that I’m able to find new products and get the best deals on products here at the Show,” said Judy Adams, owner of Buffalo Jump Archery in Helena, Montana. “I hear about products, and I’ve changed my mind about them after seeing and testing them. Being in-person at the Show helps me make educated decision on what I bring into my shop. That’s key for my business.”
Networking
All attendees were welcome on the Show floor all three days of the event, creating opportunities for authentic interactions.
“Booth traffic has been steady day after day,” said Scott Johnson, co-owner of Twisted Iron Hunting. “We met a lot of great people and we’ve written some really good orders, but the most important thing for us is networking. We made some fantastic contacts with different companies. I would never have some of the opportunities I’ve had without attending the ATA Show. We will absolutely attend the Show next year and from here on out.”
ATA’s Award Program
The ATA honored Pete Shepley, founder and leader of PSE Archery for 50-plus years, with its inaugural Industry Icon award. The ATA also awarded winners for the ATA’s Impact Awards and New Product Showcase Awards. Read the ATA’s press release for more details and to see the full list of award recipients.
The ATA Show returns to Indianapolis for the next three years! Please plan to join us next year, January 8-10, 2025.
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