The Archery Trade Associations board of directors has changed the 2010 Trade Show dates to Jan. 13-15 to accommodate a scheduling conflict.
By approving the change, the ATA Board shifted the Trade Show to a Wednesday-Friday schedule. The Trade Show had been scheduled for Jan. 14-16, 2010, its usual Thursday-Saturday timetable.
The Board made the change so exhibitors attending both the ATA and SHOT shows had enough time to make the transition between events. Before adjusting the ATA Show dates, these exhibitors had only two days to pack up in Columbus, and travel and set up in Las Vegas.
In 2009, 95 exhibitors set up at both trade shows. Of that group, 24 had ATA booths that occupied at least 500 square feet, and they combined for 24,600 square feet. After calling these 24 exhibitors, ATA staff learned nearly 30% would downsize their exhibit space at the ATA Show to make both shows. Meanwhile, over 50% vowed to maintain the size of their booth space, regardless of the two-day turnaround. The other 20% said they would not attend the SHOT Show.
Another important consideration was Saturday attendance by dealers. The new dates of Jan. 13-15 kick off the ATA Show on a Wednesday rather than its usual Thursday, and end on Friday rather than the usual Saturday. ATA staff studied how many retail shops had staff drive to the show and attend Saturday only. In the past two shows at Indianapolis, Saturday-only shop attendance was 2.7% of 2008s overall attendance and 3.3% of 2009s overall attendance.
Given exhibitor feedback, the ATA believes this decision to adjust show dates will benefit participation and the shows financial success. Those advantages should also offset additional expenses incurred to pay laborers to prepare the show floor for a Wednesday morning opening.
