Maria Lewis has been named exhibitor and member services manager for the Archery Trade Association. The ATA said Lewis, who has managed member services since she was hired in September 2009, will coordinate booth selection for the 2011 Show and serve as the main contact for Trade Show exhibitors.
Lewis joined the ATA when the association was gearing up for its most recent Trade Show, Jan. 13-15. She immediately inherited the responsibility of leading Show registration and exhibitor badge requests. By leading that process, she had contact with attendees and exhibitors and, consequently, a frontline point of view.
“I got a feel for how our Show participants appreciated the new online registration system and what the hang ups were,” said Lewis. “The experience gives me a good grasp of what our members like and dont like moving forward, which is important as were looking at media platforms now that could make the booth selection process much easier for exhibitors. We also expect these upgrades to bring extra value for retailers and Show attendees.”
Once the booth selection upgrades are complete, exhibitors may begin selecting their booths. The process will begin in April and – as in past years – the ATA will provide information and contact exhibitors with a scheduled time to select their booth space. The 2011 Trade Show is returning to Indianapolis and will be January 6-8.
“In Maria, we have someone who shows great energy, intellect and enthusiasm for her work, she’s a no-nonsense yet thoughtful and sincere communicator and dedicated to getting the details right, while never losing sight of the larger effort. We are fortunate to have her,” said Jay McAninch, ATA CEO/president. “This year, ATA members and those involved with the Trade Show will see a strong team approach to our exhibitor, attendee, and event services and management. “Well involve our entire staff and take advantage of everyone’s varied strengths, matching them up with tasks and obligations relevant to their experience.”
Cindy Brophy, who retired from the ATA in January, previously managed all exhibitor-related responsibilities.
“Being able to spend time with Cindy at the 2010 Trade Show and the National Archery Buyers Association Show (in Reno, Nevada) has made it very obvious to me the amount of time, care and concern Cindy put into her work. I also found that same time and care was returned to her,” said Lewis. “I have big shoes to fill, but I have no doubt those working relationships will continue to exist in the way Cindy developed them.”
For ATA members and all those who exhibited at the ATA Trade Show, it’s likely most worked closely with Brophy and, in many cases, grew to know her. Brophy managed the Show in a period when the ATA and its Trade Show enjoyed significant growth and recognition.
“Maria has already begun building relationships with ATA members through her responsiveness and ability to problem solve during the 2010 Show registration,” said Brophy. “Every time an issue surfaced that needed attention and problem solving, Maria was right on top of it. The ATA exhibitors and members at large will be really pleased with Maria. She shares the same desire to take care of them as I had.”
Before joining the ATA, Lewis worked extensively as a customer-service professional. In addition to answering inquiries, complaints, and billing questions in previous jobs, she also has experience in company finances and operations.
Lewis graduated from the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., with a bachelor’s of arts degree in business administration. After graduation, she worked in accounting and customer service for Canyon Outback Leather Goods Inc., in New Ulm. She is active in sports, including high-school basketball and softball coaching. Lewis is married to Mitch Lewis who owns and manages an archery retail shop in New Ulm. They have a 5 year-old son, Carson, and a 2 year-old daughter, Brooklyn.
