Just in case you all didn’t see this hit your inboxes or forums from last week, I am dedicating this week’s editorial to Matt’s full letter outlining the future of the ATA Trade Show for 2021. What do you think of a virtual ATA Show? Feel free to have a conversation with me: michelle (at) bulletproofcomm (dot) com. – Michelle Scheuermann, editor, Archery Wire.
Dear ATA Trade Show Exhibitors and Attendees,
Despite the combined efforts of the Archery Trade Association Board of Directors, staff and the city of Indianapolis, your ATA Board of Directors made the tough decision to cancel the in-person 2021 ATA Trade Show, scheduled to take place Jan. 7-9, 2021, in Indianapolis.
We hold the ATA Trade Show to an extremely high standard, and it became clear that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we wouldn’t be able to provide the trade show environment that you’ve all come to expect and enjoy.
Our goal is to deliver a first-class event that helps the archery and bowhunting industry succeed, while keeping health and safety as a top priority, and we share your disappointment over the outcome of this year’s Show. We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to all ATA members who booked booth space and registered to attend the Show through these unprecedented times. Your passion for this industry is evident.
As your ATA starts to shift focus, we’ll communicate updates regarding next steps, including virtual plans and offerings. ATA members should check their inboxes in the coming weeks for information regarding:
- Virtual education opportunities
- Virtual Show specials
- Virtual Impact Awards
We ask for your patience as we adapt and begin the cancellation process. Anyone who registered for a badge will see a refund within 14 days. To all of our exhibitors, you can expect to hear from either Maria Lewis or Becky Lux within the next 5-7 business days.
Mark Copeland, chairman of the Board and store director of Jay’s Sporting Goods, said: “This was a very difficult decision to make, but as a father and a small business owner, we need to look out for the health and safety of our members’ staff and their families. At some point, you have to ask yourself, ‘What’s the long-term impact of a Show with less than 50% attendees and vendors?’ It’s the Board of Directors responsibility to look out for the industry, and as painful as this decision was to make, I believe it’s the right one.”
Jeff Adee, co-chair of the ATA Board of Directors and president of Headhunter Bow Strings, had similar thoughts. “We have members that have lost loved ones and employees to COVID-19,” he said. “It's imperative that we keep all our members safe, and canceling the Show is the right thing to do. We also know the past six months have challenged our members in new ways. As such, taking care of their hard-earned money is more crucial than ever. The Show is a significant expense and many exhibitors are faced with a tough decision to attend during these difficult times, especially without knowing what the next 90 days look like. Therefore, the value of the Show would greatly diminish for all those involved."
Additionally, James McGovern, co-chair of the Board of Directors and owner and marketing director of Rinehart Targets, said: “When I look to 2022, I know that we can continue to host an event that the industry is proud of. For me, that is what drove this decision. It came down to the continued viability of the ATA to serve the industry. I know that the ATA leadership team can navigate the organization to 2022 and I believe that we can host as great an event as you have come to expect. What I didn’t know was what would the ATA show look like in 2022 if we hosted an event in 2021 that did not live up to the standards our industry has come to know and appreciate. Canceling the show was difficult, but knowing that this was the right decision is not.”
If you have questions, please contact anyone on the ATA Leadership Team:
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to reuniting with you, at a bigger and better 2022 ATA Trade Show in Louisville.
Matt Kormann
ATA President and CEO
