4With more Trade Show services and opportunities rolling out weekly, the details often start swirling, making it difficult to determine what to do first. The ATA started a log to capture the most common questions asked.
Below, are the eight most frequent:
Q. As an ATA member, can I register now?
A. Trade Show registration is open to ATA members. Early registration allows you early access to the ATA hotel block, which are hotels connected to or located near the Convention Center. The hotel block also boasts the best deals on the nicest rooms available at the Show, though rooms are running out
Q. Where can I find the code to access the ATA hotel block?
A. You must first register for the 2012 ATA Trade Show. Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing your express pass and hotel access code.
Q. My sales rep stopped by my retail store yesterday and couldn’t believe I’ve never attended the ATA Show. I am not an ATA member, but can I attend the Show?
A. The ATA Show is open to members only, but as a retail-store owner, you qualify for membership. You can get an application at archerytrade.org. Go to the “Membership” menu tab or contact Becky Lux to request an application, and ask her any questions you have about ATA membership. Her number is (507) 233-8132. She can also be reached by email at beckylux@archerytrade.org. Once your application is accepted and processed, you’ll be eligible to register for the Show. Also note: An Archery ProShop Retailer Membership grants you four complimentary passes to the 2012 ATA Show!
Q. I noticed You Are Here, the online directory and floor plan, is accessible through archerytrade.org now. My company is included on this floor plan, but some information is missing. How can I get that updated?
A. Trade Show Manager Maria Lewis emailed ATA exhibitors their You Are Here login information during the week of Aug. 15. Once you have your sign-in, updating information is a breeze. A homepage link on archerytrade.org takes exhibitors to the You Are Here admin page. If you did NOT receive your login information, please contact Maria at marialewis@archerytrade.org, or by phone at (507) 233-8133.
Q. My 2010-2011 ATA Membership has expired. Can I still renew my 2011-2012 Membership dues, become a member and attend the 2012 Trade Show?
A. If your membership has expired, all member benefits, including admittance to the 2012 Trade Show, are lost until your membership is renewed. However, you are still eligible to renew your membership by logging on to your account through archerytrade.org or by mailing your payment directly to the ATA. After payment has been processed, you will resume your member benefits. Mailing information is below:
Archery Trade Association
101 N. German, Suite 3
New Ulm, MN 56073
Q. As a new exhibitor, what can I do to enhance my visibility at the Show?
A. Several opportunities and price points will get your brand and product noticed. One of them features online ads on You Are Here, archerytrade.org’s interactive floor plan and directory. You can learn more about You Are Here, or buy advertising, by calling (877) 499-9988, ext 152. You can also brand your company name and products through Trade Show sponsorships. These range from signage in the “little boy’s room” to convention hall banners. Contact Kurt Weber at kurtweber@archerytrade.org, or call (717) 858-2451. Also check out the ATA’s 2012 sponsorship brochure. It’s downloadable at archerytrade.org. Go to “Trade Show” and click on “Promotions and Sponsorships” in the left-hand menu.
Q. The ATA Trade Show is often associated with discounts for dealers. I’m a dealer and, if I go to Columbus for the Show in January, what kind of discounts can I expect?
A. Many manufacturers provide discounts and Show specials that dealers can get only at the ATA Trade Show. In a survey of dealers who attended past ATA Trade Shows, saving money on products purchased was among the top four reasons they were motivated to attend. Also, dealers who attend the ATA Show often benefit from many discounts and specials because of the large, diverse number (500) of archery and bowhunting manufacturers exhibiting at the Show. Dealers find they save money by making one trip to one show to find products they need, all under one roof. Finally, there’s the Show’s Big Buck Tags, a booklet loaded with exhibitor coupons. Every dealer attending the Show receives this booklet when checking in.
Q. I want to exhibit at the Trade Show, but I’m worried I’ve waited too long. Can I still wedge myself into the 2012 in Columbus?
A. Very limited space remains on the Show floor. If you’re a new exhibitor, you can take advantage of the Trade Show’s Innovation Zone. Get Zone details online at archerytrade.org. Go to “Trade Show” and select “For Exhibitors.” Or you can contact Maria Lewis about the limited booth space remaining on the Show floor. She can be reached at marialewis@archerytrade.org, or by calling (507) 233-8133.
Q. Vintage Shag Carpet Emporium called. They were trying to sell me booth carpets, but I don’t want shag carpet. They said that’s all they carry. They went on and on about how cheap they are. How do I get things I need for my booth?
A. OK, so no one really heard from Shag Carpet Emporium. But ATA exhibitors have received calls from companies that are not ATA-approved Trade Show vendors. To ensure you’re speaking to legitimate vendors, use the “Trade Show Service Provider” listings on archerytrade.org as a guide. Also, the Exhibitor’s Kit will be available online in September. It features quick access to exhibitor services.
