Archery Show Will Head to Louisville for 2016, 2019 and 2024
The Archery Trade Association has targeted Louisville again for its annual event – ATA Trade Show – in 2016, 2019 and 2024 at the Kentucky Exposition Center after visiting the city in 2013.
The event is expected to draw 10,000 attendees with an estimated $17 million economic impact over the multi-year deal.
“Louisville is a vibrant, accessible city that’s well suited to handle our national and international companies and their staff,” said Jay McAninch, ATA president and CEO.
He added, “The Kentucky Exposition Center offers abundant floor space and, for us, that’s invaluable. Our show is growing and this show floor will allow for that growth. It’s also important for this event to bring show features — our Featured Product area, shooting lanes, business hubs, lounges and diverse food offerings— onto the main floor to make it easier for retailers to cover the show.”
Karen Williams, president and CEO of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau, who recently assumed the top position there, said in the next few years, the city will have several new restaurants, attractions and hotels.
“We believe Louisville is positioned to maximize the benefits of this show and each year will only be better,” she added.
When the show was held in Louisville in 2013, it received positive reviews.
“I’ve never shown here in Louisville before and quite frankly I thought the place was awesome,” Mike Swan, marketing director of Robinson Outdoor Products, said at the close of the 2013 Show.
He added, “The people here, on all sides, everyone was very helpful and friendly; no matter if they were from downtown or around here at the convention center.”
The 2014 event was held during the Polar Vortex in Nashville, Tenn., but still managed to set a record total of 1,047 retail and distribution buying companies represented by a near-record 3,193 individual dealers, distributors and buyers attended the show, as well as 584 exhibitors, which topped previous numbers.
Louisville hopes to have the same successes when the event comes to town in future years.
“We are very pleased that the Kentucky Exposition Center is a part of the growth of archery’s largest trade show,” said Kentucky State Fair Board President and CEO Rip Rippetoe. “Shows such as this are an integral part of our business going forward, and we are committed to this partnership with ATA through 2016 and beyond.”
Next year’s show will be held Jan. 8-10 in Indianapolis.
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