The Archery Trade Association (ATA) will bring the industry’s largest trade show back to the Kentucky Exposition Center in 2016, 2019 and 2024.
Expecting to draw more than 10,000 retailers, buyers and exhibitors each year, the show represents an estimated economic impact of more than $17 million over the course of the multi-year deal.
Last held in Louisville in 2013, the tradeshow is a member-only business event to promote commerce within the archery and bowhunting industry.
“Louisville is a vibrant, accessible city that’s well suited to handle our national and international companies and their staff,” said Jay McAninch, president and CEO of ATA. “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.
A record number of 584 manufacturers exhibited at the 2014 ATA Trade Show in Nashville early this year and rooms booked for this event have steadily risen each year. In 2010, nearly 6,500 rooms were booked and for the 2014 show, rooms booked peaked at more than 9,700.
Louisville earned high marks among Archery Trade Association members when the trade show was hosted there in January 2013.
“I’ve never shown here in Louisville before and, quite frankly, I thought the place was awesome,” said Mike Swan, marketing director of Robinson Outdoor Products at the 2013 show. “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.”
“In the next couple of years, this city will see tremendous growth with new restaurants, attractions and hotels,” said Karen Williams, president and CEO of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We believe Louisville is positioned to maximize the benefits of this show and each year will only be better.”
For more information on the ATA Trade Show, visit www.archerytrade.org.
