Jan 15, 2019

2019 Archery Trade Association Show -- First Impressions

First impressions of the show just before you want into the big doors and onto the carpeted floor. Photo by Michelle Scheuermann

I can put “first impressions” because this is going to more than just a “one and done” write up. I spent two full days walking the show floor and honestly, I could have used the third day. Besides how well the show floor looked and how impressive the booths were laid out (hats off to the ATA staff), there was also a fun vibe to the floor. Sure I was rushing from one thing to another, but at least twice I found myself just sitting in the “Coffee Chat” area (with a cookie and GOOD coffee) talking with old friends and meeting new ones. We were just chillin’ and feeling like we were truly at the center of it all, but yet have nowhere else we’d rather be. I guess that’s how I would describe the show this year. And if you weren’t there, well, you should have been. #SorryNotSorry

As Jim evaded to in Monday’s Outdoor Wire, he and I spoke with Matt Kormann, president & CEO of ATA, along with ATA’s head of communications, Alison Jasper. They appreciated the sincere kudos on the new ATA logo/branding and how theshow looked and felt when we walked the aisles earlier. One of Matt’s biggest struggles still is getting the membership base to think beyond ATA as the “organization” is way more than just ATA as the “show” over a three day period. A fun part of Matt I discovered is how forward thinking and positive he is. I noticed this in one of his fall blogs. Heck, you even notice it when he talks about that buck he has missed two seasons now. In that particular blog, Matt refers to coaching and mindset of thinking ‘as if’ something already happened. “A great coaching point…is to behave like you already achieved the next step in your business.” In other words, behave as if you already got that buck. Or behave as if you landed that big account. What does success look like? Feel like? Map it out. Matt did. And that, my friends, is how he landed his role as the CEO of ATA. I bet you want to hear more, which is why I recorded our conversation and will release it as a podcast in the coming week.

If you haven’t noticed, I’m a people person. Probably why I spent much of career in public relations…and the role of an editor walking a show floor is enjoyable to me. So you’ll give me some leeway if I gravitate toward the “people” side of the show, verses always talking to you about new products. There are PLENTLY of people sharing new products and one I recommend is Petersen’s Bowhunting crew.

Melissa Bachman of "Winchester Deadly Passion" signing autographs in front of the BowFest booth. Photo by Michelle Scheuermann

A big part of any trade show are celeb sightings and ATA was no different. I had the opportunity to walk with Melissa Bachman (pictured) and we couldn’t walk 10 feet without someone stopping her and asking for a photo and/or an autograph. She’s smart in that she carries her own “hero cards,” as we call them in the industry. Always able to stop for a fan and chat for a few minutes.

BackCountry E-bikes. Photo by Michelle Scheuermann

I think what truly got people talking on the show floor were the vast amount of e-bikes suddenly available. Where did these come from? Why do I need one? Where would I use it? One Rambo e-bike was staged pulling a treestand. A treestand people! Can you imagine?

Is this enough bikes for demos? Maybe not! Photo by Jim Shepherd

You all know I love biking (remember my article on RAGBRAI this summer? If I can bike for 5 days straight, I must like biking) but I had NO IDEA there was this big of a market for these bikes. And guess who else likes them? The community who usually traverses via horse and buggy. As overhead in one conversation – it’s better than a horse and you don’t have to feed it.

Rambo's display – the 'treestand hauler' is closer to the front of the image. Photo by Jim Shepherd

Obviously we have much more to discuss about the ATA show, but frankly, I have to get dinner on and I still have to prep for SHOT Show. Yikes! See you next week friends, Michelle Scheuermann, editor, Archery Wire.