What the Heck is the ATA Show?

New archery products are frequently linked to the “ATA Show,” but what is it, and why is it important?   The acronym ATA stands for Archery Trade Association, which is an organization designed to benefit the archery industry.  Many years ago, archery manufacturers introduced their products at SHOT, The Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show. That segment grew until the archery formed its association- The ATA.  Archery is like other major industries and holds an annual gathering of small businesses and the press to announce new products, much like the auto and tech industries do.

Why It Matters

The Archery Trade Association hosts the annual gathering the second week of January, inviting manufacturers to display their products for bow shops nationwide to see, review, and order products.  The owner of your local archery retailer likely attended the show to see the latest products for you to purchase.  The ATA presents special awards to new products and displays them in a central location to promote innovation.  Additionally, the ATA conducts business and technical training at the shows to keep show owners on top of the latest developments.  ATA is a strong lobby group for archery and the hunting industry.  A primary concern is closing the loophole that allows products directly imported from China and other countries to avoid paying the 11% conservation tax that has been the backbone of the North American Conservation model.  ATA has significantly emphasized and successfully promoted the National Archery in the Schools Program.  For more information about ATA, visit: ArcheryTrade.org