The 2021 Archery Trade Association Show in Indianapolis is canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with plans for a virtual show to take place instead.
The association made the announcement Wednesday in a statement on its website. The annual show was scheduled for Jan. 7-9 in Indianapolis at the downtown Indiana Convention Center.
"Despite the combined efforts of the Archery Trade Association Board of Directors, staff and the city of Indianapolis, your ATA Board of Directors made the tough decision to cancel the in-person 2021 ATA Trade Show," ATA President and CEO Matt Kormann said in the statement.
"We hold the ATA Trade Show to an extremely high standard, and it became clear that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we wouldn’t be able to provide the trade show environment that you’ve all come to expect and enjoy."
Thousands attend the show each January to see the newest archery items, from nocks and accessories to flagship bows, blinds and more. Kormann's statement said the ATA is working to refund badge registration fees and registered exhibitors should hear from someone within 5-7 business days.
"Our goal is to deliver a first-class event that helps the archery and bowhunting industry succeed, while keeping health and safety as a top priority, and we share your disappointment over the outcome of this year’s show," he said. "We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to all ATA members who booked booth space and registered to attend the show through these unprecedented times. Your passion for this industry is evident."
Kormann's statement said the ATA staff is shifting its focus to providing members with virtual education opportunities, show specials and the annual Impact Awards.
“This was a very difficult decision to make, but as a father and a small business owner, we need to look out for the health and safety of our members’ staff and their families," said Mark Copeland, chairman of the Board and store director of Jay’s Sporting Goods. "At some point, you have to ask yourself, ‘What’s the long-term impact of a show with less than 50% attendees and vendors?’ It’s the Board of Directors' responsibility to look out for the industry, and as painful as this decision was to make, I believe it’s the right one.”
Along with the virtual events, the ATA Board and staff is looking ahead to the 2022 show in Louisville, Kentucky.
“When I look to 2022, I know that we can continue to host an event that the industry is proud of. For me, that is what drove this decision," said James McGovern, co-chair of the Board of Directors and owner and marketing director of Rinehart Targets. "It came down to the continued viability of the ATA to serve the industry.
"I know that the ATA leadership team can navigate the organization to 2022 and I believe that we can host as great an event as you have come to expect," he added. "What I didn’t know was what would the ATA show look like in 2022 if we hosted an event in 2021 that did not live up to the standards our industry has come to know and appreciate. Canceling the show was difficult, but knowing that this was the right decision is not.”
