New Ulm, MINN. — The Archery Trade Association is preparing to say goodbye to its Trade Show manager Cindy Brophy, who recently announced her decision to retire after seven years with the ATA.
“I’m at a point where I want to take a break and focus more on the important things in life,” said Brophy. “I look forward to spending more time relaxing at our cabin with family and friends.”
Brophy also confessed she was excited to dive into the Christmas season again. “Honestly, it’s one of my favorite holidays and, given the demands and timing of the Trade Show, it was difficult to find time to travel and celebrate the season with my family in Washington state. I look forward to doing that again.”
For ATA members and all those who exhibited at the ATA Trade Show, it’s likely most have worked with Brophy and, in many cases, have grown to know her. Brophy managed the Show in a period when the ATA and its Trade Show enjoyed significant growth and recognition. The recent 2010 Show, Jan. 13-15, was one of the trade association’s finest, drawing nearly 12 percent more attendees than a year ago, 90 first-time exhibitors and 24 start-up companies in the Show’s new Innovation Zone.
“The personal attachment to the Show — after all these years of effort and then to watch it come to life each year — it just drives you. It has evolved into such a big part of my life,” said Brophy. “I really care about it and the ATA. It will be hard for me to let go.”
The ATA has already begun working out a transition plan and schedule for the 2011 Trade Show, while Brophy has committed to helping. She’ll meet with staff at the ATA’s offices in New Ulm, Minn. in February to fine-tune next steps.
“It’s my hope that all of our members and everyone who exhibits, attends or works with the ATA to make the Trade Show a success each year will join me in thanking Cindy for her work and commitment to our trade association and Show,” said Jay McAninch, ATA CEO/president. “She has been great fun and a hard worker over the years and someone we have all come to love and respect.”
Already, the ATA has identified Maria Lewis, the group’s member services manager, to coordinate booth selection for the 2011 Show and serve as the main contact for Trade Show exhibitors.
“I have made so many friends in the archery industry,” Brophy said. “The exhibitors I’ve worked with are the most wonderful people you will ever meet. I’ve watched many of them grow through the years from small start-ups to very successful companies and it’s truly been rewarding. I’m confident that Maria will take good care of them in the years to come.”
The 2011 Trade Show will return to Indianapolis and booth selection will begin this spring. As in past years, the ATA will provide information and contact each exhibitor with a scheduled time to select your booth space.
“Cindy has left us with great momentum going into this next Show,” said McAninch. “We’ve got a strong team in place for the 2011 Show; I like where we’re heading and the personnel in place to take us there.”
About the ATA Trade Show: The ATA Trade Show is the archery and bowhunting industry’s largest and most inclusive show. The member-driven event promotes commerce within the industry, and is owned and operated by the ATA. As the only industry show that funds archery and bowhunting growth, the ATA invests in state agencies to coordinate introductory archery initiatives such as National Archery in the Schools Program and the After School Archery Program. Over the past five years, the ATA has invested and pledged nearly $2 million to bring archery shooting facilities and introductory programs to U.S. cities. Meanwhile, the ATA also fights for bowhunting rights in courtrooms across the country. The show is closed to the public and is an order-writing event.
About the ATA: Since 1953 ATA has been the trade association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, sales representatives and others working in the archery and bowhunting industry. ATA is dedicated to making the industry profitable by decreasing business overhead, and reducing taxes and government regulation while increasing participation in archery and bowhunting. ATA owns and manages the ATA Trade Show, the archery and bowhunting industry’s largest and longest running trade show worldwide.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
