|
Attendees Respond Positively to Incentives Offered by Equine Trade Industry Organization
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
American Equestrian Trade Association
610-444-2025
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Retail buyers browse the floor at the January 2012 AETA International Trade Show. Photo © AK Dragoo Photography 2012
Download high-res image
Kennett Square, PA (February 21, 2012) – The American Equestrian Trade Association’s (AETA) January AETA International Trade Show concluded with a healthy increase in traffic, successful pre-show seminars, delighted raffle winners and increased participation in AETA incentive programs. Exhibitors, retail buyers and sales representatives from around the world attended the show, produced by Hopper Expositions and held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA, January 28-30, 2012.
AETA incentive programs have shown promising growth in attracting buyers to the trade show; more than 90 percent of AETA Bucks distributed to buyers at the event were redeemed with AETA member manufacturers. In addition, eligible members used 73 percent of the Golden Tickets that were distributed, which were good for one free night’s stay at the host hotel.
“AETA endeavors to help make the AETA International a success, so we are very pleased to see our members coming to the trade show and actively participating in our programs,” said AETA President John Craven, Vice President/General Manager of Intrepid International in New Holland, PA. “Overall feedback from both exhibitors and retail buyers was overwhelmingly positive, though we always welcome suggestions from our members to improve the event and our organization.”
A benefit that came to fruition this year at the request of AETA members is the availability of supplemental insurance programs through Assurant, one of the largest providers of employee benefits in the United States. Assurant offers customizable benefit plans such as dental, vision, life, disability, accident and critical illness for both full and part-time employees. Representatives were on hand during the trade show to discuss these options with members. If you are an AETA member and would like more information, please visit our website or call the AETA office for more details.
Early bird attendees at the January 2012 AETA International Trade Show line up to enter the show and receive their Welcome Bags. Photo © AK Dragoo Photography 2012
Download high-res image
AETA hosted a general membership meeting that was open to everyone following the close of the show on Saturday, January 28, to discuss general business, the trade show, and the direction for the organization. Those present were encouraged to participate with ideas and questions, with an inquiry made into starting a recognition program for innovative new products noted for further review.
Attendees of the trade show were also invited to attend seminars on the Friday evening and Saturday morning before the show opened. Deidre Arrington, Assistant Professor; Rose Regni, Associate Professor; and Karen Videtic, Professor, all of Virginia Commonwealth University, collectively presented “Bad Habits for Good Retailers to Avoid” and “Branding Your Business” to an enthusiastic audience. Amid great feedback from those who attended the seminars, a DVD containing both sessions is available from AETA at http://aeta.us/seminar-video1-2012.htm.
Raffle and door prize awards remain a favorite with buyers and those attending the Market Party on Sunday night. During the Market Party, everyone present had a chance to win an iPad, 24” HD TV/DVD combo, a Nintendo Wii gaming system and Golden Tickets to the next trade show. Buyers were eligible for the Monday raffle drawing, with Chrysalis Acres in Freeport, ME, winning the Nintendo Wii gaming system; Everything Horse & Hound in Fayettesville, AR, receiving the 24” HD TV/DVD combo; The Paddock Inc. in Ledyard, CT, picking up the iPad; and Green Valley Tack, Pine Island, NY, taking home the grand prize, a 55” HD TV. Raffle tickets were provided by AETA member exhibitors to buyers when placing an order. AETA member retailers were able to increase their chances of winning by receiving double raffle tickets before placing them in the raffle bin.
Other AETA programs included the Mannequin Fashion pageant for exhibitors, the Welcome Bags for early buyers and recognition for booth design. Lilo Collections co-sponsored the Welcome Bags with AETA, which featured donations from exhibitors for lucky buyers who lined up early to receive the bags. Mannequin participation helped exhibitors draw attention to their products in unique ways, with MJ Equine taking home the Directors’ Award for their creative use of the various parts of their product, a lighted hoof pick. Popular vote determined the winners in the Traditional and Non-Traditional dress categories, with Horseware Ireland and Kensington Protective Products taking top honors, respectively. Booth awards were presented to Clever with Leather in the Small Booth category and Ariat in the Large Booth category.
The next AETA International Trade Show will be held August 11-13 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. For more information or to use photos from the recent trade show, please visit www.aeta.us and www.hopperexpos.com or call 610-444-7554.
Officially incorporated in 2007, the American Equestrian Trade Association is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization that was formed to unite equestrian trade and provide a forum for positive interactions among manufacturers, retailers, industry partners and enthusiasts. AETA looks to encourage and nurture interest in equestrian activities throughout the United States and act as an industry resource for all sectors of the equestrian community. For more information, visit www.aeta.us.
###
|
