The AETA International Trade Show held in
Orlando during the first weekend in February was marked by
positive energy, camaraderie, sunny skies and the sounds of
business being conducted. The exhibit floor featured 244 booths
occupied by 103 companies, representing 354 different product
lines. Buyers traveled to the show from 34 of the US states
and from 9 foreign countries. Our foreign buyers represented
27 different stores. In total, exhibitors met with 441 buyers
from 226 stores. The variety and quality of participation
was impressive.
AETA recognized achievements on the exhibit
floor by presenting Best Exhibit Awards in three categories.
Considering the quality of the exhibits overall, the judges’
job was not an easy one. The winners were Polo Gear Inc. in
the small category, Kerrits Equestrian Apparel in the medium
category and German Equestrian Manufacturers (GEM) in the
large category. The panel of judges included Robert Patterson
of Atlanta Saddlery, Barbara Karsten of Tack ‘n Togs, Bruce
Carlton of BMC Enterprises and Crystal Bennett of the World
Equestrian Games. The Exhibit Awards Program will grow to
honor creative and aesthetic achievement in more categories.
AETA also presented certificates to recognize
new products. Based on the high level of interest from tradeshow
participants, AETA will offer a full awards program for new
product recognition at the Baltimore Show. Emily Esterson
of Equestrian Retailer has volunteered to chair the awards
program.
As one would expect from an equestrian trade
show, “Green Initiatives” was another popular recognition
program. All around the exhibit floor, “green apples” were
posted to acknowledge exhibitors’ green products and practices.
Call the AETA office if you’d like to be involved in producing
a booklet for members that summarizes what we learned from
exhibitors in Orlando about “green initiatives”.
Show-goers also found time for education and
inspiration. The always informative Tom Shay made a presentation
on “Characteristics & Pedigree”. Crystal Bennett, Marketing
Coordinator, World Equestrian Games, talked about the building
excitement and support for the 2010 Games in Lexington, KY,
the first time the U.S will compete on home soil. Deb Balliet,
CEO and Georgiana Hubbard McCabe, President, Equestrian Land
Conservation Resource, discussed the importance of land conservation
to the future of equestrian activities. Bob Cacchione, Founder
& Executive Director, Intercollegiate Horse Show Association,
talked about IHSA initiatives to build interest in riding
among younger people, and their impact on the future of equestrian
trade.
The Show provided some less formal activities
as well. On Saturday, AETA hosted a reception on the Show
floor to celebrate a successful first, very busy day. The
Market Party on Sunday evening was arguably the best ever.
In addition to a lavish buffet and live music for dancing,
a mini theatre was set up for football fans to watch the Super
Bowl.
At AETA’s Bi-Annual meeting following the
reception on Saturday evening, official reports on the Association’s
operations were followed by presentations by some of our industry
partners: Deb Balliet of Equestrian Land Conservation Resource,
Bob Cacchione of IHSA and Crystal Bennett of World Equestrian
Games. The overall theme of their presentations was the need
to nurture equestrian recreation; without riders, there is
no business. To that end, AETA has formed alliances with these
associations and their representatives.
Excitement is building for the August 2-4
AETA International Trade Fair to be held in Baltimore, MD.
AETA and its show producer, Hopper Expositions, are very much
involved in planning a show that will exceed all expectations.
Many already have signed up to exhibit, including exhibitors
who were not in attendance at the Orlando Show. For forms
and information, visit the AETA web site: www.aetanews.com
