NEW  in 2010

1) 2010 Deer & Turkey Expos -- Where Your Product Becomes Real

This is ... Face-to-Face, Live Contact ... the value of touch

• ... Hands-On Product Introduction ... the value of touch
• ... Instant Feedback from Customers and Prospects ...
• ... the value of touch
• ... Product Sales Now ... the value of touch
• ... & Ripple Effect Impact for Future Sales  ... the value of touch
• ... Product Sales Now ... the value of touch
• ...  & Ripple Effect Impact for Future Sales  ... the value of touch
• • Television, magazines, internet and videos CANNOT offer it  ... but as a cost-effective marketing complement that brings your product to life ... EXPOS do exactly that!

2) Tech Info Centers

Most hunters, especially younger ones, want the hard-core “how it works” facts.  We're giving that to them -- in nine (9) Tech Info Centers:

• Firearms Answer Man
• Black Powder & Slug Guns
• Archery Answer Man
• Food Plots and Food Plot Crops
• Fabrics / Hunting Clothing / Footwear
• Optics (binoculars & scopes) Hands-On Tryout Area
• Venison Butchering & Processing
• Venison & Wild Foods Cooking
• Turkey decoys & decoying.

All TICs are staffed by recognized experts.

MINI-SEMINARS right at the Tech Info Center will get into the nuts and bolts, and between seminars there will be excellent opportunities for one-on-one talk.  Butchering/processing demonstrations will continue to be held in a main seminar room.

These information centers will be assembled as a group for highest visibility and impact on the exhibit floor.

3) New-Hunters Seminars

This is a daily series of half-hour seminars for new hunters of any age.  How-to and what-to information, plus some what-not-to, on gear and game and ethics and the proper introduction to outdoor recreation.  There's much more to hunting, and to having a good hunt and a great time outdoors, than simply getting a trophy for the wall.  After all, this should be lifetime recreation.

4) Free Archery Instructional Range Back At All Expos

There will once again be an operating free instructional archery range at every expo. Certified instructors in the National Archery in Schools Program will operate the ranges.

• Michigan - Ingham County 4-H Shooting Sports Program
• Illinois - Illinois Bowfishers
• Ohio - Ohio Bowhunters Association
• Wisconsin - Wisconsin Bowhunters Association

5) Web-site improvements

New-Products page, new banner ads, a shift in PREVIEW issuing frequency and magazine emphasis onto hunting and equipment how-to features for stronger year-round viewing and value.

6) Fast changes in marketing

For the first time, the U.S. has five living generations. Each generation needs to be reached in a different way. The traditional channels remain strong, but this is fast becoming the age of “social networking” -- more information from friends (blogging, texting, etc.) than from other avenues.  Expect to see more website use, more e-mailing to attendees, more viral and social marketing.

These changes present challenges for all of us!

For years, our audience has averaged younger than the average age of U. S. hunters; we're confident we've been doing things right to put a large, and buying, audience in the aisles.

We will continue.

 

RETURNING MARKETING PROGRAMS

This is a bonus to all exhibiting manufacturers, reps and retailers. Display your new products twice -- once in your booth AND once in this special table display.  (Many people want the opportunity to examine a product before talking with a factory representative.)

Each product is identified by name, manufacturer and booth number. Interested prospects will come to your booth for details.

2) TRAIL CAM PHOTO CONTEST

If your company has anything to do with trail cameras, this event adds value to your presence and product displays.
Begun two years ago, the contest was an instant hit. Entry totals at each expo are high, and the unusual natures of many of the photos create interest and talk.

This event will continue growing and creating viewer interest.

3) TRADESHOW FRIDAY

Fewer than 25% of all shooting/hunting dealers attend national tradeshows. Many dealers never or seldom see people “from the factory”, but they will attend an event that is within easy driving distance. This is a market you can reach easily at NO EXTRA COST. It's a BONUS OPPORTUNITY to write orders.

Equipment and business oriented seminars have been added. Larry Wise will dive archery seminars. Other seminar speakers will be added.

Friday's mini-tradeshow is for all dealers of shooting and hunting equipment throughout each expo's multi-state market reach. This is a good place for manufacturers, reps and other exhibitors to meet dealers who probably didn't attend a national tradeshow.

All participating exhibitors' booths will be identified, and there will be a directory of manufacturers and reps participating in this special sales effort.

All visiting dealers will have identification badges.