WHY ATTEND?
Held in conjunction with ATA Show Week, the Summit is designed for state agencies, retailers, manufacturers, educators and hunters to learn, collaborate, and take action.
- Gain firsthand access to groundbreaking research and insights you won’t find anywhere else.
- Be among the first to explore the results of the 2027 Bowhunter Study.
- See new crossbow research and its implications for recruitment and retention before it’s published nationally.
- Connect with experts, state directors and peers invested in growing bowhunting and archery participation.
- Be part of interactive sessions where your questions and experiences help shape the conversation.
- Bring your questions and leave with actionable tools and strategies.
Education, alignment and strong partnerships between the archery industry and public agencies are essential to advancing R3 and conservation efforts. We hope you’ll make plans to join us!
REGISTER FOR THE SUMMIT
Step 1: Register for the ATA Trade Show.
Step 2: Under the Events/Certification Section, click the “Select” button next to the Summit to add the event to your registration.
Please note: The Summit is $100 per person for Department of Natural Resource groups that would like to sign up.
It is free to attend for any other attendee groups (retailers, exhibitors, etc.) that are already attending the Show.
PRELIMINARY2027 SUMMIT AGENDA
As of March 30, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — ATA Show Floor Open
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. — Welcome
Kick off the Summit with a warm welcome from ATA and a quick rundown of Summit housekeeping, including your welcome packet, raffle, and networking highlights. Hear about the state of the industry, the latest in recruitment trends, and the multi-year vision for archery and bowhunting participation. Plus, a moment to recognize and thank sponsors who make it all possible.
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. — Bowhunter Study: National Unveiling
Funded by the Multi-State Conservation Grant Program, this keynote session presents the first public release of the 2027 Bowhunter Study.
Highlights:
• Who are today’s bowhunters: demographics and motivations
• Participation trends and retention challenges
• Barriers to entry and recruitment opportunities
• Early insights for state agencies, retailers and manufacturers
• Q&A
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. — Crossbow Participation: Digging Deeper
Explore new findings on crossbow users, including crossover with other outdoor participation, equipment adoption and implications for recruitment. Discover actionable ways to engage new participants and convert crossbow interest into broader archery participation.
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. — BREAK
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — State Director Panel: Insights into Bowhunter Engagement
Panel discussion on trends and policy implications from the Bowhunter Study and crossbow research:
• How data informs inclusive, ethical access policies
• Lessons from states with expanded participation programs
• Balancing tradition with new technology adoption
• Opportunities for collaboration between agencies and manufacturers
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. — ATA’s Industry Celebration, presented by Mossy Oak – Must have ATA Trade Show Badge
8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — ATA Show Floor Open
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. — State Director Panel: The Future of Bowhunting Participation: R3 2.0
Explore modern recruitment, retention, and reactivation strategies in light of the Bowhunter Study. Learn how crossbow adoption, emerging demographics, and technology are shaping participation.
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. — Public Views of Hunting and Shooting Sports
Presented by the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, highlighting insights from the Multi-State Grant Study on public perceptions of hunting and archery. Discover opportunities to build understanding, break down barriers and inspire engagement.
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. — Friends of NASP®: Strengthening Retail Connections
In-person training for the Friends of NASP® course. Learn how to equip youth archers, integrate testimony insights to be a NASP® destination, and increase participation sustainably.
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — BREAK
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Youth Programming Panel: Reducing Barriers & Strengthening the R3 ORAM Pathway
Panel discussion on integrating youth programs with state agency goals, using insights from the Bowhunter Study and crossbow research to remove participation barriers.
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Panel Discussion – State Director Panel: Aligning State Regulations
Examine state-by-state variation in hunting equipment rules and explore how ATA and partners can promote clarity, alignment, and science-based policy recommendations.
The Summit provides agencies, organizations, and manufacturers the opportunity to create a melting pot of ideas. The excitement and energy these folks bring to the table sends you home with dozens of new ideas and initiatives. That drive keeps us motivated and pushing to create a brighter future for the next generation of archery.
– Todd Holmes, Pennsylvania Game Commission
SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS
- Meet Peers at the Welcome Social
- Attend Educational Seminars, Panels and Discussions
- Access the ATA Trade Show Floor
- Enjoy the ATA Industry Celebration Event
- Be among the first to explore the 2026 Bowhunter Study, funded by the Multi-State Conservation Grant Program. Learn who today’s bowhunters are, what drives their engagement, and how this data can inform your programs, outreach, and business strategies.
- Discover what’s driving new crossbow users, crossover trends with traditional archery, and opportunities for recruitment and retention.
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING THE SUMMIT?
Email Nicole Nash, ATA’s senior manager of outreach, at nicolenash@archerytrade.org.