Chairman of UK trade association announces ‘unique opportunity’ for members

The Angling Trades Association (ATA) has delivered a major coup for its members by agreeing a deal with the organisation behind the UK’s three major game fairs for 2023, on its 50th anniversary year.

The ATA has announced plans for a dedicated fishing village under its Get Into Fishing (GIF) brand at the England, Scotland and Wales fairs.

The exciting project offers a series of major benefits for ATA members, including a potential audience of more than 150,000 and discounted stand space at all three fairs.

“The aim of ‘GIF at the Game Fair’ is to help grow participation and to drive more tackle sales,” says ATA Chairman Andrew Race (pictured), in a letter to members. “We will produce an all-encompassing show format that will deliver real benefits for the businesses of ATA members and long-term industry growth, with potentially negligible outlay.”

GIF’s objectives to grow the angling market for its members fits perfectly with the game fair audience. Surveys have indicated that around 30% of those attending the fairs will be existing or lapsed anglers, providing an ideal target for re-engagement. But there will also be a very significant proportion who will be targeted to try fishing for the first time.

“This is a complete departure from game fair-based angling content of the past,” says Race. “This is a showcase within a show. The GIF experience will promote and expand the show’s influence across all angling disciplines.”

The game fair in England will be at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, from July 28th to 30th, with the Scottish fair scheduled for Scone Palace, Perth, from June 30th to July 2nd and the Welsh event at the Vaynol Estate, Bangor, on September 9th and 10th.

The ATA’s plans include a comprehensive trade-led package of content, from have-a-go opportunities and tuition on the water to tackle demonstrations, celebrity appearances, book signings and activities centred on angling, the environment and its benefits. The Canal and River Trust will also be involved in promoting fishing to newcomers.

To make involvement as affordable as possible for its members, the ATA has arranged benefits including heavily discounted stands starting at £500.  

And exhibitors can even get some or all of their money back by selling tickets via their social media streams. With £5 back for every ticket they sell, they can effectively get a three-by-three metre stand for free by selling only 100 tickets.

Other benefits include free parking and camping for exhibitors and anglers, lecture theatre space for consultants to demonstrate key products and discounted entry for all EA rod licence holders.

The fishing village will also receive coverage through consumer and trade social media and magazines.

“This is a unique opportunity for you to take advantage of your ATA membership and have an impact on recruitment while boosting exposure for your brand and products in a cost-effective way,” says Race.

“The format is specifically geared towards smaller stands and lower consultant-based staffing, with the emphasis on tackle demonstrations and tackle offerings that reflect the event’s profile.

“GIF at the Game Fair provides another opportunity for you to help shape the future of angling through a major outdoor fishing show.”

Speaking to Angling International, Race added: “This is a 100% ATA effort to get angling in front of thousands of potential customers. The ATA will continue to work solely for industry growth where we see the opportunity. That is our purpose.”

For further information contact Andrew Race at 07778 907384 or chair@anglingtradesassociation.com