AETA: Past, Present & Future

The Past

In 2006, a group of equestrian industry leaders representing both manufacturers and retailers convened to address the industry's most pressing issue: improvement of the industry's semi-annual trade shows.  As a result of these efforts, AETA was formed in 2007 as a non-profit trade association governed by industry leaders. AETA's purpose is to provide an expanding range of member services and networking possibilities starting with Association-driven trade shows.

Assisted by a partnership with Hopper Expositions, Inc., AETA has served to unite the industry and support connections between equestrian manufacturers and retail buyers with a series of successful trade shows and supporting events. 

• AETA Expo Orlando - February 2008

• AETA International - Baltimore August 2008

• AETA International - Baltimore January/February 2009

• AETA International - Oaks, PA - August 2009 and January 2010.  AETA International staged an equestrian industry homecoming to the King of Prussia / Valley Forge Pennsylvania region where the industry historically convened in the past. 

The Present

The Exhibit Space for the January 2011 show sold out well in advance of the show and AETA is working on expanding the show in future years.  Buyer attendance for 2011 also exceeded AETA's past registration totals. Dates are established for future AETA International Equestrian Trade Shows at The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.  more  

Fueled by trade show successes, your association now looks to explore opportunities to advance the industry and provide more value to members. AETA's purpose and potential extend beyond providing well-run trade shows. The  AETA On-Line Community is a growing, interactive gathering place where AETA's member community regularly connects to share insight, news and collaborate on common business issues, challenges, solutions and trends.

As a not-for-profit organization, AETA is supported by membership dues and trade show participation.  The association is guided by elected officers and committee members who serve on a volunteer basis supported by a professional association management company to oversee operations.

The Future is Bright

AETA and Hopper Expositions have secured future dates with The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center to host semiannual AETA International Trade Shows through 2015.  This agreement secures a consistent home with reasonable transportation and exhibit costs for future AETA events.

Increased membership and member participation will result in new ways to make your AETA membership more valuable and your business more prosperous and enjoyable. 

AETA's Current and Coming Attractions

Enhanced Purchasing Power: Member discount programs for services...

▪ POS Credit Card Processing through Chase Paymentech

▪ Staples Business Advantage

▪ Intercall Conference Calling

▪ Shipping Services (future)

Enhanced Communication through the new channels and AETA.us.

▪ Members' On-Line Community for Member-To-Member sharing, collaboration and support.

▪ Discussion of trends including green initiatives

▪ An evolving AETA newsletter.

▪ Sharing of resources.

▪ Achievement awards and recognition for industry pioneers and leaders.

▪ Collaboration with publishers and learning institutions

▪ Classified Advertising for members to sell store fixtures or seek talent. (future)

▪ Access to an Industry Talent Pool

Equestrian Trade Education

▪ Associated sponsored industry research and collaboration with universities

▪ Seminars and Webinars on topics of interest.

▪ Mentoring Program (future)

▪ International Business Assistance

▪ Regulatory Guidance

For this growing wish list of benefits to be realized, your association needs your help. We ask that you consider the current and future membership benefits, join AETA, participate and volunteer.  We can never have too many committed members.