The Largest Showcase of Sportfishing Products Found Anywhere in the World
[dropcap]F[/dropcap]rom July 15-18, 10,000 members of the global recreational fishing community will converge on the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. for the 57th International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, the world’s largest recreational fishing trade show. Produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the sportfishing industry’s trade association, ICAST is the industry’s premier trade event.
Lee Corso, well known college football analyst will host the ICAST / IFTD shows.
For the second year, ICAST and the International Fly Tackle Dealer show (IFTD), the fly tackle-specific show produced by the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA), are co-locating in the Orange County Convention Center on the same days and the same show hours.
“The show has grown exponentially over the past two years and now encompasses a half million square feet in the convention center,” said ASA Trade Show Director Ken Andres. “The ‘world’s largest recreational fishing trade show’ is a sure bet for domestic and international exhibitors, buyers and media. In fact, if you do business in the recreational fishing industry; there is no other venue that compares to ICAST.”
“Throughout its 57-year history, ICAST has embodied all aspects of recreational fishing,” continued Andres. “The bottom line is that the trade show really is about what’s new and exciting in gear, tackle, marine and apparel for the men, women and children who love to get out on the water and go fishing. Over the past several years, the show has expanded to include more apparel and marine manufacturers which appeals to a broader audience of buyers and media and showcases the total recreational fishing experience.”
“In addition,” said Andres, “Our community has embraced social media in ever-increasing numbers to talk about the show and the products in real-time with their customers and consumers. That’s a big plus for exhibitors who want their products to be seen by the millions of anglers across the globe looking for the next big thing. We invite everyone who works in the industry to attend the show.”
Highlights for this year’s show include:
New Product Showcase and Preview Reception: Sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer, more fishing products are unveiled during the ICAST New Product Showcase than anywhere else in the world. The New Product Showcase is the premier venue where established manufacturers and entrepreneurs alike debut their latest innovations in fishing gear and accessories. Hundreds of new products will make their marketplace debut and compete for Best of Show honors in 24 product categories this year. Industry buyers and media serve as judges to rate the new products and cast their votes.
State of the Industry Breakfast: Just before the show floor opens on July 16, ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman will provide the traditional “State of the Industry” message. Lee Corso, one of ESPN’s most knowledgeable, opinionated and entertaining college football analysts, will deliver the keynote address. Tickets are required.
Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception: On July 16, Gregg Wollner, executive vice president of Rapala USA, and chairman of ASA’s Board of Directors, will host the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception, sponsored by Rapala. During the reception, Wollner and ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman will present the New Product Showcase “Best of Show” awards. All ICAST and IFTD attendees are welcome to attend the awards reception held at the convention center.
Expanded Business Conference Sessions: In order to meet the business needs of our industry, the business sessions are evolving into a “must attend” part of the trade show. This year’s seminars focus on a wide-range of topics, with a particular focus on buyers and the retail sector, but the sessions have a lot of information for all attendees and exhibitors. The sessions are free to all badged ICAST and IFTD attendees. The sessions are held during show hours – July 16 – 18, in Room 209A, the Orange County Convention Center.
To download the ICAST 2014 Mobile App click here . . .
The new ICAST 2014 Mobile App will help make the ICAST experience one of the best ever. The app has many useful features that will help exhibitors and attendees alike with content such as maps, events, business sessions and exhibitors. To download the ICAST 2014 to a smart device, visit the ICAST website, www.ICASTfishing.org, and scan the QR code located on the home page to obtain the app. Or simply download it from the device’s app store under ICAST Fishing. The app is supported by Apple, Android and Blackberry.
A full list and description of show highlights and events and seminars are posted on the ICAST website.
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ICAST and IFTD 2014 Show Hours – Orange County Convention Center
Tuesday, July 15 – 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. New Product Showcase
Preview Reception
(Buyers and Media only)
Wednesday, July 16 – 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 17 – 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, July 18 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
For complete ICAST information click here . . . ICAST is a trade-only event and not open to the public. To register click here . . .
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About American Sportfishing Association
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry’s trade association committed to representing the interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry a unified voice, speaking out on behalf of sportfishing and boating industries, state and federal natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, angler advocacy groups and outdoor journalists when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. ASA invests in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous, as well as safeguard and promote the enduring social, economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America. ASA also gives America’s 60 million anglers a voice in policy decisions that affect their ability to sustainably fish on our nation’s waterways through KeepAmericaFishing™, our angler advocacy campaign. America’s anglers generate over $48 billion in retail sales with a $115 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for more than 828,000 people.
