[dropcap]I[/dropcap]CAST July 9-12 will have a different look and feel this year due to a recent partnership between the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA). For the first time ever, the two organizations will partner to bring their centerpiece events under one roof. The show, which will beheld at the Las Vegas Convention Center on July 10-12, 2013, will provide opportunities to expand the reach for both the fly fishing and sportfishing industries.
“The collaboration among those in the industry is a must to help increase participation,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “We hope this serves as a model that can help the entire fishing industry, and sparks additional opportunities to reach a broader audience. In this new format, RBFF will have the opportunity to work with both organizations to develop original content that targets novice anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. We hope others are able to benefit as well.”
In advance of this event, RBFF spoke with both ASA and AFFTA to get their thoughts on what this partnership means to them, as well as the fishing industry as a whole.
Mike Nussman
Q& A with ASA President Mike Nussman
ICAST is the already the largest fishing trade show in the world, why partner with AFFTA to include a fly fishing element?
Over the years, there has been much discussion about how to bridge the gap between the conventional and fly fishing market segments. In 2012, those discussions came to fruition with a proposal between ASA and AFFTA to co-locate ICAST and IFTD this July 9 – 12, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The proposal received unanimous support from both the ASA and AFFTA boards of directors and has overwhelming support from our respective memberships. By combining both shows in one venue, we can expand the business opportunities for both trade shows in terms of increasing international attendance as well as buyers and media located in the U.S. which will benefit both organizations.
If an individual is on the fence about attending one show or the other or both; we’ve now eliminated that barrier. In addition,combining the two shows has generated much positive media attention and discussion in the fishing industry, both domestic and international.
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