With Orlando, Fla. as the backdrop, the 61st International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, is taking place July 10 - 13, at the Orange County Convention Center. All the details, including registration, are available at ICASTfishing.org.
ICAST 2018, the world’s largest showcase of fishing tackle, apparel and accessories, will host620exhibitors, a week-long lineup of business and networking events and an estimated 15,000 attendees. Once again, the Marine Accessories Pavilion, hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), will be on the ICAST show floor. The International Fly Fishing Tackle Dealer show is also co-located with ICAST.
Produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade group that represents the sportfishing industry, ICAST is the venue for launching new fishing products and setting industry trends.
“This is going to be another recording breaking year for ICAST,” said Trade Show Blake Swango. “I am happy to report that the ICAST show floor is sold out with a waiting list. Everything that an angler could want or need to have a fun and productive day on the water, and in the outdoors for that matter, can be found here.”
Swango went on to say, “There is no place on the planet like ICAST. In fact, representatives from more than 60 countries will be at the show, a testament to just how essential ICAST is to the global sportfishing marketplace. If your livelihood revolves around recreational fishing and the great outdoors, from July 10 – 13, there really is nowhere else to be.”
“For everyone in the fishing trade, ICAST is the gateway for business opportunities,” said ASA President Glenn Hughes. “We’ve moved to the North/South Hall this year giving us a bigger footprint to support the largest ICAST ever.”
Hughes continued, “ASA has partnered with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation on an exciting new venture. We’re going all out this year with the “60 in 60” booth to provide everyone in the industry – especially retailers – simple, easy-to-implement tips and high-energy, short seminars in the booth on how to recruit, retain and reactivate more anglers and customers in America’s favorite pastime.”
Make Your Plans for ICAST Super Tuesday
ICAST Super Tuesday, July 10, is packed with events that will add to your ICAST experience.
On the Wateris a key destination for buyers and media. It’s a perfect location for ICAST exhibitors to demonstrate their products for dealers and media representatives.
To accommodate more buyers and media, On the Water is being held from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and is conveniently located outside the North Building. The ponds are the perfect location for demonstrating casting and non-motorized fishing vessels.
“Honestly, this is a great venue for exhibitors to showcase their products in a fun and festive atmosphere,” noted Swango. “From casting to kayaking to performance apparel, On the Water is a great venue.”
Special features for On the Water exhibitors and attendees include: cooling water misters, food and beverage for purchase and complimentary beer. Enjoy a cold beverage while supplies last!
ICAST Cup - Industry Bass Fishing Tournament
ICAST is again partnering with FLW to host the annual ICAST Cup - Industry Bass Fishing Tournament. During this one-of-a-kind tournament, each fishing team will be paired with a media representative for an action-packed, four-hour bass-fishing “fish out” on Lake Toho.
The tournament features great prizes for top teams with the winners taking home the ICAST Cup. Each member of the winning team will receive a commemorative trophy.
The weigh-in will be held on Lake Toho in Kissimmee Lakefront Park starting at approximately 9:00 a.m.
For more information and to register for the ICAST Cup Tournament, please clickhere.
Bass & Birdies Classic
Also on Tuesday morning, Florida Sportsman is partnering with ICAST to host the annual Bass and Birdies Classic golf tournament. The heavy emphasis is on the fun, and will include such contests as “Closest to the Pin”, “Longest Drive”, “Casting Contests” “Beat the Pro” and more. To register, go to Floridasportsman.com and click on “Bass and Birdies."
“Each ICAST event provides more opportunities for buyers and media to interact, discuss business and get hands-on experience with the products that our member exhibitors have to offer,” said Swango. “In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the golf and fishing tournaments will go to support Keep America Fishing, the sportfishing industry’s angler advocacy program.”
We’re Going All Out to Reach Our Nation’s Anglers with the New “60 in 60” Booth!
You’ve heard about “60 in 60” and the efforts across the country to grow participation in fishing. During show hours, please visit the “60 in 60” booth (Booth 5400), presented by the American Sportfishing Association and the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), for quick and easy tips that you can use to recruit, retain and reactivate anglers.
All segments of our industry are welcome – retailers big and small, media, manufacturers, captains and guides, state agencies and other nonprofits. There will be ideas for everyone to take away, plus short 15-20-minute seminars throughout the day with information about specific initiatives you can get started on right away.
Retailers and Buyers – The Coffee and Donuts Are on Us!
Have a cup of coffee on us! The “60 in 60” booth will open one hour early Wednesday and Thursday–for retail badge holders only. Join ASA and RBFF staff for complimentary coffee and donuts and get inspired to hear terrific tips on how to recruit, retain and reactivate anglers in your local community.
Additional Show Highlights
New Product Showcase: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 25 product categories this year. Industry buyers and media serve as judges to rate the new products and cast their votes.
New Product Showcase Industry Awards Presentations:On Wednesday, July 11, ICAST will host the New Product Showcase Industry Awards Reception in the OCCC where the New Product Showcase "Best of Category" awards are presented. All ICAST and IFTD attendees are welcome to attend the awards reception held at the convention center.
New in 2018 – Voting for the Overall “Best of Show” Award
The second round of voting for the overall “Best of Show” will take place Thursday morning from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. adjacent to the ICAST Registration Desk.
Buyers and Media-Editorial badge holders will have the opportunity to select one product category from the 25 “Best of Category” winners which will be showcased in the South Hall lobby of the Convention Center, near registration.
The ICAST 2018 New Product Showcase “Best of Show” winner will be announced at 2:00 p.m. in the New Product Showcase on the show floor.
Gold –Columbia Sportswear; Crocodile Bay Resort; ENGEL COOLERS; Fishing Tackle Retailer; Florida Sportsmen; FLW, LLC, The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and Visit Orlando.
State of the Industry Breakfast Keynote Address:The State of the Industry Breakfast, presented by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, is one of the most important business events for our industry where information about policies and management decisions that can impact your business is shared.
Wednesday morning kicks off with insight and inspiration from the former Commander of the USS Cole, Kirk Lippold, who will talk about the foundation for team success and time-critical decisions based on integrity.
Tickets are $40 per ticket and $400 for a table of ten. Tickets are available for purchase when you register for the show.
To order tickets for the State of the Industry Breakfast, contact Experient Customer Service toll-free at 800 424-5249. International registrants, please call 847 996-5829.
Go to ICASTfishing.org for more details.
Business Development Seminars:The business sessions are 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. The sessions are free to all badged ICAST and IFTD attendees. The sessions are held during show hours at the convention center. Click here for the free business development seminars schedule.
Thank You ICAST 2018 Sponsors
Silver – Anything Possible Brands; Bonnier Corporation, FishAnywhere.com; GILLZ Gear, Huk Performance Fishing; Ketch Products; LIVETARGET Lures; Realtree Fishing and Wyoming Outdoor Recreation.
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