Catch Sportfishing on a Global Scale at ICAST 2012 in Orlando, Florida
OutdoorHub 06.01.12
This year, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is bringing the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, back to the East Coast. ICAST will be held July 11-13, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. From buyers to media to exhibitors, ICAST annually attracts more than 7,000 representatives from the international sportfishing community to conduct business, network with industry leaders and see all the latest innovations in gear, apparel and accessories.
ICAST is the only place where buyers and media can see sportfishing manufacturers’ entire product lines; save money and time by taking advantage of ICAST-only product specials; attend business-related seminars; network with industry leaders and entrepreneurs; learn about sportfishing’s future with KeepAmericaFishing; and help shape the 2013 consumer market by voting in the New Product Showcase for the “Best of Show” awards in 21 product categories and the overall “Best of Show.”
“The last time we were in Orlando for ICAST was 2009. At that time, the U.S. economy was being hit by one of the worst recessions in many, many years,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “To everyone’s satisfaction, ICAST 2009 was a great show with excellent attendance by buyers and media. Bringing the show to Florida, the number one fishing state in the country, and within driving distance for many industry folks in the Southeast region, turned out to be an excellent decision. We’re working hard to ensure that exhibitors and attendees alike have a great trade show experience in 2012.”
Legendary Basketball Coach Bobby Knight is Our Special Guest Speaker
During the annual State of the Industry Breakfast that kicks off the show’s opening on Wednesday morning, July 11, one of men’s basketball’s most colorful personalities, Coach Bobby Knight, is this year’s guest keynote speaker. Knight was one of college basketball’s most successful and innovative coaches, having won 902 NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball games. Knight remains “the object of near fanatical devotion” from his former players and Indiana University fans. Knight is also a studio analyst for ESPN during Championship Week and for coverage of the NCAA Tournament.
“This year, we’re delighted to host Coach Knight as our keynote speaker during Wednesday morning’s State of the Industry Breakfast,” noted Nussman. “There is no better way to jump start the world’s largest sportfishing trade show than with a rousing message of teamwork and team spirit – Coach Knight style.”
Knight joins Nussman and Jeff Marble, CEO, Frabill, Inc. and ASA’s Board of Directors chairman, who will outline the state of the sportfishing industry. The breakfast is being held from 7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m., in the convention center, Hall B, Third Floor, Room W311. Tickets are required. Tickets can be purchased online; by calling (301) 694-5243; or onsite at the ICAST Registration Desk. Only registered exhibitors and attendees may purchase tickets.
The New Product Showcase “Best of Show” Awards
There is no doubt that the single most important feature for exhibitors and attendees is the New Product Showcase, which is ICAST’s flagship feature. The New Product Showcase, sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer, provides buyers and media representatives a special opportunity to preview hundreds of next season’s innovations in fishing gear, apparel, accessories and boats debuted by ICAST 2012 exhibitors.
Buyers and credentialed media will evaluate each new product and vote for the “Best of Show” in 21 categories and the overall “Best of Show.” The winners will be announced during the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception, sponsored by Frabill, Inc., on Wednesday, July 11, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., in the convention center, Hall B, Third Floor, Room W311. All badged ICAST attendees and exhibitors are welcome to attend.
“You Are Here” With the New ICAST App and Show Floor Kiosks
ICAST and Outdoor Channel have partnered with the You Are Here system on a mobile app and show floor kiosks that make it easy for buyers and media to locate and connect with exhibitors. According to ICAST Director Kenneth Andres this new exhibitor locator makes it easy to plan a day’s activities or quickly make it to a show floor meeting on time. “This is a great way to navigate the show floor which using smart phone technology which is literally in almost everyone’s hands,” said Andres.
ICAST 2012 Show Highlights, Events and Business Education Seminars
Other exciting highlights at ICAST 2012 are the Casting Pond and Lure Tank. These spaces on the show floor allow exhibitors to demonstrate their latest innovations in lures, reels and rods. ICAST also offers a wide-range of free business seminars for attendees and exhibitors that cover a wide-range of topics from human resources for small businesses to staying current with the IRS’ fishing tackle excise tax requirements. A full list and description of show highlights and events and seminars are posted on the ICAST website.
Our ICAST 2012 Sponsors
ASA would like to thank its generous members who have already signed on as ICAST sponsors. Our ICAST 2012 sponsors are: Gold sponsors –Crocodile Bay Resort; Fishing Tackle Retailer; Frabill, Inc.; NBC Sports Network; Outdoor Channel; Take Me Fishing; and WFN: World Fishing Network. Silver sponsors – Dave Mercer’s Facts of Fishing; Gemini Sport Marketing; In-Fisherman; Koppers Fishing & Tackle Corp.; North American Fisherman; and Simms. Bronze sponsors – Bass Minder; Classic Fishing Products; and Columbia. This list is current as of May 31, 2012.
ICAST 2012 Show Hours
July 11, Wednesday – 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
July 12, Thursday – 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
July 13, Friday – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
For complete ICAST information, visit ICASTfishing.org. ICAST is a trade-only event and not open to the public.
