Sportfishing Industry’s New, Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo is Going Strong
OutdoorHub 11.05.12
The American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA), new Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo, being held January 24-27, 2013, at the Schaumburg Convention Center in suburban Chicago, is expected to be a sell-out show.
“The commitment and excitement by the tackle industry for this new event has been dramatic,” said Show Manager Paul Fuller. “The industry has taken an ‘all-in’ approach to this event which means we have many major tackle manufacturers leading the parade. It will be a strictly sportfishing spectacular which hasn’t been seen in the Chicago market for many years.”
Fuller further said, “The Chicago area deserves a premier fishing-specific outdoor expo. This new show will provide ASA’s member companies an opportunity to introduce new products to Midwest anglers and all sportsmen and women who are eager to see new products to enhance their fishing and outdoor experience. The January show comes at a perfect time to bring a hint of spring when cabin fever has set in.”
This new event, along with ASA’s three Northeast and two West coast consumer shows, help stimulate fishing tackle sales and enthusiasm for the sport and, in addition, provides funding to support ASA’s numerous fisheries conservation policy initiatives and the angler-focused KeepAmericaFishing™ advocacy campaign.
ASA members who have already committed to supporting this new event include: Daiwa Corporation, Frabill Inc., Plano Molding Company, Shimano American Corporation, G. Loomis Inc, Power Pro, St. Croix Rods, Rapala, Ardent Outdoors Inc, Wright-McGill Co. (Eagle Claw), Johnson Outdoors, Inc (Humminbird, MinnKota, Cannon Downriggers), Lew’s Fishing Tackle, Temple Fork Outfitters, Okuma Fishing Tackle Corporation, Aqua Logic, Inc (Robinson Wholesale), Garmin USA, Flambeau Products Corporation, WileyX Eyewear, Yellow Bird Products, Stick Jacket, Seaguar, Advantage Bait Company, Black Knight Industries (Gamma Fishing Line), Lucky Craft Inc., Outdoor InSite LLC (Fishidy), Lake-Link Inc, Daves Bait Tackle & Taxidermy and Ono’s Polarized Performance Sunglasses.
“We also have an outstanding lineup of local and national fishing pros including Kevin VanDam, Mike “Ike” Iaconelli, James Lindner, Preston Clark, Joe Bucher, Gary Parsons, Mark Zona and many more,” noted Fuller. “In addition, the show will feature a large and diverse group of key local independent fishing tackle retailers, most of the major boat lines exhibiting through local dealers, and a large, quality travel and tourism area – nearly 100 booths – consisting of guides, charters, lodges and resorts from the U.S.A., Canada and other locations.”
The modern Schaumburg Convention Center, measuring nearly 100,000 square feet, is an exhibitor-friendly facility featuring easy move-in and out, abundant free parking for both exhibitors and attendees and easy access from all directions. ASA is investing significant advertising and marketing dollars to help ensure maximum attendance at all its 2013 consumer shows.
“The excitement generated by this new event is incredible,” said Sales Manager Tod Alberto. “Our exhibit space is going fast so I encourage non-committed manufacturers, lodges, resorts and other interested exhibitors to contact me as soon as possible to ensure their participation.” Alberto can be reached at tod@sportshows.com or at 603-431-4315.
For general information regarding the New! Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo, contact Paul Fuller at paul@sportshows.com or 603-431-4315. Information is also available on the show’s website at www.sportshows.com.
