2012 Fishing Rod Expo to be Largest in History
OutdoorHub 01.13.12
With just a few weeks until show time, the 9th Annual International Custom Rod Building Exposition was “Busting at the seams.” according to owner and event promoter Tom Kirkman. “We normally have everything set in stone before the first of the year but here we are almost two weeks into the new year and new exhibitors are still signing on.”
Last year’s event saw just over 3000 custom rod builders visiting over 50 rod building supply manufactures and dealers exhibiting in 75 booths. In addition to the plethora of rod building items, attendees were treated to 25 continuing education seminars by some of the top names in the industry including Gary Loomis, Jason Brunner, Jim Upton and others. This year’s event will be even larger.
The “Expo” as it’s come to be known, performs double duty for the rod building craft and industry. What was initially intended to be a consumer show has also become the rod building industry’s annual trade event. “All the rod building companies are here, so it’s only natural that they take the opportunity to do business with one another,” said Kirkman.
Another aspect of the Expo over the past few years has been the number of representatives from commercial fishing companies that attend. They walk the aisles looking for that next innovation that could boost their sales in the new product year. “They didn’t cook up micro guides, split grips or carbon skinning on their own,” said Kirkman, “They saw them here and then implemented that stuff into their own product lines. The Expo is where most new rod innovations and concepts are first unveiled. If you want to see what fishing rods are going to look like in five years from now, come to the Expo and see them now.”
The current floor plan and seminar list will be continually updated as show time approaches. For more up to date information, including dates, times, lodging, and the most current exhibitor and seminar information, please visit the official event website at www.rodexpo.com.
