National Professional Anglers Association Conference Jan. 3-5
OutdoorHub 11.27.13
The New Fishing Year kicks off January 3-5, 2014 with the annual National Professional Anglers Association Conference. The Crowne Plaza hotel near the Minneapolis airport hosts the meetings, with a line-up of world-renowned speakers, a complimentary banquet supporting the Future Angler Foundation, technical and new-product sessions by tackle, marine and electronics companies, and dozens of industry leaders.
NPAA members and non-NPAA members are welcome. “The upcoming NPAA Conference is a must-attend event for all North American anglers who love fishing and have aspirations of taking their passion to the next level via guiding, tournament competition or teaching others to fish,” said NPAA Executive Director Pat Neu.
He urged attendees to register prior to Dec. 18 for $60 conference rates, including two meals, plus the banquet dinner, all sessions and more. Bruce “Doc” Samson’s Doctor Sonar School takes place Friday, Jan. 3rd, from 9 to 4. Registration and Supporting Partner displays open at 3:30PM Friday. A business meeting will be conducted at 5 p.m. that evening, followed by a Meet/Greet party sponsored by Worldwide Marine Insurance.
Saturday’s sessions (Jan. 4th) include a keynote address by Ron Lindner, co-founder of In-Fisherman, the Lindy Tackle Company and Lindner Media, a member of the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, book author, tackle inventor, and a person called “The Idea Man.” His presentation is titled, “A Time for an Adjustment” as he looks at the forces surrounding the world of tournament angling and its future. The Saturday sessions will be streamed live on www.npaa.net, starting at 9 a.m.
Also at the podium will be Evinrude pro angler Randall Tharp, who has cashed checks totaling $1,506,747 in FLW, BASS and PAA tournaments (three Angler of Year titles, seven tournament wins and 52 top 10-place finishes in 152 tournaments fished).
Other Saturday topics include insurance for the angling professional, aquatic invasive species updates, “Future Angler” youth event recap, tournament news from the MWC, CNWT and NABC, Tommy Skarlis on how to motivate and inspire to change a life, breakout sessions by Mercury, Evinrude, Yamaha, Lund, Skeeter, Ranger and Triton, and a pro’s Q & A panel featuring Corey Sprengel, Gary Nault, John Gillman and Jimmy Bell. The Future Angler Foundation banquet presented by Yamaha and Skeeter wraps up Saturday’s activities.
Sunday, January 5th, opens with a sunrise chapel service at 7 a.m. Conference attendees will select four one-hour seminars that will best benefit them. These sessions include “Sponsor Relations” by Cody Roswick, Pure Fishing representative; “Taxes” by Nate Pinkham, CPA; “Catching More Fish with Maps” by Doc Samson; “Expanding Your Media Presence” by Dave Csanda; “Justify Your Existence Socially” by Dena Woerner; and “Winning Ways” by Jason Przekurat.
The NPAA has arranged special $79 room rates at the Crowne Plaza, with a room block reserved until Dec. 18. To book, attendees should call 952-854-9000 and reference group code “NPA.”
