ICAST Week 2015 Promises More Booths, Events and Energy!
Buyers across the U.S. are invited to attend the world’s largest sportfishing show
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is pumping new energy into the sportfishing industry’s largest trade show, promising more of everything you’ve always come for plus an expanded lineup of fun, festive and productive events. Registration and details are available at www.ICASTfishing.org. ICAST is a trade-only show and not open to the general public.
The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, takes place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. While the exhibition still runs for three days—from Wednesday, July 15 through Friday, July 17—there are now many “Super Tuesday” (July 14) activities from which to choose. Registration and tickets are required for some events—visit http://www.icastfishing.org/conference-events/events/.
You’ll especially not want to miss two new events on nearby Lake Toho – the ICAST Cup and ICAST On the Water, an expansive product demo and a bass fishing tournament in this fishing paradise. A concert featuring award-winning country music star Easton Corbin is the ICAST kick-off event on Tuesday night, while the keynote speaker at Wednesday’s State of the Industry Breakfast is Gus Bradley, head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars and an avid angler.
“Orlando has proven to be a great venue for ICAST because it gives us more chances to enhance the appeal of the show,” said Trade Show Director Ken Andres. “Many people attend for the one-stop shopping for everything in fishing, all under one roof. With so much partner support and input from ASA’s members, we’ve been able to expand on the product demonstrations and networking opportunities for our exhibitors and attendees. That’s what Tuesday, July 14, is all about.”
ICAST now attracts nearly 12,000 people from around the globe to take part in the largest showcase of fishing products, apparel, and accessories in the world. It is the preeminent venue for launching new fishing products and sparking new industry trends.
Along with media, buyers have an especially important role in determining which new products will catch on. These are the only two groups of ICAST attendees who can vote for the coveted “Best of Show” awards in the New Product Showcase competition.
Plan to arrive on Monday, July 13—you don’t want to hear “You shoulda been here yesterday!”
Super Tuesday Lineup
Activities on the day before the show floor opens get started early, on Lake Toho, the venue for two new events. The ICAST Cup, presented by ICAST and FLW, is a bass fishing tournament grouping professional anglers with outdoor writers and industry pros for an awesome bass fishing experience.
The ICAST Cup weigh-in coincides with the opening of a second new Super Tuesday event, ICAST On The Water, sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer. This takes place at Big Toho Marina, where industry pros have another opportunity to demonstrate their products in action to both outdoor writers and buyers.
For those who like to mix a little golf with their fishing, another option is taking part in the second annual Bass & Birdies Classic, a golf tournament combined with a fishing competition (four designated holes will feature release-only fishing on the course’s bass-hungry lakes
Buyers also won’t want to miss the New Product Showcase Preview Reception, sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer, on Tuesday evening prior to the ICAST kickoff concert.
ICAST Kick-Off Concert!
Last but not least, Super Tuesday culminates with the ICAST kickoff concert, presented by ICAST and the World Fishing Network, featuring, as headliner, country music star Easton Corbin. Opening for Easton is fellow country crooner James Wesley, who is sponsored by Calcutta.
Proceeds from the kickoff concert and both fishing tournaments support ASA’s KeepAmericaFishing® angler advocacy network.
Opening day caps off with the popular Chairman’s Industry Awards reception, sponsored by Costa. This celebratory gathering is where the winners of the New Product Showcase Best of Show awards are announced.