ICAST 2005—The Largest Showcase of Sportfishing Products
All Under One Roof
by
Mary Jane Williamson
June 14, 2005—ALEXANDRIA, VA—Building on the success of three
consecutive sell-out shows, ICAST 2005 once again has a sold-out show
floor. The sportfishing industry’s tradeshow is shaping up to be the
biggest sportfishing trade event in recent years, with more than 390
exhibitors filling over 1,180 booths to showcase their full product
lines and the latest in sportfishing equipment and accessories for industry
buyers.
“ICAST is the rallying point for our membership and the sportfishing
community,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “A
sold-out show for the fourth year running proves to me that the excitement
and unity in the industry is positive and growing. There is no doubt
that the continued success of ICAST is directly attributable to the
hard work and enthusiasm of our members.”
Produced by the American Sportfishing Association, the 48th annual International
Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, or ICAST, takes place July
20-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show represents the cornerstone
of the sportfishing industry, driving sportfishing companies’ product
sales year-round. ICAST is the world’s largest industry event of its
kind with more than 1,000 buyers, 1,000 representatives of exhibiting
companies, over 500 manufacturers’ reps, and nearly 200 media in attendance.
ICAST 2005 is expected to ultimately draw over 6,000 attendees.
“ICAST provides buyers and media the opportunity to see everything
that is happening in our industry at one time while providing an excellent
platform for ASA members to network,” said John Jilling, president
of Wright & McGill Company and ASA’s Show Committee chairman. “For
buyers, ICAST is the one chance to view the industry’s entire product
lines prior to the next fishing season and make those key decisions
about next year’s business direction.”
Event highlights for this year’s show include:
ICAST’s Flagship Feature—New Product Showcase: Over
100 companies have entered hundreds of new products that will make
their marketplace debut and compete for Best of Show honors in 12 product
categories.
New Product Showcase Preview Reception: July 19—Buyers
and media hear directly from manufacturers and product designers about
hundreds of entries competing for Best of Show honors. Sponsored by
Fishing Tackle Retailer/ESPN.
Show Specials—More than 100 companies are
offering ICAST-only specials, providing industry buyers the best discounts
and a head-start on product orders for the next fishing season.
Industry Breakfast: Just before the show floor opens on July 20, ASA President
and CEO Mike Nussman will provide his state of the industry message followed
by keynote speaker, Cindy Garrison, TV host and professional angler and guide.
Tickets required.
Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception: July 20‚During
the reception, the New Product Showcase Best of Show Awards and the “Take
Me Fishing” and Retailer of the Year Awards will be announced. Coach
Jimmy Johnson, a two-time Super Bowl winner, will also be honored by
the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. Sponsored by Shimano
American Corporation.
Meet the New Product Showcase Winners—Special Media-only
Event: July 21—New for 2005, just
before the show opens, media have the opportunity to interview and
photograph the New Product Showcase Best of Show winners one-on-one.
Additionally, the Manufacturer and Retailer of the Year award winners
will also be in attendance.
For complete ICAST information please visit www.asafishing.org. ICAST
is a trade-only event and is not open to the public.
The American Sportfishing Association is the sportfishing industry’s
trade association, uniting more than 600 members of the sportfishing and
boating industries with state fish and wildlife agencies, federal land and
water management agencies, conservation organizations, angler advocacy groups
and outdoor journalists. The American Sportfishing Association safeguards
and promotes the enduring social, economic and conservation values of sportfishing.
