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ICAST 2002 Promises To Be Best Ever
New product debuts and show specials unite sportfishing community.
by Janet Tennyson

Nearly 5,000 sportfishing industry partners will gather at the Las Vegas Convention Center July 17-19 for the 45th annual International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, or ICAST, the nation’s largest sportfishing trade expo sponsored by the American Sportfishing Association.

"ICAST attendance has dramatically surpassed our goals and even our floor space," said Mike Nussman, President and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association. "We’re especially pleased that more than 1,400 buyers are taking advantage of special deals on products and the number of companies rolling out their new products at ICAST."

The 209,000-square-foot show floor will be wall-to-wall with hundreds of exhibits from 329 companies featuring the latest innovations in fishing tackle, gear, and outdoor equipment, including hundreds of products making their debut at ICAST. Those premiering in ICAST’s New Product Showcase, co-sponsored this year by eAngler, will be judged by industry buyers to reap coveted "Best of Show" status and special visibility throughout the convention.

The sportfishing industry represents a $108 billion annual impact on our nationf#146;s economy and supplies America’s 50 million anglers with the means to enjoy one of the most popular outdoor traditions.

"ICAST is one of the few times each year when the sportfishing industry really has an opportunity to come together," Nussman said. "The enthusiasm we’re seeing for ICAST this year reflects a sense of renewal and unity among the American Sportfishing Association’s members and partners."

In addition to the 450 members of the American Sportfishing Association, those attending ICAST include other key retailers, wholesalers, sales representatives, partners in the conservation community, and outdoor media.

"Because of the efforts of so many people—the ASA staff, the Board of Directors, the show committee, and many exhibitors, this show will be the premier event of the year," said Burt Steinberg, Chairman of the Board of the American Sportfishing Association. "The excitement is building!"

Click here for more information on ICAST. Registration at the Las Vegas Convention Center is open to all credentialed press from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. July 16-18 and 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. on July 19. ICAST is a trade-only event and is not open to the public.

ICAST Highlights

Industry Breakfast: Features Burt Steinberg, Chairman of the Board of the American Sportfishing Association; Mike Nussman, the Association’s President and CEO; and Brett Boston, President of Group Solutions, Inc., on Wednesday, July 17.

Receptions: New Product Showcase Preview Reception on Tuesday, July 16; American Sportfishing Association Chairman of the Board’s Reception on Wednesday, July 17; Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s Water Works Wonders Luncheon on Thursday, July 18.

Press Conferences: Falcon Rods, Frogg Toggs, Pure Fishing, and Zebco host special press events at various times Tuesday, July 16 through Friday, July 19; the FishAmerica Foundation and Outdoor Life magazine will announce a new partnership for grassroots fisheries restoration at the Outdoor Life booth on Wednesday, July 17.

Seminars: Making Industry Statistics Work for You on Wednesday, July 17; Paying the Federal Excise Tax on Thursday, July 18; and Fighting for Your Freedom to Fish on Friday, July 19.

The American Sportfishing Association is the recreational fishing trade association, with 450 members representing the fishing and boating industry, state and federal natural resource agencies, angler advocacy groups, and outdoor journalists. The American Sportfishing Association initiates and supports efforts to advance healthy fisheries, fishing opportunities, and a profitable sportfishing industry.

© Copyright 2008 American Sportfishing Association. All rights reserved.