Sportfishing Tradeshow Boasts Best Attendance In Years
by
Mary Jane Williamson
July 29, 2005—ALEXANDRIA, VA. The 48th annual International
Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), produced by the American
Sportfishing Association, once again lived up to its’ reputation as
the world’s largest industry showcase of fishing tackle and accessories
all under one roof with more than 6,500 people attending the Las Vegas
show. ICAST,
covering 250,000 square feet of the Las Vegas Convention Center, showcased
the very latest innovations in sportfishing equipment and accessories
for industry buyers and media.
ICAST 2005, with a sold-out floor show for the fourth consecutive year,
featured nearly 400 exhibitors - almost half offering show specials
to potential buyers—filling over 1,180 booths, a 7 percent increase
over 2004. The show boasted more than 1,600 buyers and over 300 registered
members of the press. Additionally
more than 800 new products from nearly 170 companies vied for overall
Best of Show and best in 12 separate categories in the flagship feature
of ICAST, the New Product Showcase. Winners of the New Product Showcase
are Shimano American Corporation; Gamakatsu USA Corp., Stren; Normark;
SPRO; Plano Molding Company; Spinmaster; Lowrance Electronics, Inc.;
XTOOLS; FisherGirl, Inc.; and DriDuds by Kappler.
"ICAST is an important focal point for our industry," said Dave
Pfeiffer, ASA Board chairman and executive vice president, Shimano
American Corporation. "ICAST brings everyone together to enjoy the spirit
of competition, interact with customers and the media, generate business
and address sportfishing industry concerns. This trade show is
the one event that brings all these forces together." Pfeiffer added, "ICAST
2005 had a very positive energy which gives us cause to believe that
our industry is poised to grow in the coming years."
The sold-out Industry Breakfast on Wednesday, July 20, was attended by more
than 400 people who heard from Pfeiffer, along with Mike Nussman, ASA president
and CEO, and Cindy Garrison, professional international angler and guide
and ESPN TV host. All three spoke about the importance of expanding participation
in sportfishing and urged all members of the sportfishing community to do
more to expand fishing opportunities across all demographics.
“One of the greatest things about ICAST is the way the entire
industry comes together and shares in the enthusiasm and excitement
of the show,” said Nussman.” Our industry thrives on the participation
levels of our members and ICAST is a prime example of the impact the
sportfishing industry can have when it all comes together. This truly
has been a great show and I’ve heard many good things from our members.”
During Wednesday night’s Chairman’s Reception the Recreational
Fishing and Boating Foundation announced the Manufacturer of the Year Award
which, this year, went to Zebco/WCB, of Tulsa, Okla.
Remarks from the show floor echoed loud and clear from many ICAST first-timers:
"I believe you need to go where the action is. That's why I'm at ICAST," said
Dan Morken, owner of APEX Outfitters, Inc.
"ICAST is the best way to be introduced to the retailers. We have a
lot of new customers and the response here has been good," said Gerrit
Swart, principal of Carp Tackle Imports and Wholesalers.
"This has been a great show for us—a huge success,” said
Ken Sifferman, owner of Reel Expressions.
"ICAST is the place to be if you want to meet the buyers and the media.
They're what make this business go. The ASA staff has been just excellent,
and everything's been great. I'm thrilled to be here," said Trey Kistler,
owner of Kistler Rods.
ICAST will return to Las Vegas, Nevada at the Las Vegas Convention Center
July 19-21, 2006 and July 11-13, 2007.
ICAST 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 300
media in attendance.
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.
