Sportfishing Industry Rallies To Make Icast 2002 A Great Show Of Unity
by Janet Tennyson
The American Sportfishing Association’s 45th annual International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, or ICAST, held July 17-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, was a resounding success, with nearly 5,500 representatives of the sportfishing industry attending the nation’s largest recreational fishing trade expo.
"The positive feedback we’re getting on ICAST from exhibitors, buyers, and media is amazing," said Mike Nussman, American Sportfishing Association President and CEO. "Making the show more valuable to companies and buyers was our main goal, and it was great to see the sportfishing industry so united in making that happen."
Turn-out by industry buyers rose 40 percent this year, with close to 1,900 attending. More buyers were lured by special ICAST deals offered by 180 of this year’s 329 exhibiting companies. Booth space in the 209,000-square-foot show floor was expanded by more than 10 percent this year and sold out two months beforehand. Half the exhibiting companies entered nearly 1,000 items in the New Product Showcase, the main feature of ICAST each year. Media attendance was up by 25 percent this year, with 350 outdoor journalists taking the opportunity to learn about the latest innovations in fishing gear and accessories and network with key players in the sportfishing community.
Nearly 60 percent of the booth space for ICAST 2003, which will be held July 9-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, already was committed before the show’s end, with many companies increasing their booth space for next year.
"Phenomenal," "upbeat," and "better than expected," were the most common remarks on the show floor. "A lot of what we get out of ICAST depends on our positive attitude going in," said Nussman, "and it’s a testament to the industry’s passion for fishing and commitment to progress when we have a success like this."
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.
