... the place to be.
I just wanted to take a moment to
thank the staff of ASA for a great 2004 ICAST.
As a new member of ASA and to this industry, we
had hopes of launching our company and new product line to the industry.
What an understatement that would be. ICAST brought
Magnum Weight Systems into the mainstream of the
industry and opened so many opportunities for us that would have taken
many months if not years to develop. I
have attended many conventions in years past, but
I have never attended a convention so well organized
and geared to the success of its members. We
are proud to be a part of this industry and members
of ASA. We look forward to next year’s ICAST and continued support
of ASA in this wonderful industry. Great job to
you all.
Greg
Patterson, Magnum Weight Systems, Inc.
During the American Sportfishing Association's third-consecutive sell-out
trade show, response from exhibitors and
buyers alike showed the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing
Trades—held July 14-16, 2004 at the Las Vegas Convention Center—was
a strong catalyst for sales and the place to be to forge relationships
with key players in the sportfishing industry, both nationally and abroad.
Nearly 400 exhibitors—more than 60 over last year—filled 1,100
booths to showcase their full product lines and the latest
in sportfishing equipment and accessories for industry buyers. The
world’s largest sportfishing expo grew by 15 percent this year, featuring
nearly 150 additional booths over last year.
Nearly 6,500 representatives of the industry, partners, and media came
together for ICAST 2004. The 250,000-square-foot
show floor was abuzz with activity from open to close each day. Nearly half of the
exhibiting companies offered ICAST-only
Show Specials.
I’ve been to 50 years-worth of shows,
and this 2004 ICAST seems to be better than in many years—very
upbeat.
John Cantey, Manufacturers’ Rep
During the New
Product Showcase Preview Reception on July 13, exhibitors displayed
their latest innovations for buyers and media, and competed
for prestigious Best of Show honors in 11 categories and
an Overall Best of Show category. The Overall Best of Show
Award (and the Best of Show Award in the Reel category) went
to Shimano American Corporation for its Chronarch B Series
Reel, the third year in a row that Shimano has won Best of
Show honors in the reel category. Airrus Rods also won Best
of Show honors for the third year in a row, but in the rod
category. This year’s
winners also included four first-time ICAST exhibitors—Bikini
Lures, Fishworks, Hawg Pockets, and Target Fisherman.
Just before the show floor opened on July 14, during
the Industry Breakfast, American Sportfishing Association President & CEO
Mike Nussman kicked off ICAST 2004 with the traditional State
of the Industry address.
It was exciting to see
traffic early on, we had our busiest first day
at the show in 10 years.
Mike Wardian, Lamigla
The Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception,
held the evening of July 14, was hosted by Jerry Calengor,
Executive Vice President of Normark/Rapala, and generously
sponsored by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.
Along with Mike Nussman, ASA President and CEO, and Bruce
Matthews, President of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation,
Chairman Calengor presented the Water Works Wonders Fishing
Manufacturer of the Year award to Steve Ferrara of Shimano American Corporation
and the Water Works Wonders Fishing Retailer of the Year
award to Russell Rhodes of Neuse Sport Shop.
Awesome timing, awesome show!
Kerry Campbell, TTI Companies
For the next three years, ICAST will be held at the Las Vegas Convention
Center, with the dates coinciding with the National Marine Manufacturers
Association’s Marine After Market and Accessories Trade Show (MAATS).
ICAST is scheduled for July 20-22, 2005; July
19-21, 2006; and July 18-20,
2007.
ASA thanks ICAST 2004 sponsors:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Albackore
Sportfishing
Gear |
|
Flying
Fisherman |
Bella
Secrets |
Marine
Products Group |
G. Loomis |
|
Shimano
American
Corp. |
