Get in on the Action at ICAST 2010

The world’s largest sportfishing trade show returns to Las Vegas

With just weeks remaining until the opening of ICAST 2010 being held July 14-16, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, it is crunch time to make plans to attend the world’s largest sportfishing trade show. Each year more than 7,000 members of the global sportfishing industry converge on ICAST to “get in on the action.”

“Business is still about meeting with clients face-to-face and there is no better place to do that than at ICAST,” ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman said. “We see attendees from all over the world come to ICAST because they recognize the importance of doing business face-to-face the unparalleled opportunity to interact with the global sportfishing community.”

In 2009, nearly 7,400 people representing 63 countries attended ICAST 2009 which spanned 400,000 square feet of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. ICAST 2010 will return to Las Vegas and Show Director Maria del Valle Hamilton said that registration and exhibit space numbers are up from the same time last year.

“ICAST 2010 will continue its time-honored tradition as the place where the sportfishing industry gathers to conduct business and we are doing everything we can to ensure exhibitors and attendees alike have a successful show,” said Hamilton.

ASA thanks our ICAST 2010 sponsors for their generous support.

ICAST 2010 New Product Showcase

ICAST’s flagship feature, the New Product Showcase, will once again be a draw for attendees and exhibitors. The Showcase offers buyers and members of the media a special opportunity to debut and preview hundreds of the next season’s innovations in fishing gear and accessories. This is where the tackle industry debuts its latest innovations and recognizes the “best of the best.”

Each year hundreds of new products are entered into the Showcase, and vie for “Best of Show” honors in 17 different categories. In 2009, 208 companies entered nearly 600 products into the showcase. Buyers and Media-Editorial attendees can vote for the “Best of Show” awards, beginning at the Tuesday, July 13, New Product Showcase Preview Reception. Voting ends at 3 p.m., on July 14, an extension of two hours from past years. The New Product Showcase will once again have its own area on the show floor in the 2500 aisle.

The State of the Industry—ICAST Industry Breakfast—Wednesday, July 14

During their State of the Industry remarks ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman and ASA Board of Directors Chairman Jeff Pontius, president, ZEBCO Brands, will address the complex nature of the issues facing our industry and why KeepAmericaFishing™ is vital to our industry’s future. Tickets for this event—Wednesday, July 14, 7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.—are going fast and are just $50. This event sells out each year so make sure you get your tickets today. You can purchase tickets when registering for the show or can login to the ICAST registration area here to be a part of this important industry event. Make plans to attend the Industry Breakfast today!

For Plenty More information about the Show…

For more information about ICAST 2010, please go to www.ICASTfishing.org, or check out these show-specific info links:

Attending ICAST 2010

The pre-registration deadline for ICAST has passed, however there is still time to register to make sure you are a part of this global show. If you haven’t already done so, please register now for this once-a-year opportunity. Buyers and credentialed media receive complimentary registration. When registering you can also reserve ICAST housing The Las Vegas Hilton is sold out but rooms are still available at the other official ICAST hotels including the four Marriott properties that have further lowered their rates. You must register for an ICAST badge before registering for ICAST housing. For more information about ICAST, log on to www.ICASTfishing.org.

For more information, please contact ICAST Associate Kenneth Andres, (703) 519-9691, x231, or ICAST Coordinator Melissa Woolley at (703) 519-9691, x241.