Sportfishing Community Gears Up For ICAST 2003
by Janet Tennyson
Thousands
of representatives of the sportfishing industry are preparing to showcase
the latest in sportfishing equipment and accessories at the Las Vegas
Convention Center July 9-11 during the 46th annual International Convention
of Allied Sportfishing Trades, or ICAST, the American Sportfishing Association's
premier trade event.
The world's largest sportfishing
expo, encompassing a 209,000-square-foot show floor, will especially
feature new products making their marketplace debut. Half the 320
exhibiting companies have entered hundreds of their latest product innovations
in ICAST's Best of Show competition as part of the New Product Showcase,
the flagship feature of ICAST. In addition, nearly 150 companies
are offering ICAST-only show specials, providing industry buyers the
best discounts on product orders for the new season.
"We're confident that
ICAST will be a strong catalyst for sportfishing companies this year
because the latest trends in the industry show that sales are especially
good for new fishing gear and creative innovations to already popular
products," said Mike Nussman, President
and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association. "In the
bigger picture, organizations such as the National Association for Manufacturers
are predicting a positive surge in the economy later this year, which
can only reinforce the advantages of coming together for ICAST."
Exhibitor sign-up and registration
for ICAST 2003 outpaced previous year's, with the show selling out in
April, four weeks earlier than last year. About a quarter of those
attending ICAST typically register on-site, but already nearly 1,000
buyers are registered, in addition to 250 representatives of the outdoor
media and another 1,500 representing exhibiting companies and the conservation
and outdoor recreation community.
Highlights of this year's
show include:
Receptions. New
Product Showcase Preview Reception, co-sponsored by eAngler, on Tuesday
evening, July 8, and a reception hosted by ASA Chairman of the Board
Jerry Calengor of Normark/Rapala Corporation and co-sponsored by the
Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation on Wednesday evening, July
9. Both receptions are by invitation only.
Best of Show Awards. New
products in 11 categories will be judged for coveted Best of Show honors
and announced just prior to the show flooropening on Thursday morning,
July 10, at the show entrance.
Industry
Breakfast. A "State
of the Industry" message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
and keynote address from Basketball Pro Brian Shaw from the L.A. Lakers
on Wednesday morning, July 9.
Press Conferences. Companies
with scheduled press conferences include Coast Cutlery Co., Falcon Graphite
Rods, FoodSource Lure Corp., Hart Tackle Co., McGuinness Fishing Products,
Mojo Lure Co., Okuma Fishing Tackle Corp., Pro-Techt, Quarrow, Tactical
Tackle, U.S. Reel, and Xtools.
Buyer Incentives. Cash
prizes and exotic fishing getaway raffles for buyers will be held at
various times throughout the show.
New Partnership Opportunities> eBay is hosting
a cyber-lounge and seminars on opportunities for sales of over-stock,
demo, or collectible fishing equipment on-line. In addition, eBay
and several sportfishing companies are sponsoring a special on-line auction
of fishing equipment, fishing trips, and collectibles with proceeds benefiting
ASA's non-profit foundations dedicated to fisheries conservation and
fishing education.
Water Works Wonders Awards. ASA and the Recreational
Boating and Fishing Foundation will honor two sportfishing companies
for their leadership and innovation in using Water Works Wonders marketing
materials to promote fishing and boating. Awards will be given
during the Chairman's Reception, Wednesday evening, July 9.
Seminars.Educational
seminars cover topics such as business solutions for small company owners,
keys to hot zone marketing, partnership opportunities with eBay, paying
the Wallop-Breaux excise tax, and advocacy to protect angler access.
More information on ICAST
is available on www.asafishing.org under "Shows and Events." Credentialed
media and others can register on-line through June 27, although those
registering after the June 9 pre-registration deadline will need to pick
up show badges on-site (those registering before June 9 should receive
show badges in the mail prior to the show). Registration at the
Las Vegas Convention Center is open from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm July 7, from
8:00 am - 5:00 pm July 8-10, and from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm on July 11. ICAST
is a trade-only event and is not open to the public.
The American Sportfishing Association unites 500 members of the sportfishing
and boating industries, state fish and wildlife agencies, federal land
and water management agencies, conservation organizations, angler advocacy
groups, and outdoor journalists. The American Sportfishing Association
initiates and supports efforts to advance fisheries conservation, fishing
opportunities, and a profitable sportfishing industry.
