We’re marking a milestone year in 2007. For 50 years, ICAST has been bringing the sportfishing industry together and this year we’re celebrating.
Below are listed ICAST50 special events and highlights of the show including the New Product Showcase, the Industry Breakfast & Retrospective Rendezvous and the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception & Golden Anniversary Gala, plus many others.
Don’t miss out on these exciting events. If you have any questions, please contact ASA at icast@asafishing.org. Please check back here often for changes and updates.
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New Product Showcase |
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Las Vegas Convention Center, North Halls, Aisle 2500 |
Sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer
There is no doubt that the single most important feature for exhibitors and attendees alike, is the New Product Showcase, ICAST’s flagship feature. The Showcase offers exhibitors and buyers 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 the latest innovations and recognizes the “best of the best.”
Buyers can learn about the latest innovations directly from manufacturers and product designers, and be first in line for product orders. For exhibitors, entering products in this exclusive competition for Best of Show honors can significantly boost sales and publicity year-round.
Beginning at the New Product Showcase Preview Reception continuing through the first day of ICAST, buyers and media who visit the New Product Showcase will evaluate each new product and grade them based on their innovation, execution, workmanship and practicality. The product with the most votes will be awarded “Best of Show”. By voting, an individual is automatically entered into a drawing for up to $3,000 in cash!
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New Product Showcase Preview Reception |
Tuesday, July 10 • 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center, North Halls, Aisle 2500 |
Sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer
Buyers and members of the media are invited to this special reception to learn about all the latest innovations in fishing gear and accessories. The reception offers an exclusive sneak preview of the New Product Showcase, the flagship feature of ICAST, prior to the official show opening.
This is your the best chance to learn about the latest items directly from product designers and other company experts. This is especially valuable when it comes to new product offerings from small companies and entrepreneurs, who may not have enough staff to support both their booth and the New Product Showcase area during the show/
This reception is open to New Product Showcase exhibitors, buyers and credentialed media-editorial attendees only. Please drop off a business card when you receive your ballot.
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ICAST50 Classic Product Showcase |
Open during show hours
Las Vegas Convention Center, North Halls, Top of the 2200 Aisle |
In celebration of the 50th year of ICAST, ASA invited the 22 companies who were at the first Associated Fishing Tackle Manufacturers trade show and who are also at ICAST50 to display some of their company’s vintage wares in the Classic Product Showcase.
Besides a showcase on the floor at ICAST there will also be a commemorative, “scrapbook”-style calendar available to all ICAST attendees (while supplies last) produced with the support of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. The calendar features products, fishing gear and other iconic art from the 1950s and from the companies exhibiting in the Classic Product Showcase. This will be the must-have item of the show!
Be sure to make time in your ICAST schedule to stop by the Classic Product Showcase and the New Product Showcase to view the 50 years of angling innovation on display.
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Industry Breakfast & Retrospective Rendezvous |
Wednesday, July 11 • 7:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center, Ballroom |
Tickets required. Order tickets or a table when you register.
During ICAST50, ASA is making every effort to ensure that dedication, energy and passion that exists in this industry is appropriately recognized. This year’s Industry Breakfast is devoted to the evolution of the sportfishing industry and the sport.
Randy Lemcke, vice president, Plano Molding Company, and ASA’s Board Chairman, and Mike Nussman, ASA president and CEO, will recognize the 22 companies from 1958, some of the founding fathers of the industry and the show’s international guests.
Don’t miss this event that comes around only once every 50 years. Tickets are required.
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Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception & Golden Anniversary Gala |
Wednesday, July 11 • 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center, Ballroom |
Sponsored by Plano Molding Company
A “Festive '50s” celebration will be the backdrop for this year’s award ceremonies, sponsored by Plano Molding Company, for the New Product Showcase “Best of Show” winners. Randy Lemcke, vice president of Plano Molding Company and Chairman of ASA’s Board of Directors, will host our annual reception welcoming ICAST attendees and celebrating the show’s opening day. During the reception, Lemcke and ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman will announce the New Product Showcase “Best of Show” award winners.
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Buyer Raffles |
Buyers take advantage of these two Buyer Raffles and help make your trip to ICAST low-cost or even no cost!
Raffle #1—Write an Order
Buyers, each time you write an order with an exhibitor, you are eligible to enter your name in the ICAST Buyer Raffle. Raffle entry forms will be provided to exhibitors before the show opens. All you have to do is complete the form when an order is written, have the exhibitor sign it and then drop the form in one of the designated bins to be entered. Cash prizes are awarded as well as the grand prize of a trip for two to Crocodile Bay Lodge in Costa Rica –www.crocodilebay.com.
Drawings will be held Wednesday and Thursday at noon and 5:00 p.m. and Friday at noon and 3:00 p.m. Names of daily winners will be posted in the ASA booth.
Raffle #2—Vote in the New Product Showcase Awards
During the opening day of the show, any buyer or individual with a Media-Editorial badge may stop by the New Product Showcase to vote for his/her top pick for the best new products debuted at ICAST. Just for voting, they are entered into a drawing for up to $3,000 in cash.
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Cyber Lounge |
Open during show hours
Las Vegas Convention Center, North Halls, Lounge 2414 |
Sponsored by VERSUS
The Cyber Lounge serves as ICAST’s business center. This hot spot is prominently featured on the show floor and is the place where exhibitors and buyers communicate with their home offices directly from the show. In today’s electronic world, the Cyber Lounge offers attendees a place to keep in touch, allowing them to virtually be in two places at once.
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Free Business Seminars |
All seminars are held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N260 |
Sponsored by the American Sportfishing Association
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A Taxing Issue—The Federal Manufacturers’ Excise Tax
Wednesday, July 11 • 11:00 a.m.–Noon
Thursday, July 12 • 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. (repeat)
Paying the federal manufacturers’ excise tax on fishing gear is part of doing business for every manufacturer. During this session, specialists from the IRS will explain how the tax is applied to various business models and explain sportfish manufacturers’ responsibility for tax payments. Every manufacturer will want to hear about the changes found in the 2006 IRS Director’s Directive, payment scenarios and terminology.
No Fishing—No Access: The Problem is Real
Wednesday, July 11 • 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
(Media are encouraged to attend)
Angler access and the establishment of no-fishing zones, particularly along California’s coast under the state’s controversial Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), are a great concern to the sportfishing industry. Come hear the latest information about these issues and what the American Sportfishing Association and the entire sportfishing community are doing about it.
Casting for Customers - Using Customer Service as Bait
Thursday, July 12 • 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
In an increasingly competitive market, independent retailers who are surviving and thriving are focusing on customer service. Presented by Marc Compeau, director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Clarkson University School of Business and columnist for Forbes.com, this session will provide you with an understanding of the critical role that customer service plays in the success of your business. By providing you with new ways of thinking about how to use your customers as marketing tools; this session will help you fill your marketing tackle box! Marc will be available until 11:00 a.m. in the seminar room to answer your questions.
Counterfeiting: Prevention is the Best Option
Friday, July 13 • 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
In 2006, ICAST presented a seminar on counterfeiting and what that means to legitimate business. This year’s presenter—an expert in intellectual property protection including patent, trademark, copyright and trade secrets—will expand on that by explaining the key role that preventive measures play in both foiling counterfeiters’ efforts and bringing them to justice. He will focus specifically on how sportfishing manufacturers can minimize the counterfeiting problem.
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Apparel Lounge |
Open during show hours
Las Vegas Convention Center, North Halls, Lounge 1730
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The Apparel Lounge showcases sponsoring exhibitors’ latest apparel and merchandise in a prominent lounge space on the ICAST show floor. Not only will attendees be able to view the latest trends in clothing and accessories, but they will also be able to take a well deserved break and catch up with peers in the lounge area. The Apparel Lounge is located at Lounge #1730.
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Foundations’ Showcase |
Open during show hours
Las Vegas Convention Center, North Halls, Lounge 1714 |
The FishAmerica and Future Fisherman Foundations’ Showcase has an array of products from companies who contribute a percentage of their sales to the foundations through cause-related marketing partnerships. E-TEC Marine Products, Pac Bay, Plano Molding Company, Pro Line Manufacturing and Stonehedge Winery are companies who support angling education and fisheries conservation in communities throughout the United States. The Foundations’ Showcase is located at Lounge #1714.
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Exhibitors’ Social Hour—New in 2007! |
This year, exhibitors are adding their celebratory touch to the ICAST50 festivities by serving beer and wine in their booths from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11 and Thursday, July 12, and from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 13. Be on the lookout for your invitation from participating exhibitors to join the celebration.
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