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The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is pumping new energy into its longstanding ICAST trade show, promising more of everything you’ve always come for plus an expanded lineup of fun, festive, and productive events. Registration and details are available at www.ICASTfishing.org.
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Washington, D.C. – May 11, 2015 –The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is pumping new energy into its longstanding ICAST trade show, promising more of everything you’ve always come for plus an expanded lineup of fun, festive, and productive events. Registration and details are available at www.ICASTfishing.org.
The show takes place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. While the exhibition still runs for three days—from Wednesday, July 15 through Friday, July 17—there are now so many “Super Tuesday” (July 14) activities to choose from that outdoor writers are encouraged to arrange their travel to take advantage of several other ICAST-related opportunities. Registration and tickets are required for some events—see the details section at the end of this release or visit http://www.icastfishing.org/conference-events/events/.
You’ll especially not want to miss two new events on nearby Lake Toho, an expansive product demo and a bass fishing tournament in this fishing paradise. A concert featuring award-winning country music star Easton Corbin is the ICAST headliner event, while the keynote speaker at the State of the Industry Breakfast is Gus Bradley, head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars and an avid angler.
Produced by ASA, the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, now attracts nearly 12,000 people from around the globe to take part in the largest showcase of fishing products, apparel, and accessories in the world. Last year’s show included nearly 500 exhibitors and a show floor covering 500,000 gross square feet. It is the preeminent venue for launching new fishing products and sparking new industry trends.
Along with buyers, outdoor writers have an especially important role in determining which new products will catch on. These are the only two groups of ICAST attendees who can bestow votes for the coveted “Best of Show” awards in the New Product Showcase competition.
Plan to arrive on Monday, July 13—you don’t want to hear “You shoulda been here yesterday!”
Super Tuesday Lineup
Activities on the day before the show floor opens get started early, on Lake Toho, a short shuttle ride from the convention center and the venue for two new events. The ICAST Cup, presented by FLW, is a bass fishing tournament grouping professional anglers with outdoor writers and industry pros for an awesome bass fishing experience.
The ICAST Cup weigh-in coincides with the opening of a second new Super Tuesday event, ICAST On The Water, presented by Fishing Tackle Retailer. This takes place at Big Toho Marina, where industry pros have another opportunity to demonstrate their products in action to both outdoor writers and buyers.
For those who like to mix a little golf with their fishing, another option is taking part in the second annual Bass & Birdies Classic, a golf tournament combined with a fishing competition (four designated holes will feature release-only fishing on the course’s bass-hungry lakes). Presented by Florida Sportsman, this event takes place at the beautiful Shingle Creek Golf Club, one of the top golf courses in Orlando.
Outdoor writers also won’t want to miss the New Product Showcase Preview Reception, sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer, on Tuesday evening prior to the ICAST kickoff concert. This is the best chance to get an advance look at the terrific array of new products in 24 categories this year. Outdoor writers who vote for Best of Show winners also are entered into contests to win cash prizes.
ICAST Kick-Off Concert!
Last but not least, Super Tuesday culminates with the ICAST kickoff concert, presented by ICAST and the World Fishing Network, featuring country music star Easton Corbin with a warm-up act from fellow country crooner James Wesley.
Launching his career just over 5 years ago, Corbin’s accolades are already too numerous to list. He was the first country male artist in 17 years to have his first two consecutive singles reach No. 1. Born and raised in rural Gilchrist County, Fla., he spent much of his young life working on his grandparents’ cattle farm and fishing in the nearby Suwannee River—when he wasn’t practicing guitar until his fingers were raw, that is.
Proceeds from the kickoff concert and both fishing tournaments support ASA’s KeepAmericaFishing® angler advocacy network.
Keeping the Traditions Alive, Too
In addition to Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley as keynoter, the State of the Industry Breakfast, taking place just before the exhibition opens on Wednesday, July 15, includes a presentation from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. This is a great chance to hear about a whole host of issues affecting the sport of fishing, now and in the future.
Opening day caps off with the popular Chairman’s Industry Awards reception, sponsored by Costa this year. This celebratory gathering is where the winners of the New Product Showcase Best of Show awards are announced.
Exhibitor press conferences will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, July 15 and 16. All the details on conferences, as well as exhibitors’ press kits and other resources, will be available in the press room on the show floor.
Don’t miss these important details
Tickets for the breakfast ($40 each) and the Easton Corbin concert ($35 each) can be purchased at the same time as registration. Pre-registration pricing applies through June 12. If you have already registered, order tickets by calling Experient at (800) 424-5249 or login to your account and order them online.
Registration is also required for the ICAST Cup and the Bass & Birdies Classic. Visit http://www.icastfishing.org/conference-events/events/ for the requisite links. Make sure you have your badge for all events.
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ICAST Week 2015 Promises More Booths, Events, and Energy!
