Like casting to a rising trout, more than 3,200 of the fly-fishing industry’s most motivated and knowledgeable business people capitalized on a market upswing in energy and enthusiasm at the 2005 Fly-Fishing Retailer World Trade Expo (Sept. 8-10, 2005).

Seizing the opportunity to improve their skills, broaden their knowledge of environmental issues, and deepen critical relationships, attendees were rewarded with three days of active business.

“The conditions for business at this year’s Fly-Fishing Retailer were excellent. It was a unique opportunity to connect with retail buyers and key decision makers, to look them in the eye, and to make a difference,” said Andy Tompkins, Fly-Fishing Retailer World Trade Expo show director.

Compared to last year’s event, the 2005 show was larger in square footage and stable in total attendance. With larger booths as well as 26 new exhibitors and three casting ponds, attendees were spread throughout 60,160 square feet of booths within the Colorado Convention Center – a 3.9 percent increase compared to 57,900 sq. ft. in 2004.

According to preliminary attendance figures for 2005, 1255 total buyers from 711 unique retail businesses attended Fly-Fishing Retailer. In 2004,1288 buyers from 712 stores attended.

Healthy international attendance included 108 buyers from abroad, and strong attendance from a working press corps saw 97 credentialed writers, editors and television producers in attendance – a record volume that surpassed the combined total from the last two years.

“We were very happy about the attendance we had. The quality of business at this year’s Fly-Fishing Retailer was exceptional,” said Tompkins.

Pre-show events at Fly-Fishing Retailer began on Wednesday, Sept. 7, with the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) “Fly Shop University” – the first event of a multi-part series at future shows designed to directly improve retail business skills.

Fly-Fishing Retailer began officially on Thursday, with a fresh and active first day. However, of the three-day show, the second day saw the most registered attendees at the show.

“I liken it to a race car that somebody just needs to step on the throttle for,” said Paul Johnson of Sage. “We’ve seen it at the bottom, we’ve seen it flat, and now we’re seeing it ready to take off again.”

Clusters of business activity within many booths drew excellent reactions from both new and veteran exhibitors. Throughout the show floor, the mood of attendees was focused and upbeat, with strong optimism for the coming business season.

“Day one was on par or better than any day of Outdoor Retailer, and day two was even better,” said Brian Cousins of Cloudveil, a new apparel exhibitor at Fly-Fishing Retailer. “I’ve been amazed at the traffic, not only the retailers in the booth but the number of bodies from each retailer. There’s a lot of great energy here.”

The ability to convert relationships into retail business was seen among small exhibitors as well, including a steady crowd of attention at the 10 square-foot booth of Rising, a second-year exhibitor.

“(On day one) we sold more than we did all last year at the show,” said Dylan Rothwell of Rising. “It was perfect.”

The depth of Fly-Fishing Retailer special events were cited by many as a primary benefit of the show, beginning with the inspiring Industry Breakfast keynote speaker Andy Smith of Harley-Davidson and continuing to the last day’s crowd of 200-plus at the finals of the Orvis/Saltwater Fly Fishing Magazine Casting Competition.

A remarkable series of business seminars held throughout the show included significant new data on the size and scope of the fly-fishing industry, as compiled and released by AFFTA as well as the Outdoor Industry Association.

“Prepare yourself for the possibility of good news,” said Ryan Harrison of Waterworks / Lamson, as he presented AFFTA’s recent retailer study to the industry.

Environmental issues were also a key theme of the show, and for many, the focus and sharing of ideas on initiatives — such as challenging the growth of aquatic invasive species – was worth the entire trip.

“The surprise for us at the show was the response to environmental initiatives,’ said Casey Sheahan, Patagonia’s fly-fishing director. “I think that retailers are starting to respond to the urgency to support all the invasive species issues around the country. For me, it was quite heartening to see enthusiasm for some fundamental values and initiatives.”