FlyFishing Retailer will return to Denver’s Colorado Convention Center and revert back to September dates: Sun-Tues., Sept. 16-18 for their 2007 industry tradeshow and gathering. The decisions regarding dates and venue were based on recommendations from the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) Board of Directors, as well as feedback from the fly fishing community.

“The September dates in Denver will accommodate and really serve the broadest possible range of fly fishing retailers, shops, and fly fishing specific exhibitors,” said Peter Devin, group show director for FFR.

The return to later dates is expected to have a positive impact on attendance numbers for the 2007 show. An informal survey of FFR 2006 attendees revealed that later dates are more accommodating for a wider range of fly fishing professionals, as many retailers, distributors and guides feel a need to stay closer to their core business during the prime August fishing season.

“I’m excited that the dates are in September,” stated David Leinweber, owner of Angler’s Covey in Colorado Springs. “It’s the perfect compromise between the needs of the retailers and manufacturers in the fly fishing industry.”

FFR organizers and AFFTA board members also agree that keeping FlyFishing Retailer at the Colorado Convention Center is the best move for maintaining show vitality.

“After considering the options and listening to feedback from the fly fishing industry, we’ve made the recommendation that the show stay in Denver,” said Robert Ramsay, president of AFFTA. “We’ve explored the possibility of moving the show and came to the conclusion that keeping Denver as a venue made more sense for a wider range of fly industry professionals.”

With upwards of 400 front-range fly fishing retail establishments within driving range of the Colorado Convention Center, the decision to host FlyFishing Retailer 2007 in Denver will keep the show accessible to this important enclave of specialty fly shop owners.

“We are committed to working with and serving the needs of the specialty fly shops and businesses that are the heart and soul of this industry,” said Devin. “Earlier dates made attending this year’s show difficult for many shops and manufacturers, while the prospect of leaving Denver was unsettling for a large percentage of attendees. Based on this, we’re looking forward to keeping the show in Denver, getting back to later dates, and enjoying an energetic and successful 10th anniversary show.”