More than 15,000 representatives from the domestic and international recreational fishing and boating community converged on the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, FL, July 10-13, for the 61st International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST.
ICAST is produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the sportfishing industry’s trade association. This was Glenn Hughes’, former vice president of Industry Relations, first ICAST as president of the association.
“This was a fantastic week for the sportfishing industry,” said Hughes. “More exhibitors enjoyed the largest number of attendees in our trade show’s history. Going hand-in-hand with increased participation is the tremendous coverage across all social media channels of the products found only at ICAST. This is great exposure for our exhibitors and for anglers eagerly looking for new products to enhance their fishing experience.”
Hughes further noted, “Ultimately, this show is about showcasing the gear, apparel and accessories that help to make a day on the water both exciting and rewarding.”
ICAST 2019 will be held in the North/South Building at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla., July 9-12, 2019.
From an exhibitor perspective, Bill Shedd, president of American Fishing Tackle Company (AFTCO), a long-time ASA member who recently stepped down from many years as Government Affairs Committee Chairman, said, “I’ve been coming to this show for 44 years. I can honestly say this was the best ICAST ever. I saw all the people I wanted to see and the energy overall was excellent.”
ICAST, along with the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show and the Marine Accessories Pavilion, encompassed 220,000 net square feet of its new location in the North/South Building. ICAST hosted 626 exhibitors. There were more than 15,000 people registered for the show, including 1,154 people from 71 countries, which translates into a significant opportunity for exhibitors to do business on a global scale.
“ICAST is a great show, and this is the best one yet,” said Kirk Immens, president, Sportco Marketing Inc., and ASA’s board of directors chairman. “We had an inspirational, and moving kick-off to the show with our State of the Industry Breakfast keynote speaker, Commander Kirk Lippold, who was the commander of the USS Cole when it was targeted by al Qaeda and lives were lost. His message about leadership really resonated with the more than 600 people in attendance.”
Also speaking at the Industry Breakfast was Hughes and Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) President and CEO Frank Peterson.
Immens continued, “For me, one of the highlights of the week was our Friday Angler Development Day. ASA worked with FLW and B.A.S.S. to invite local high school fishing clubs to see the show. These young people are our future, and it’s important for them to see the industry in action. I don’t know if it was me or them who was more excited for them to be here.”
