ICAST Sportfishing Tradeshow
Last month, I had the pleasure of attending my first ICAST trade show in Orlando, FL. It is the largest sportfishing industry show of its kind—attracting an average of 13,000-15,000 fish-minded attendees each year. I went to the event as a special correspondent for Shefishes2, a fishing blog managed by my friend and outdoor writer Debbie Hanson.
Below is my video review of my first ICAST experience:
ICAST, or the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, is the annual confab is put on by the American Sportfishing Association. Members of the fishing industry—from the famous companies to conservation groups to small businesses—descend to the conference to unveil products that aren’t currently on the market. New products typically enter the market within six months to a year of their ICAST debut. To see the latest gear, tackle, and accessories about to hit the market was an awe-inspiring experience. I felt like a kid in the candy store!
ICAST is best known for attendees networking and exchanging contact information — but there is far more to it. There is a new product showcase, happy hour meet ’n greets, seminars, and luncheons to immerse yourself in. I really enjoyed the ’60 in 60’ seminar outlining the sportfishing industry’s goals for Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) efforts. I also got to attend two events put on by Costa del Mar, one of the leading polarized sunglasses company in the world. I also got to explore some booths belonging to the coolest and well-known brands in the fishing realm—including Pure Fishing (Penn, Abu Garcia, Shakespeare, Berkley), SHIMANO, Salt Life, Yeti, Fishewear, Pelican, Under Armour, and many more.
Unlike other industry-related conferences, ICAST isn’t easy to access. One must be a proven outdoor media professional, an affiliate/employee of a company, or at least maintain a serious connection to the fishing industry. It’s perfectly reasonable for them to be selective. It’s a serious conference, not a place to screw around at.
To learn more about ICAST, go here. ICAST 2018 will be taking place July 10-13, 2018. Put it on your list of outdoor conferences to attend!
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Gabriella Hoffman
Media Strategist
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D.C. Correspondent, The Resurgent
Contributor, The Hill
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