Sunday, 05 September 2010 20:03

THE International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, has seen impressive growth in international attendance over the past 10 years. In 2009, 63 countries were represented at the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) fishing trade show in Orlando, Florida.

Each year, the international sportfishing community gathers at ICAST to do business and see the latest innovations in gear, accessories and apparel. ASA president and CEO Mike Nussman said producing a show with global appeal is important to the association and its members.

“At the show, our exhibitors are able to connect with new markets and establish new business relationships,” he explains.

Growth in the number of international exhibitors at ICAST has also increased over the past 10 years. Halco Tackle Company, based in Australia, has exhibited at ICAST since 2006 and will return again in 2010.

Halco’s marketing manager for Tim Carter explains: “ICAST is extremely important to us. In one excellent venue, it’s an opportunity to talk about and display our products to a large range of buyers and dealers from the US and overseas.”

According to Mike Nussman, despite the advances in communications technology, face-to-face meetings are still essential for building successful business relationships.

The New Product Showcase

ICAST’s New Product Showcase is one of the most important and talked about events of the show. Previous winners of this new-gear event have had not inches, but yards of column ink thrown at them – if you want to get your product noticed, this is for you!

This year’s showcase competition will once again include awards in 17 product categories, as well as the overall Best of Show award. At the showcase, buyers can learn about the latest innovations and be the first in line for product orders. For exhibitors, entering products into this exclusive competition can significantly boost sales and publicity year round.
Buyers and media-editorial attendees who visit the showcase evaluate each new product and grade it based on its innovation, execution, workmanship and practicality.
Only buyers and attendees with media-editorial badges can vote from 5:30pm on Tuesday, July 13th – beginning at the New Product Showcase Preview Reception – and it ends at 3.00pm on Wednesday, July 14th. Exhibitors are not permitted in the showcase during this time. Voting buyers and media-editorial attendees are permitted only one ballot per buying entity or media outlet.
“The New Product Showcase brings out the best in the industry, showcasing the latest innovations that help define the trade and keep customers coming back for more,” said ICAST director Maria del Valle Hamilton.

The ICAST Buyers’ Guide

The ICAST Buyers’ Guide is a year-round resource for sportfishing gear, accessories and apparel.

The online version, introduced last year, is an easy-to-use version of the printed ICAST Buyers’ Guide distributed during the world’s largest sportfishing trade show.

The online Buyers’ Guide allows users to search by specific product categories and to learn more about ICAST exhibitors and ASA members.

To visit the online ICAST Buyers’ Guide, go to www.icastfishing.org/buyersguide

Register now!
Exhibitors and attendees can now register and make reservations for ICAST at www.icastfishing.org.

Register by June 10th and take advantage of discounted pre-registration rates.

You can also make hotel reservations at the official ICAST hotels, including the Las Vegas Hilton – the ICAST headquarters hotel.

At just $89 a night, the Las Vegas Hilton offers complete business services and is the closest hotel to the convention centre.

Other official ICAST hotels include Courtyard by the Marriott Convention Center, Embassy Suites Convention Center, Las Vegas Marriott Suites, Marriott Residence Inn Convention Center, Renaissance Las Vegas and Springhill Suites Las Vegas Convention Center.

Contact: ICAST

T: +1 703 519 9691, x231

E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

W: www.icastfishing.org