ICAST is the venue for launching new fishing products and setting industry trends
With Orlando, Fla. as the backdrop, the 59th International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, the world’s largest showcase of fishing tackle, apparel and accessories, is taking place July 12-15, at the Orange County Convention Center. All the details, including registration, are available at www.ICASTfishing.org.
ICAST Week 2016 will host 600 exhibitors, a 650,000-square-foot show floor, a week-long lineup of business and networking events and more than 13,000 attendees. Produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade group that represents the sportfishing industry, ICAST is the venue for launching new fishing products and setting industry trends.
“This is going to be an outstanding year for ICAST,” said Trade Show Director Ken Andres. “I am happy to report that the ICAST show floor is sold out with a waiting list and registration numbers are up over the same time last year. We have doubled down on our marketing and outreach efforts to entice independent retailers to Orlando for this amazing networking and business event.”
A new attraction on the ICAST show floor includes a Marine Accessories Pavilion, hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
“For everyone in the fishing trade, ICAST is the gateway for business opportunities,” said Mike Nussman, ASA’s president and CEO. “Partnering with the National Marine Manufacturers Association on the Marine Accessories Pavilion is a natural extension of both our organization’s intent to expand the show’s appeal to a wider cross-section of buyers while expanding marine accessory offerings to existing attendees.”
For the fourth year, the International Fly Tackle Dealer show (IFTD), the fly tackle-specific show produced by the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA), is co-locating with ICAST on the same days with the same show hours.
Andres further said, “Throughout its 59-year history, ICAST has encompassed all aspects of recreational fishing. With the co-location of IFTD and the new Marine Accessories Pavilion, buyers, media and all members of the global fishing industry can see everything the fishing industry has to offer.”
Make Your Plans for ICAST Super Tuesday
ICAST Super Tuesday, July 12, is packed with events that will add to your ICAST experience. On Tuesday morning, ICAST is hosting On the Water at Lake Toho, located just a short shuttle ride away from the convention center. The events include the second annual product demonstration day with more than 50 ICAST exhibitors. ICAST is also again partnering with FLW to host the ICAST Cup – Industry Bass Fishing Tournament with the weigh-in to coincide with the On the Water product demonstrations. Also on Tuesday morning, Florida Sportsman is partnering with ICAST to host the annual Bass & Birdies Classic golf tournament.
Cole Swindell
The Opening Night Concert with Country Star Cole Swindell 
ICAST is kicking up the energy level another notch this year with the Tuesday night concert featuring Academy of Country Music’s New Artist of the Year, Cole Swindell. This incredible young artist will perform Tuesday, July 12, beginning at 8:00 p.m. at the Orange County Convention Center. Click here to read Cole’s story. The Opening Night Concert with Cole Swindell is exclusive to registered attendees and exhibitors. Go to www.ICASTfishing.org under Events for all the details.
“Each ICAST event provides more opportunities for buyers and media, to interact, discuss business and get hands-on experience with the products that our member exhibitors have to offer,” said Andres. “In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the golf and fishing tournaments will go to support KeepAmericaFishing, the sportfishing industry’s angler advocacy program.”
Additional Show Highlights
 New Product Showcase and Preview Reception: Sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer, more fishing products are unveiled during the ICAST New Product Showcase than anywhere else in the world. The New Product Showcase is the premier venue where established manufacturers and entrepreneurs alike debut their latest innovations in fishing gear and accessories. Hundreds of new products will make their marketplace debut and compete for Best of Show honors in 24 product categories this year. Industry buyers and media serve as judges to rate the new products and cast their votes.
Industry Breakfast Keynote Address: Wednesday morning kicks off with insight and inspiration from communications strategist Ken Schmidt, formerly of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, and one of the most in-demand speakers in America. Go to www.ICASTfishing.org for more details.
Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception: On July 13, ICAST will host the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception where the New Product Showcase “Best of Show” awards are presented. All ICAST and IFTD attendees are welcome to attend the awards reception held at the convention center.
Business Conference Sessions: The business sessions are evolving into a “must attend” part of the trade show. This year’s seminars focus on a wide-range of topics, with a particular focus on buyers and the retail sector. The sessions are free to all badged ICAST and IFTD attendees. The sessions are held during show hours at the convention center.
Thank You ICAST 2016 Sponsors
 ASA would like to thank its generous members who signed on as ICAST sponsors. Our 2016 sponsors are: Gold – Costa; Crocodile Bay Resort; Florida Sportsmen; FLW, LLC; FTR Media, LLC: Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and Under Armour, Inc.; Silver – American Tackle Company; FishHunter; GoPro; Huk Performance Fishing and LIVETARGET Lures; Bronze – Buck Knives; Classic Fishing Products, Inc. and Sunsect – World-Class Insect Repellent + Sunscreen. The list is current as of March 23, 2016.
By: Mary Jane Williamson, Dir Communications
