The National Professional Anglers Association will conduct their annual Conference in Milwaukee, Jan. 2-4, 2009. The gathering will consist of the top anglers in this country and Canada, and bring together representatives from 15 boat and outboard manufacturers, insurance companies, tackle companies, outdoor media companies and the major walleye tournament organizations.
The NPAA membership has grown nearly 20 percent through 2008 in it despite turbulent economic times in the outdoor recreation industry. The conference will address important trends and opportunities with anglers and bring them up to date on the future of their sport and the organization.
Pat Neu, NPAA President, and Promotional Angler said, “Our goal is to maintain the growth momentum that started in 2008 by inviting non NPAA members to attend the Conference this year. We feel that the Conference is one of the shining stars of our association and a must attend for a member to see first hand what the NPAA is doing for it’s members, the tackle/marine industry and sport fishing. The Conference program is geared for our members and our Supporting Partners. It’s an opportunity for our members to learn from some of the best in the industry and it’s an opportunity for our Supporting Partners to meet with their Pro-staff and the sport fishing industry opinion leaders. The NPAA objectives for the coming year include continued growth of or member base, enhancement of existing programs, continued involvement in youth activities, development of a natural resources watchdog committee, and an increased emphasis on media exposure for our members and Supporting Partners.”
Writers, TV and radio news crews, magazines and web sites are welcome to attend the open conference sessions. NPAA members and keynote speakers will be available for interviews throughout the weekend. Friday evening, Jan. 2 is a social event in the Honors Lounge at the Hilton City Center Hotel (hiltonmilwaukee.com or 414-271-7250). To cash in on the very attractive room rates at the Hilton Hotel, reservations must be made by Dec. 12. For conference registration and NPAA membership contact the NPAA through their email address [email protected] or phone #701-845-0381.
Saturday and Sunday are full days with speakers and supporting member breakout sessions. Additionally, the newly formed organization, Anglers Insight Marketing, will unveil their 2009 tournament plans. AIM is owned by competitive anglers. The other tournaments with major announcements and 2009 plans, payouts and sites include MWC and FLW. The MWC will discuss their new western tour, while FLW will discuss sites and deeper payouts.
Other breakout sessions will be for anglers associated or interested in Lund Boats, Ranger Boats, Mercury Outboards, Evinrude Outboards, Northland Tackle, Fin-Tech Tackle, Navionics, Berkley, Greater Insurance Services, Bartness Rods and Tackle, Outdoors First Media and Off-Shore Tackle. NPAA Executive Director, Cody Roswick said, “We appreciate these leading companies and their support of promotional anglers and their activities to propel this sport forward.”
President, Pat Neu will open the Saturday morning session with a “State of the NPAA” message with board members Tommy Skarlis, Johnnie Candle, Tony Puccio and Tom Backer, along with Executive Director, Cody Roswick. On Sunday, the future of the NPAA, with input from all attendees will be the first issue on the agenda. Throughout the event members will hear special sessions from Neu on marketing, Skarlis on promotions, and Ryan Chuckle, with Dig Communications, an ad agency catering to the tackle and marine industries.
The Sunday session will close with a luncheon featuring National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame legendary angler, tournament winner, tackle company founder, magazine publisher, respected industry figure, and TV icon Al Lindner. He will talk about the future of fishing.
The NPAA selected the Milwaukee Hilton because of its family-fun flavor. The hotel has a mega-water park, and with special-priced passes this will provide a great time for youngsters. Milwaukee has much to offer families, and they are encouraged to attend with their NPAA members. Tournament anglers, guides and promotional fishing folks at all levels are welcome to join NPAA and attend the conference. By banding together for the common good, the NPAA feels they will continue to get the message out, keep people fishing, and assist the industry manufacturers by promoting and helping them sell products.By: Cody Roswick, Exec. Dir.
