A bigger Super Tuesday than ever marks the start of ICAST 2023
The International Convention of Sport Fishing Allied Trades, the flagship event of the world recreational fishing industry, better known as ICST – released today with Super Tuesday. From sunrise to sunset, activities filled the crowd list both inside and outside the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando.
Produced by the American Sport Fishing Association (ASA), the national association representing the business interests of the sport fishing industry, ICAST offers an unmatched variety of tackle, equipment, clothing and accessories, all within the reach of attendees, from tackle dealers to wholesalers and media outlets. the industry.
Now in his 66he year, ICAST is the face of the multi-billion dollar recreational fishing industry. Nationwide, recreational fishing has a $128 billion impact on the economy and generates 825,000 jobs. In Florida, the nation’s sport fishing capitol, anglers and boaters have an economic output of $13.8 billion supporting 119,678 jobs.
“There is no place like ICAST for the entire sport fishing industry, both domestic and international,” said ASA President Glenn Hughes. “We bring together more manufacturers, buyers and the media than any other event in the sport fishing industry.”
Hughes further noted, “ICAST has experienced tremendous growth and the investment in new products is second to none. That means new connections and new business possibilities for all attendees.”
ASA events help keep anglers on the water
In addition to producing ICAST, ASA supports two promotional programs: Keep America Fishing and Keep Fishing in Florida – provide American fishermen with a voice on national, regional, and state policy issues that affect their ability to fish on public lands.
in ICAST On The Water Product Demo Day, ASA’s Keep America Fishing booth focused on highlighting their advocacy work on behalf of the industry. “ASA is the only national group that speaks for the sport fishing industry and creates a community of people who are passionate about fishing, want to improve their business, and want to safeguard our fisheries,” said Mary Beth Long, vice president of communications. from ASA.
On the show floor, the ASA Pavilion (Booth 1338) is set to offer attendees a break from new products by shifting the focus to industry promotion. “ICAST is the perfect place to not only conduct business, but also to build a community in the world of rigging,” Long added. “By stopping by the pavilion, attendees can speak directly with ASA and tell us how we can best support them, their businesses, and the united stakeholders of the sport fishing industry.”
Super Tuesday Events
He ICAST Cup Bass Fishing Tournament, sponsored by Major League Fishingtakes place on Lake Toho in Kissimmee, Florida.
He tournament unites well-known professional bass anglers with tackle dealers, members of the media, and manufacturers, with proceeds benefiting Keep America Fishing. Takeoff begins at 5:30 a.m. and weigh-in follows at 9:30 a.m.
Meanwhile, a record number of exhibitors registered for the On The Water Product Demo Day, sponsored by garmin. Located on the water features outside of the OCCC North Building, the event puts show floor products in the hands of attendees where field tests of new rods, reels, lures, boats and marine electronics gave them an inside look. hand to product performance in outdoor. KastRey is sponsoring the beer tent.
“On The Water Product Demo Day is bigger than ever,” said Blake Swango, ASA vice president of memberships and trade shows. “We had people throwing boats in the demo pond, carp, food, drinks, a gathering of women fishermen, the ASA Keep America Fishing booth, and over 60 exhibitor booths.”
An expanded display of new products
He showcase of new productshosted by Fishing tackle retailer, embodies the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of the sport fishing industry by recognizing the most innovative products of the year culminating in “Best of Show” honors. This year more than 1,100 products were registered in the Showcase.
Accredited buyers and the media begin voting for the 37 Best of Category winners on Tuesday, July 11 at 5:00 pm during the New Product Exhibition Preview Reception and voting ends at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, July 12.
The “Best in Category” awards are presented Wednesday night during the industry awards reception held at the convention center. The “Best of Show” award is presented on Thursday afternoon at the Showcase.
“Companies plan product launches around ICAST,” Swango said. “Receiving a ‘Best of Category’ award and the potential to win a ‘Best of Show’ award is something that is sought after recognition of all companies that enter products into the Showcase.”
Swango further noted, “Winners receive more coveted media coverage, strong industry appreciation, instant credibility, and new customers as a reward for the hard work and innovation that goes into debuting their new product.”
Enhanced Fly Fishing Experience
New for ICAST 2023, the ICAST fly shop (Booth 811) provides a first-class home for ICAST exhibitors looking to highlight their fly fishing products. The Fly Shop recreates the experience of visiting a world-class fly fishing dealer on the show floor, with fly fishing products brought to you by ICAST exhibitors. Additionally, there are now six fly fishing categories in the “Best of Category” awards.
“More fly companies are exhibiting at ICAST this year than in the past,” Swango said. “We are seeing companies that have not traditionally been in ICAST join. We are excited to see more fly fishing gear than ever before.”
In addition to the Fly Shop, the FlyCASTing Pond adjacent to the show offers attendees a place to try fly fishing products for themselves and also enjoy casting demos.
International attendance record
Last year, representatives from 73 countries traveled to Florida for ICAST. This year, Swango said 80 countries are represented along with exhibitors from all 50 states.
“It’s a really strong performance that speaks to the quality of the show,” added Swango. “Hosting people from so many corners of the world and introducing more than 1,100 new products at Showcase really gives us a sense of the momentum of sport fishing in general.”
Navigate the ICAST Show with the ICAST App
Loaded with useful features, the ICAST mobile app, sponsored by ANYTHING Brands possible, is a one stop shop for maps, event schedules, booth locations and exhibitor listings. Available on Android and Apple devices, the app is a convenient digital companion for keeping a busy week organized.
Keep up with ICAST
ICAST can be found on social media at: Facebook – @icastfishing – Instagram – @icastshow and Twitter – @ICASTshow. When posting, use hashtags: #ICAST2023 #ICASTshow #ICAST.
Thanks to the sponsors of ICAST 2023!
ASA extends our sincere thanks and appreciation to our members for their generous support of ICAST 2023.
Platinum:Recreational Boating and FYoshing foundation, under armor and Wired2Fish
Gold:, Coastal Conservation Association, crocodile bay, Engel Refrigerators, Fishing tackle retailer, garmin, Major League Fishing, KastRey, Shimano, Santa Cruz Rod, VisitOrlando and way point tv
Silver:AFTCO, ANYTHING Brands possible, Bonnier Corporation, Get Folks Fishing Foundation and swamp wear.
Bronze:beer stopper, Hook + Bullet and hook and tackle https://getfolksfishing.org/pages/lunkerville