FEATURE | ICAST
GREAT FISHING
STARTS AT ICAST Before you know it, ICAST 2019 will be upon the trade once again, bigger and bett er than
ever. With more exhibitors and more visitors, ICAST will be THE show to att end in 2019.
In an informal survey that
asked why they never miss
the annual ICAST show,
these sportfi shing retailers
got right to the point:
“ICAST isn’t something you
think about doing – it’s a
must.”
“We come to ICAST to make
contacts, build relationships
and close deals.”
“It’s our chance to be among
the fi rst to see the newest hot
products.”
“This show means business.”
These actual comments
from 2018 ICAST attendees
capture the reasons why the
world’s largest sportfi shing
trade show annually
attracts the most exhibitors,
retailers, media and angling
professionals from around
the globe. ICAST means new
products, new connections
and ultimately, new business
opportunities for everyone
who attends.
The next ICAST will run
from July the 9th to July the
12th, 2019 at the Orange
County Convention Centre
in Orlando, Florida. For
sportfi shing retailers, or
outdoor retailers who also
34 www.tackletradeworld.com
market angling and marine
products, now is the time
to start making plans to be
at this uniquely engaging
global event.
ICAST’s Trade Show
director, Blake Swango said,
“The excitement level and
attendance grow every year
and last year we attracted
just over 15,000 attendees.
We encompass the entire
on-the-water experience,
and next year’s ICAST 2019
will be even bigger and
better.”
ICAST serves as the
showcase for the top
brands in sportfi shing
tackle. But ICAST is about
more than just the major
manufacturers. It is also a
launch pad for innovative
new tackle lines as well as
niche and unique categories
that afford opportunities to
expand a retailer’s business.
ICAST launches Tuesday
with the popular On the
Water event held just
outside the North Hall on a
fi ve-acre water feature. It’s
a chance to cast the latest
rods, reels, lures and lines
– plus experience new SUP
and kayak models – with the
manufacturers’ reps on hand
to answer questions.
Blake added, “Building
relationships is a large part
of what ICAST is all about.
Even in the Internet age,
nothing takes the place of
face-to-face communication.”
Because of its size and
prestige, ICAST offers a
unique opportunity to meet
and make connections
with tackle manufacturers’
executives and technical
experts. There is simply
no better place to get
immediate, well-informed
answers to questions
about products, pricing,
merchandising and more.
ICAST is also a great
chance for attendees to
network with their peers
in the industry. By meeting
and exchanging ideas on
the show fl oor or at social
events, they can gain
valuable marketing and
merchandising ideas.
Attendee registration
opens in February 2019.
Icast 2018
ICAST ICAST@asafishing.org www.icastfishing.org
Additional products are
featured in the National
Marine Manufacturers
Association (NMMA) marine
accessories pavilion.
The show covers an
area larger than several
football fi elds and attracts
exhibitors, buyers, media
and others from the
domestic and international
recreational fi shing and
boating community. The
show’s global stature keeps
growing, with 71 countries
represented at ICAST 2018.
/www.tackletradeworld.com
/www.icastfishing.org
link