The world’s largest sportfishing trade show is scheduled for July 9-12, in Orlando
ICAST 2019, the premier annual event for the global recreational fishing industry, is scheduled for July 9-12, 2019 in the North/South Building at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla. ICAST annually draws manufacturers, buyers and media from around the world to experience the latest innovations in fishing tackle, gear and marine products, as well new designs in apparel, sunglasses, coolers and other outdoor lifestyle categories.
ICAST is produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). ASA is a national, non-profit trade association made up of more than 800 members who share a stake in promoting sportfishing for the well-being of our businesses and as part of our national heritage.
“ICAST is the annual gathering point for the entire sportfishing industry,” said ASA President Glenn Hughes. “We bring together more manufacturers, buyers and media than any other sportfishing trade event in the world. That means more new products, more business opportunities, more media coverage and incredible networking possibilities for everyone who attends.”
ICAST 2018 drew more than 15,000 individuals from 71 countries, giving the show a true global presence. ICAST exhibitors include the largest brand names, as well as start-ups based on new product ideas.
“Because we bring so many in our industry to a single location, manufacturers exhibit their entire product lines,” said Blake Swango, ASA’s vice president for Trade Show and Membership. “Companies also tailor product launch schedules especially for ICAST’s New Product Showcase. It all adds up to great opportunities if you’re a buyer or a media member looking for new products and new stories.”
Register Before June 7 and Save
Registration is open on the ICAST website. Act before Friday, June 7, for discounted pre-registration fees. Online registration will remain available after June 7, and attendees can also register on-site. Online registration closes on Friday, June 28, at midnight.
Retail and wholesale badge holders can order products at the show and save through discounts or other incentives. There are daily cash prizes and a grand prize trip to Crocodile Bay Resort in Costa Rica.
It All Starts on Super Tuesday
ICAST launches on Tuesday, July 9, with an event-filled schedule that begins with the FLW ICAST Cup Bass Fishing Tournament at nearby Lake Toho Marina. Register at ICAST Cup. Those who want to mix golf with their fishing can compete in the Florida Sportsman’s Bass and Birdies Classic at Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club. Go to Florida Sportsman under Tournaments to register.
Super Tuesday Product Demos – On the Water
Scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on five acres of water and open space outside the OCCC’s North Building, On the Water, sponsored by Lowrance, is a chance for buyers and Media Editorial badge holders to have some fun while testing the latest tackle, gear, electronics, kayaks and SUPs. On the Water features fun, food, fishing and beer, provided by Nissan, (while supplies last.)
Special Tuesday Afternoon Workshops
An audience-participation workshop, “How to Keep Pace with Today’s Digital Buyer” with web marketing guru Marcus Sheridan, will be held Tuesday, July 9, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the OCCC. All ICAST 2019 attendees are invited to register. The pre-registration price is $25; $50 on-site.
A free business development seminar for exhibitors, “Understanding your Excise Tax Obligations,” will be held on Super Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. presented by excise tax experts.
The State of the Industry Breakfast
The Wednesday morning State of the Industry Breakfast is one of the most important business events at ICAST.
This is your opportunity to hear information about policies and management decisions from ASA President Glenn Hughes that can impact your business. Additional speakers include Chris Megan, publisher, On the Water, LLC; Frank Peterson, president, Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation; and Eric Sutton, executive director, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The breakfast features keynote speaker Sally Hogshead, a top brand guru and Speaker Hall of Fame Member.
The breakfast is presented by Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and their Take Me Fishing campaign.
Everyone’s ICAST Must-See: The New Product Showcase
The New Product Showcase, sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer, is a once-a-year opportunity to see the latest and greatest innovations all in one place. The New Product Showcase embodies the sportfishing industry’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and rewards that ingenuity with awards in 29 categories for “Best of Category” and, ultimately, one “Best of Show.”
Voting begins on Tuesday, July 9, at 5:00 p.m. during the New Product Showcase Preview Reception. Only registered buyers and Media Editorial badge holders are eligible to attend and vote in the New Product Showcase.
The ICAST 2019 New Product Showcase “Best of Category” winners will be announced during the Wednesday night New Product Showcase Awards Reception, sponsored by SIOnyx, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Buyers and media will then head to the New Product Showcase on Thursday morning between 9:00 a.m. – noon to vote for the “Best of Show.”
The ICAST 2019 overall “Best of Show” award will then be announced at 2:00 p.m. in the New Product Showcase. All badged show attendees are invited to attend.
Boating Products and Accessories Are Also Featured
The Marine Accessories Pavilion presented by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is open during show hours. Featuring more than 40 companies, the Pavilion features the latest in boating accessories, from electronics to propellers and much more. This is a must-visit for buyers, dealers, retailers and distributors.
Free Business Development Seminars with a Retailer Focus
ICAST emphasizes creating practical business value for retailers, including new ideas for sales, marketing and best practices. For 2019, ICAST is adding to its business development seminar schedule. An expanded series of seminars runs concurrently on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. in the OCCC. All seminars are complimentary for badged ICAST attendees. The schedule is available on the ICAST website
Thanks To Our 2019 Sponsors for Their Support
ASA would like to thank its generous ICAST 2019 sponsors for their support.
Gold: Columbia Sportswear, Crocodile Bay Resort, Engel Coolers, Fishing Tackle Retailer, FLW, Lowrance, Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), SIOnyx and Visit Orlando.
Silver: Bonnier Corporation, FishAnywhere.com, Huk Performance Fishing, LIVETARGET Lures, Mossy Oak and Yakima Products
Bronze: Classic Fishing Products
Navigate the Show with the ICAST App
The ICAST mobile app has many helpful features for exhibitors and attendees, including maps, event schedules and locations and an exhibitor listing. Whether your device is Apple and Android, just search for ICAST Fishing in your app store.