World's Largest Sportfishing Tradeshow Heads to Orlando, Florida
World's Largest Sportfishing Tradeshow Heads to Orlando, FloridaICAST is the destination for the global sportfishing industry
Alexandria, VA - March 11, 2009 - For the first time in more than 10 years, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is bringing the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), the world's largest sportfishing trade show, to the East Coast. ICAST will be held July 15 - 17, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. From buyers to media to exhibitors, ICAST annually attracts more than 7,000 representatives from the international sportfishing community to conduct business, network with industry leaders and see all the latest innovations in gear and accessories. ASA expects that the Orlando location will be a draw for both new exhibitors and attendees from the densely populated East Coast as well as from points around the globe.
One in every 10 dollars spent in the United States on fishing is spent in Florida. Even more impressive is the fact that 43 percent of anglers in the United States call the southeastern region home. Overall, nearly $20 billion in fishing retail sales are realized annually in the Southeastern market. In fact, more than half of the United States sportfishing dollars are spent east of the Mississippi River.
"Given the global economic situation, people have to be smart about where they decide to do business," said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. "ICAST offers attendees and exhibitors the opportunity to conduct business and network with industry leaders. We are very excited about the opportunities available to both attendees and exhibitors." Nussman further said, "I am pleased to say that the demand for exhibit space remains high with the show floor more than 75 percent sold out. ICAST is the only place where attendees can visit hundreds of suppliers and evaluate thousands of products all under one roof."
To better serve ICAST exhibitors and attendees, ASA launched a new home for ICAST on the Web. ICASTfishing.org was launched in February giving the world's largest sportfishing tradeshow a one-stop-shop home online. "ICASTfishing.org has all the information exhibitors and attendees need to have a successful show," said ICAST Director Maria del Valle. "We added a new feature this year that will benefit both exhibitors and attendees. Exhibitors can post press releases about their presence at the show and promote the new products that they will unveil at ICAST. It's another way for exhibitors to reach their customers."
Registration and housing is also available through one easy-to-use site, making it easier to register for badges and housing at one time. ASA has arranged special ICAST discounts for attendees with partner hotels that are conveniently located near the Orange County Convention Center. Complimentary shuttle service will also be provided to and from the convention center. ASA staff has also arranged a special airfare discount for ICAST exhibitors and attendees through JetBlue Airlines using promotion code ICAST2009.
ICAST will also co-locate on the same show floor with the Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show (MAATS), produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). In 2008, the co-location with MAATS allowed 10,000 attendees to walk both show floors.