Below is a list of frequently asked questions for ICAST exhibitors. If you don’t see the answer to your questions here, contact us at 703.519.9691 or email icast@asafishing.org.

What is ICAST?
ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) is the sportfishing industry’s largest trade show and is produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). The show is the place to be to network with industry leaders and see the world’s largest selection of new fishing gear and accessories.

When is ICAST 2010?
ICAST will be held July 14–16, 2010, in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev.

Who can attend ICAST?
ICAST is a trade-only show and not open to the general public. Manufacturers typically exhibit at ICAST or they may attend as non-exhibiting member manufacturers. Exhibitors must be members of the American Sportfishing Association. Wholesalers, retailers, manufacturer’s reps, advertising and industry associates, government affiliates and members of the media are welcome to attend the show.

How many people attended ICAST 2009?
In 2009, nearly 7,400 representatives of the sportfishing industry attended ICAST 2009. In 2009, ICAST featured 396 exhibitors filling 1,200 booths. The show boasted more than 2,300 buyers and more than 525 registered members of the media. More than 700 attendees from 63 countries attended ICAST. ICAST 2009, produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), covered 400,000 square feet of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

How do I obtain booth space?
To exhibit at ICAST 2010, please submit an exhibit space contract using the current floor plan for booth selection. Remember to make at least six selections for booth space location by preference. In the event that the location requested is not available, ASA reserves the right to assign comparable space. All contracts submitted must be accompanied with a 50 percent deposit of the total booth fee or space will not be assigned. A confirmation letter with the booth assignment and balance due invoice will be sent to all exhibitors. All ICAST exhibitors must be ASA members. Please visit ASA’s membership page for information on joining.

How much does it cost to exhibit at ICAST?
A standard 10 foot by 10 foot booth at ICAST is $1,400. Corner locations are more expensive (an additional $200 for each corner of the booth). A 50 percent deposit is required upon submission of your exhibit space contract. Additional costs for outfitting your booth with carpeting and electrical are not included in the booth fee, nor are registration badges. ASA membership is a requirement of all ICAST exhibitors.

What does my booth fee include?
A standard 10 foot by 10 foot booth will include an 8 foot high background curtain, a 3 foot high side rail curtain divider on both sides of the booth and a 7 inch by 44 inch identification sign indicating the company name and booth number. Back booth drapery is white and blue, side dividers are blue and aisle carpeting is blue. Maximum height for any part of an in-line exhibit is 8 feet. No display shall extend outside the paid exhibit space.

What other costs will I incur?
In addition to exhibit space fees and travel expenses, please note the following areas where costs may be incurred.

Carpeting—ASA will carpet all visible aisle space within the exhibit area. As stated in the exhibit space contract, ICAST exhibitors are required to provide floor covering for their exhibit space. Carpet may be brought in by exhibitors or rented from the general contractor. The carpet must completely cover the total footage of the exhibit space.

Electrical and Water—Any electrical, water and air needs can be obtained from Champion Exposition Services. A form with different electrical, water, air options and costs is provided in the Exhibitor Service Manual.

Furniture—Furniture for your booth may be rented through Champion Exposition Services. Details regarding description and cost of the furniture will be provided to you in your Exhibitor Service Manual.

Freight—All freight will be handled by Champion Exposition Services. Freight may be shipped 30 days prior to the show to an advance shipment warehouse or direct shipment to the show site. Additional information regarding cost and options will be provided to you in your Exhibitor Service Manual.

Registration—All exhibitor booth personnel must be badged for the duration of the show. Badges are NOT included in the booth fee. Each exhibitor must register for a badge in addition to submitting the exhibit space contract. The cost per exhibitor badge is $10 before June 1, 2010. A badge purchased on site for exhibitors is $30 per badge. Advance registration will be available on-line in early 2008 or on site near the show entrance. Registration fees are subject to change.

Membership—Membership dues are determined by the type of product or services that your company provides, and dues are determined based on your company’s annual sales related to the sportfishing industry. For additional information, contact Jill Calabria, Membership director.

Do I have to be a member of the American Sportfishing Association to exhibit?
Yes. ICAST is a trade-only show. All exhibitors must be current members of the American Sportfishing Association in order to exhibit.

How much does it cost to join ASA?
Membership dues are determined by the type of product or services that your company provides, and dues are determined based on your company’s annual sales related to the sportfishing industry. For additional information, contact ASA’s membership department.

Is there a manual that gives me shipping information as well as information about carpet and furniture orders?
Yes, Champion Exposition Services will provide an official Exhibitor Service Manual to all confirmed exhibitors that are in good standing with ASA (membership dues for current year paid), approximately 90 days prior to the show. The manual will contain information regarding carpet, furnishings, signs, shipping, rates for labor and other services provided by Champion. The manual will also include order forms for the above mentioned items as well as audio-visual, electrical, telephones, security, catering and floral.

How do I register for badges for the show?
All exhibitor booth personnel must be badged for the duration of the show. Badges are NOT included in the booth fee. Each exhibitor must register for a badge in addition to submitting the exhibit space contract. The cost per exhibitor badge is $10 before June 10, 2010. A badge purchased on site for exhibitors is $30 per badge. Advanced registration will be available on-line or on-site near the show entrance. Registration fees are subject to change.

Are there any networking opportunities at ICAST?
ASA recognizes forging new relationships and rekindling others is an important aspect of ICAST. Several events have been developed during the show to encourage networking amongst our attendees.

New Product Showcase Preview Reception (Tuesday evening)
This event is open only to buyers and media. The Preview Reception is an opportunity for buyers and media to preview the New Product Showcase entries.

Industry Breakfast (Wednesday morning)
This event kicks off the show with welcoming remarks from the Chairman of ASA’s Board of Directors and a state of the industry from ASA's President and CEO. The Industry Breakfast is a limited seating event and pre-purchased tickets are required. Tickets may be purchased with registration.

Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception (Wednesday evening)
Hosted by the Chairman of ASA’s Board of Directors, this reception is open to all attendees. The event provides an excellent venue for attendees to meet as well as see which new products have received the award for being “Best in Show”.

What is the New Product Showcase?
The New Product Showcase is an exclusive benefit to exhibiting companies and is a great place to premiere your new line or products for the upcoming year. Exhibitors may enter products at no charge. More information and entry forms can be obtained from the ICAST Promo Pak (available in early 2010).

What incentives are in place to attract buyers to ICAST?
Buyer Drawings
There are five buyer drawings throughout the course of the three day show. Prizes range from the grand prize, a trip to Crocodile Bay Lodge in Costa Rica, to several cash prizes of $500. Only buyers that place orders at the show are eligible for these drawings.

ICAST-only Specials
Many exhibitors choose to offer show-only specials to buyers. These deals range from discounts on merchandise to cash prizes to trips with a company pro. The guide provides buyers the opportunity to maximize their show experience by planning their booth visits and Show Special purchases ahead of time. The American Sportfishing Association actively helps to promote those companies offering show-only specials. More information and ideas for show-only specials can be found in the ICAST Promo Pak (available in early 2010).

How can my company be an ICAST sponsor?
There are a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities for exhibitors. It is an excellent way to gain additional exposure for your company. Sponsorship opportunities start at $300, so there is an opportunity that is affordable for any ASA member. Information about sponsorship can be found in the ICAST Promo Pak (available in early 2010) or contact us at icast@asafishing.org.

What are the rules for exhibitors in the ICAST Press Room?
Only ASA members can place materials in the Press Room. ICAST sponsors will receive prominent reserved bin space, signage and other special visibility in the Press Room and in other ASA promotions. Bins are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. One bin per company. Exhibitors are responsible for keeping their bins stocked throughout the show, although ASA staff will certainly help as much as possible. Press kits, catalogs and other materials may also be distributed in exhibiting companies’ booths, but not in the aisles on the show floor or other common areas. Because of agreements with our host hotels, ASA must give prior approval for show daily-type publications or other promotional materials intended for distribution by the hotels. ASA staff reserves the right to move or remove materials that do not comply with any of these guidelines.

Press Room Bulletin Board
Exhibitors planning press conferences, product demonstrations, celebrity guest appearances or any other special events or booth attractions may place posters, notices or announcements on the ICAST Press Room Bulletin Board (please limit the size to 8.5” x 11”).

If you need to arrange for a press conference room, please use the Press Conference Room Request Form or contact ICAST Associate Kenneth Andres, 703-519-9691, ext. 231.

Delivering Materials
Materials MUST be hand delivered to the press room between Monday, July 12, and Tuesday, July 13, 2010. We recommend providing 100-200 units of material for the ICAST Press Room. Limited storage space is available beneath each bin.