The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) invites the American Fly Fishing Trade Association members (AFFTA), fly fishing retailers and the entire fly fishing industry to attend ICAST 2010 (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) being held July 14-16, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev.

ICAST 2009, held this past July at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., featured 396 exhibitors filling 1,200 booths. More than 2,300 buyers and more than 525 media representatives attended the show. International ICAST attendance continues to increase with more than 700 attendees from 63 countries represented at the show.

Why should a fly fishing industry manufacturer attend ICAST?
A significant advantage to exhibiting at ICAST is that many buyers whose businesses feature both fly and conventional tackle attend ICAST. In fact, many fly fishing manufacturers already exhibit at ICAST which is a strong draw for tackle buyers.

ASA understands that many companies and organizations planning to exhibit at the fly fishing tackle trade show have already set their budgets for 2010.

In order to acknowledge this, ASA has addressed the following topics for AFFTA members and Fly Fishing Retailer exhibitors. This arrangement applies to 2010. ASA will revisit this again in 2011.

• Membership - ASA will accept current membership in AFFTA or ASA for companies who want to exhibit at ICAST. Membership in either association is required in order to exhibit.
  
  
• Booth Fees - AFFTA member discounted booth fees will apply to companies or organizations that are current AFFTA members who have exhibited at Fly Fishing Retailer at least once in the past three years (2007, 2008 and 2009). Companies or organizations must provide proof of exhibiting. Current or past ASA members are not eligible for this discount.
  
  
• Housing - Depending on demand, ASA will look at the ICAST housing block to determine how best to accommodate the fly fishing community who are accustomed to meeting and networking at the fly fishing trade show.
  
  
• Casting Pond - ICAST 2010 already offers a large fly casting pond providing exhibitors with a place to demonstrate their rods, reels and lines to potential buyers.
  
  
• Fly Fishing Pavilion - Depending on demand, the ICAST Show Committee is also considering creating a special pavilion located adjacent to the casting pond to further assist exhibitors whose focus is fly fishing tackle, gear and accessories.
  
  
• Fly Tackle Buyers - The ICAST team will make every effort to ensure that fly tackle buyers and independent fly fishing shops will be at the show.

What draws exhibitors to ICAST? 
ICAST is the location where exhibitors and attendees alike grow their business, build relationships with industry leaders and reconnect with business partners.

The top 5 reasons to exhibit at ICAST

New Product Showcase
The New Product Showcase, ICAST’s flagship feature, is one of the most popular, and competitive, venues in the sportfishing industry. Each year, the Showcase grows in size, level of competition and prestige. The ICAST 2009 Showcase was more competitive than ever with 208 exhibiting companies entering a diverse array of 600 tackle products and accessories into the Showcase. Registered media and buyers vote for the product they believe represents the best new product in 17 categories plus best of show. In 2009, Ross Reels USA won the New Product Showcase “Best in Show” in the Kid’s Tackle category for their youth fly fishing outfit.

In 2010, more companies than ever are expected to compete for the coveted “Best of Show” awards in 17 categories and overall “Best of Show.” The New Product Showcase is an exhibitor’s opportunity to debut their latest innovations to a veritable “who’s who” in the recreational fishing industry.

Number and Quality of Buyers
Nearly 2,400 buyers attended ICAST 2009. Exhibiting at ICAST allows exhibitors to reach more buyers in three days than they could see in one year. According to the ICAST 2009 follow-up exhibitor surveys 88 percent were satisfied with the quality of buyers who attended the show. All registered buyers are eligible to vote in the New Product Showcase. Buyers who write orders during the show are eligible for daily cash drawings and the grand prize of a trip for two to Costa Rica.

Media Exposure
Media attendance at ICAST has doubled over the past five years. More than 500 outdoor media representatives attend ICAST to assess and review what the sportfishing industry has to offer as well as to vote in the New Product Showcase. As a benefit of exhibiting, the registered media list is sent to registered exhibitors prior to the show. Exhibitors view this as a key opportunity to get their name before the outdoor media in order to have their products reviewed during ICAST for the nation’s millions of anglers. Media view ICAST as their best opportunity to see all the latest gear, accessories and apparel and speak with manufacturers directly about their products.

Networking Opportunities
ICAST has a wealth of networking opportunities in addition to the show floor and is known as the place to jumpstart a new business. The New Product Showcase Preview Reception, the State of the Industry Breakfast, the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception and daily seminars are just a few opportunities for exhibitors and attendees alike to network with a veritable “who’s who” in the industry.

ICAST Buyers’ Guide
The ICAST Buyers’ Guide — both print and online — is the resource that buyers use at the show and throughout the year to guide their product purchases. Since June 2009, nearly 5,000 unique visitors have searched the online Buyers’ Guide for gear, accessories and apparel. This year, over 5,000 ICAST 2009 Buyers’ Guides were distributed during the show. A listing in the Buyers’ Guide is free to all exhibiting and non-exhibiting ASA members.

Exhibiting at ICAST 2010
Nearly 70 percent of the 2010 show floor is already sold and remaining booth space in Las Vegas is going fast, so please don’t delay. Go to the ICAST Web site – www.ICASTfishing.org - to review the floor plan and obtain the Exhibit Space Contract to reserve your ICAST 2010 exhibit space. If you need more information, please contact ICAST Associate Kenneth Andres, (703) 519-9691, x231, or ICAST Coordinator Melissa Woolley at (703) 519-9691, x241.

Application for Membership
If you are interested in joining ASA, please download a membership form and fax it to ASA at (703) 519-1872. For more information about joining ASA, please contact Membership Director Jill Calabria, or call (703) 519-9691, x234.