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Countdown to ICAST

Show Highlights and Special Events

All events take place at the Orange County Convention Center  in Halls B and C unless noted otherwise.

New Product Showcase and Preview Reception

Main Entrance, Hall C, Booth 2451
The Showcase is open during show hours

Preview Reception: Tuesday, July 10, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Open to registered buyers and credentialed media only

There is no doubt that the most important feature for exhibitors and attendees alike is the New Product Showcase. The Showcase offers buyers and members of the media a special opportunity to preview hundreds of the next season’s innovations in fishing gear and accessories.

Only registered buyers and individuals with Media-Editorial badges are eligible to vote in the New Product Showcase and only one ballot is permitted per buying entity or media outlet. Exhibitors are not permitted in the Showcase until after the voting period ends. The product with the most votes in each of the 21 product categories is awarded “Best of Show” for that category and the product with the most votes overall wins the coveted ICAST 2012 “Best of Show” honors.

Voting begins on Tuesday, July 10, at 5:00 p.m. during the New Product Showcase Preview Reception and ends at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11. Just for voting, buyers and media are entered into a drawing for three $500 cash prizes.

Check out the ICAST 2011 New Product Showcase winners!

State of the Industry Breakfast

Wednesday, July 11, 7:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m.
Hall B, Third Floor, Room W311
Tickets required

More than 500 sportfishing industry leaders and professionals come together during the State of the Industry Breakfast held just prior to the show’s opening to hear about issues that impact recreational fishing and our industry. The breakfast is considered a “must attend” event by ICAST attendees. Tickets are required.

Chairman's Industry Awards Reception

Sponsored by Frabill, Inc.
Wednesday, July 11, 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Hall B, Third Floor, Room W311
Open to all ICAST attendees

Jeff Marble, CEO of Frabill, Inc. and Chairman of ASA’s Board of Directors, hosts this year’s welcome reception. During the reception, Marble and ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman will present the New Product Showcase "Best of Show" awards. All ICAST attendees are welcome to attend the awards reception.

Business Education Conference

During show hours – July 11 – 13
Hall B, Second Floor, Room 208C
Schedule will be announced closer to the show. All sessions are free to badged attendees.

In order to meet the business needs of our industry, we are evolving the seminar sessions into a “must attend” business education conference with sessions presented throughout the trade show. This year’s seminars focus on: human resources for small businesses; events that drive customer traffic; understanding the role of social media in sales and customer loyalty; tips to effectively market your company; merchandizing in a small space; policy and product sales; and the industry, customer and Fish and Wildlife Service circle of conservation funding.

New in 2012 - the Apparel Lounge and Tiki Bar

Open during show hours
Booth 1715

In the past, the Apparel Lounge has served as a showcase for the latest apparel and merchandise from our sponsoring exhibitors. This year, we are adding a new show feature to the Lounge – the ICAST Tiki Bar. Sponsored apparel will be showcased in the show floor food service area where attendees can check out the featured apparel while having a bite to eat. From 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, there will be live music and libations will be available for purchase.

ASA Resource Center

Open during show hours
Booth 2251

Stop by the ASA Resource Center to meet the ASA staff and learn how you can take full advantage of your trade association membership. You can also learn more about ASA's national angler advocacy campaign - KeepAmericaFishing™ - and the role you can play in keeping our waters accessible now and in the future.

Cyber Lounge

Open during show hours
Location to be determined

The Cyber Lounge serves as ICAST's business center that is prominently located on the show floor. The Cyber Lounge has complimentary Internet access and is the place where exhibitors and buyers can communicate with their home offices directly from the show floor.

Casting Pond

Open during show hours
Booth 2151

To get an idea of how a rod feels and reacts, you have to experience the cast. The Casting Pond provides buyers, media and other show attendees the opportunity to  see and test the latest rods and reels.

Lure Tank

Open during show hours
Booth 2143

Want to see the latest lures in action? The Lure Tank lets attendees check out the newest lures while exhibitors demonstrate their features. From top water to jigs, the Lure Tank has it all.

Buyer Raffles

Grand prize trip sponsored by Crocodile Bay Resort
Open during show hours

Pick up a copy of Reelin’ & Dealin’ - A Guide to ICAST-only Specials at registration to maximize your savings and time on the show floor. Just by writing orders, you can win daily cash prizes or the grand prize of a fishing trip for two to Costa Rica’s Crocodile Bay Resort. Every order you write at the show increases your odds to win in the Buyer Raffles.

To enter a raffle, simply ask for an entry form from the booth staff when your order is written and place your completed form in the ballot boxes located in the ASA Resource Center, Booth 2251. Names of daily winners will also be posted at the booth.