Meet the Market
Meet the Market
Meet the Market

TUESDAY, July 14

LIGHT LUNCH:
12:00 – 12:45 (Retailers only)

SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS:
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

LOCATION:
OCCC South, Room S330

WHO IS ELIGIBLE
TO PARTICIPATE?

  • Retailers and retail buyers
  • Representatives from exhibiting companies

Sponsored by

KASTKING logo

MEET THE MARKET is a targeted business matchmaking program designed to introduce innovative new products and exhibiting companies to qualified retail buyers. While especially valuable for first-time exhibitors looking to establish new retail relationships, the program is open to all companies seeking focused, high-impact buyer meetings.

The program creates efficient, high-value connections through a series of pre-scheduled, one-on-one appointments. Participating exhibitors present their company and products to retailers during structured 10-minute meetings arranged by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA).

Program Requirements

Retailers

Familiarize yourself with a wide range of innovations, new products and services. The goal is to make the most of your ICAST experience in advance of the opening of the show floor so you can be more focused and targeted in your overall buying/selling/marketing experience at ICAST.

  • The event opens with a Retailers Hospitality lounge serving a light lunch and snacks from 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. (for retailers/buyers exclusively).
  • Then participating buyers or executives from each retail company will be seated at his/her own assigned table to receive exhibitors every 10 minutes.
  • Individual appointment schedules will be distributed upon check-in, and they will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Retailer registration is now closed.

EXHIBITORS

Participating exhibitors are encouraged to prepare a short 10-minute pitch or presentation about their new innovation, product or service. The value for exhibitors is to promote and market their products in front of as many buyers as possible in a short amount of time.

This unique opportunity lays out the groundwork for a successful ICAST show.

  • There is no additional cost to participate.

  • You MUST be an exhibitor to participate; you cannot be in the Meet the Market program without purchasing a booth.
  • Companies new to ICAST and previous exhibitors that have a new product launch within the year will be given priority placement.

Exhibitor registration is now closed. 

Applying does not guarantee enrollment to participate in the Meet the Market event. Each potential attendee will be vetted to ensure the best experience for all. Those accepted will be contacted by ASA. 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

  • Separate registration is required to participate in the program.
  • Retail companies designate their participating buyers during registration.
  • ASA develops and confirms customized schedules of 10-minute appointments based on selected product categories.
  • Each company may include up to two registered participants (both exhibitors and retailers).
  • Exhibitors receive one master schedule per company at check-in.

On-site experience

  • Retail buyers remain seated at their assigned tables throughout the program.
  • Exhibitors rotate between appointments according to their preset schedules.
  • Each meeting is 10 minutes in length, with built-in two-minute transition periods between appointments.

Become a Sponsor

Limited sponsorships are still available for this event. Reach out to Caley Gillett at CGillett@asafishing.org for more information.