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

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).

Space is limited, and appointments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Program Requirements

Retail buyers or executive decision-makers from participating retail companies participate in this fast paced, meet the market program to familiarize themselves 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. Each buyer who participates will receive a customized appointment schedule in advance, outlining their pre-scheduled meetings.

Retailers

  • 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.

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.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

  • Retail companies designate participating buyers.

  • ASA develops customized schedules of 10-minute appointments based on product categories selected during registration.

  • During the program, retail buyers remain at their assigned tables.
  • Exhibitors rotate to each appointment according to their preset schedule.

Program Details

  • Separate program registration is required.
  • ASA manages and confirms all appointments.
  • Retail buyers remain seated; exhibitors rotate.
  • Appointments are 10 minutes in length.
  • Two-minute transition periods are built-in between meetings.
  • Exhibitors receive one master schedule per company upon check-in.
  • Up to two registered exhibit staff per company may participate.
  • Up to two registered retailer staff per company may participate.

Become a Sponsor

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