Jason Tansem
The Sport Fishing Guide attends ICAST 2016
Perry Mack - Editor-in-Chief, The Sport Fishing Guide at ICAST 2016.
ICAST
The Sport Fishing Guide preps for our first Canadian Gear Guide at the largest Fishing Show in the world.
Story and Photo by Jason Tansem
ICAST has the reputation for being the world’s largest sportfishing industry trade show and this year is no exception. In fact, with 15,000 people in attendance, 2016 has proved to be the largest trade show produced by the recreational fishing industry’s trade association.
From exhibitors to buyers to outdoor media, representatives from the domestic and international sportfishing and boating community converged on the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., July 12-15, for the 59th International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST. Produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), ICAST represents the cornerstone of the sportfishing industry, driving sportfishing companies’ product sales year round and is the ultimate showcase for the latest innovations in gear and accessories.
ICAST, along with the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show and the new Marine Accessories Pavilion, encompassed 650,000 gross square feet in the West Building of the OCCC. ICAST hosted 552 exhibitors in 1850 booths with an overall combined exhibitor count of more than 700 exhibitors.
“Although the statistics are impressive, it’s the business opportunities that those numbers represent that really help tell the story,” said Trade Show Director Ken Andres. “By partnering with the National Marine Manufacturers Association on the Marine Accessories Pavilion, we expanded the show’s reach into the boating retail and media audiences. Combined with our ongoing co-location with the fly fishing industry and IFTD, we really do offer everything that enhances the fishing and boating experience, under one roof.”
Andres continued, “All of this clearly speaks to the diversity of product that we offer to buyers and media, both domestic and international. However, our expanded buyer and media base has also captured the attention of the broader outdoor industry. Inherently, this show is about the gear, apparel and accessories that help to make a day on the water both exciting and rewarding. And we’re planning on doing things even bigger and better in 2017 when the show returns to Orlando from July 11-17.”