2008 Sportfishing Summit Heads to the Lone Star State!
This year, the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) annual Sportfishing Summit will be held October 29-31, 2008, at the San Luis Resort on Galveston Island, Texas. The Sportfishing Summit is the association’s premier networking and business management event. Last year’s Summit attracted more than 140 industry leaders representing nearly 100 companies and organizations from the United States, Canada and Europe.
This year’s Summit will focus on the domestic and international economic markets, resource management and the political forces impacting the industry. And with the historic November election just days away from the Summit; when would be a better time to take a look at how politics will shape our business environment?
The deadline for Summit pre-registration rates and housing group rates is October 3. Don’t delay. Please make your reservations now.
2008 Sportfishing Summit Agenda
The agenda is current as of August 13, 2008, and is subject to change. Please check back for updates. The Schedule-at-a-Glance is posted below.
Summit Meeting Registration
The deadline for pre-registration is October 3. After October 3, on-site rates apply. Please take advantage of the pre-registration rates. Summit registrations may be faxed or mailed to ASA. Please see the instructions on the reservations form. For more information about Summit registration, contact Jill Calabria, 703-519-9691, x234.
San Luis Resort and Conference Center Housing Reservations
Reservations should be made no later than 1:00 p.m., Central time, on October 3, 2008. Request the group rate for the American Sportfishing Association Summit. Rates are guaranteed until October 3, 2008. Housing requests received after the deadline will be assigned based upon room and rate availability. Additional information about the resort is available on the resort’s Web site.
2008 Sportfishing Summit Sponsorship Opportunities
Build name recognition and make a statement to the leaders of the sportfishing industry by sponsoring an event at ASA’s premier business and networking event. E-mail Membership Director Jill Calabria for more information or call 703-519-9691, x234.
Recreation Opportunities
The Galveston area and the San Luis Resort and Conference Center are home to numerous fishing, golf and other recreational activities. This is just a small listing of resources for your reference.
Traveling to the Summit – Galveston Island, Texas
If you are traveling to the Summit by air, the two nearest airports are George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Both airports are located in Houston, Texas, and are approximately an hour’s drive to the resort. Directions to the resort are located on the resort’s Web site.
2008 Sportfishing Summit Schedule at a Glance
(Schedule and sponsorships current as of August 13, 2008)
This year’s Summit will focus on the domestic and international economic markets, resource management and the political forces impacting the industry. And with the historic November election just days away from the Summit; when would be a better time to take a look at how politics will shape our business environment?
Tuesday, October 28
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – ASA Board of Directors meeting
All ASA members are invited to attend.
Wednesday, October 29
7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Spouse and Guests Welcome Breakfast
Spouses and members’ guests are invited to meet new friends and renew old friendships as well as plan their week’s activities.
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. - ASA Committee Meetings
Help shape the future of ASA by attending the association’s committee meetings
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. - Welcome Reception
Sponsored by NOAA Fisheries
Connect with old friends and meet new ones at the Welcome Reception.
Thursday, October 30
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. - Welcome to the 2008 Sportfishing Summit
Sponsored by Townsend and Townsend and Crew
ASA Board of Directors Chairman Jeff Pontius, president, ZEBCO Brands, Inc., Carter Smith, executive director, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Mike Nussman, ASA president and CEO will open the Summit with welcoming remarks.
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. - Focus on China with the U.S. China Business Council
Manufacturers in China face a regularly changing business landscape. A representative from the USCBC will provide an overview of what their members view as the top issues they face in China including operations, profitability, outlook and their top business priorities.
10:45 – 11:45 a.m. - The Domestic and International Markets Industry Outlook Panel
Join industry representatives from around the globe as they address our industry’s changing business environment from both the domestic and international perspectives.
Noon – 1:00 p.m. - Ocean Management Networking Lunch
Join James Connaughton, Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, for a networking lunch where he will provide insight into the administration’s policies on ocean management.
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. - The Times Are Changing for Fisheries Management
Join Mike Chrisman, California’s secretary of Natural Resources, and Carter Smith, executive director, Texas Parks and Wildlife, for their views on how changes in fisheries management will affect how and where people fish. The session is moderated by Matt Hogan, executive director, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. - Fasten Your Seatbelts – It’s Election Time!
Amy Walter, political pundit and Editor in Chief of the National Journal’s The Hotline will offer insight into how the November elections will affect the political, social and economic landscape and our industry. The Hotline, published daily, condenses newspaper, magazine and Internet political coverage from the previous 24 hours offering non-partisan commentary with an irreverent spin.
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. - Member Reception and Dinner
This evening event provides fun and relaxation for attendees and is always the Summit’s most attended event.
Friday, October 31
7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. - Board of Directors Meeting
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Closing Session: General Membership Meeting
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Optional Guided Fishing Trip or Wetlands Restoration Tour
Join us for either an afternoon of fishing with CCA of Texas or tour the Galveston Island State Park Wetland Restoration, a project completed with support from the FishAmerica Foundation. Prior reservations required.
