The annual ICAST trade show has been a must-attend showcase for sportfishing retailers for almost seven decades. In the span of four days, attendees can expand their industry know-how, make critical contacts, discover emerging innovations and give themselves a seriously competitive edge. If you’ve never been to this dynamic event, it’s an experience that will benefit both you and your store.
What makes ICAST so unique? For one, it’s designed around the needs and interests of fishing gear retailers. The team that builds the ICAST schedule every year keeps the needs of retailer attendees in mind. That way, retailers can feel more confident and comfortable taking time out of their busy schedules and leaving their stores to gain deeper insights about the industry and foster connections with sportfishing leaders, exhibitors and peers.
Secondly, it’s designed to have the biggest economic impact possible on everyone who gathers there. From the layout of the exhibit booth space to the timing of exclusive workshop sessions, ICAST is constructed to promote an intuitive flow from both physical and knowledge transfer perspectives. Perhaps best of all, ICAST is also filled with hands-on opportunities to test drive some of the most exciting, appealing and technologically appealing advancements in the sportfishing world, making it a worthwhile use of your time.
Benefits of Trade Shows for Businesses Like Yours
Still not sure you want to join the thousands of fellow fishing gear retailers, manufacturers, consumers, conservationists, state agencies and sportfishing enthusiasts at this year’s ICAST in Orlando, Florida? Before deciding to wait yet another year, consider the benefits of going to the world’s largest trade show event for your industry:
1. You will leave with leading-edge industry insights.
Although the recreational sport and pastime of fishing is perhaps as old as humankind, it’s changing all the time. Staying on top of everything from regulations and reports to online marketing and retail customer software programs allows you to make more informed business decisions as an owner. ICAST includes a constant array of learning sessions, including daily Lunch & Learn Seminars, and the State of the Industry breakfast.
2. You can track down additional items to offer your customers.
Even if you’re immersed in the world of sportfishing, you may not be attuned to every product on the market. ICAST offers no shortage of chances to encounter and try the latest items that could be valuable to your customer base. At events like the New Product Showcase, with its exciting “Best of Show” awards and the On The Water Product Demo Day, you’ll be introduced to plenty of marketable tools, gadgets, gear and more. While at ICAST, you can stop by the Fly Shop booth to try your skill at fly tying and casting and network with others in the industry.
3. You get to learn how to improve your marketing.
Knowing how to effectively advertise, especially digitally, can be confusing and sometimes frustrating. You don’t need to be a professional marketer to get more out of all your marketing efforts, though. In the 66 years since the start of ICAST, event organizers have always tried to help retail attendees stay relevant with their target audiences. To that end, this year’s ICAST includes a Lunch & Learn about using social media, including one specifically on LinkedIn, to connect with customers and promote your brand online alone. There will also be a seminar on all things influencer marketing.
If you’re interested in finding out more about artificial intelligence and leveraging data to dive into market research and trends, you’ll find seminars such as “Improve Your Business With the Latest Industry Data and Trends” and “The Next Big Thing: Artificial Intelligence and Recreational Fishing” — all to help improve your reach.
4. You can turn part of your travel into a mini vacation.
It can be tough to get away from your store sometimes. Since ICAST is held in the Orange County Convention Center, you can always turn your visit into an opportunity for a bit of rest and relaxation. Orlando is a popular destination with a wide range of tourism possibilities (fishing related or not). Plus, many area restaurants and other venues give discounts to ICAST badge holders. Consequently, this might be a nice way to get a boost for your business and a break from the daily grind.
5. You can broaden your reach with fly-fishing enthusiasts.
What’s one of the biggest trends in sportfishing? Fly fishing. That’s why the 2023 New Product Showcase features six new fly-fishing categories. Certainly, fly fishing has always played a part at ICAST. Yet, its relevance has been increasing in recent years. Networking with some of the experts and seasoned veterans in all aspects of the fly-fishing community will help you determine if you need to add more fly-fishing products to your retail establishment. If not, you’ll still leave with a deeper understanding of how to answer your customers’ fly-fishing questions.
As the biggest gathering of fishing professionals worldwide, it is a can’t-miss event for retailers.
Registering for ICAST is easy. Just head to the event website and sign up. You can also contact Maggie Yates, ASA trade show and membership coordinator, at myates@asafishing.org or 703-519-9691, ext. 242. Why wait to “go fishing?” Mark your calendar for the experience of the year.
Share This Article, Choose Your Platform:
Recent Posts
AUTHOR
