Here We Go! ICAST Registration Opens Mid-February

By Rob Carter

Make plans now to attend the largest sportfishing trade show in the world.

Before the booths are built, the banners strung and thousands congregate at the largest sportfishing trade show, every person in attendance will begin the journey to Florida by registering for the show and making their hotel arrangements.

And though the show doors don’t physically open until July, from mid-February onward, industry insiders will be able to register for their place on the show floor featuring the best in fishing tackle, apparel and lifestyle products that populate the annual trade show produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA).

At this annual event, running from July 16th-19th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, innovations from poppers to propellers can be found within a village of dedicated industry professionals.

ICAST right now is the most definitive trade show for business owners searching for the latest fishing and boating products to offer their customers. From household names like Shimano, Abu Garcia and Mercury to start-up manufacturers with niche products, ICAST showcases new products designed for the needs of nearly any customer base anywhere in the world.

Last year, representatives from 80 countries made their way to Florida to join a crowd of more than 13,000 like-minded buyers, media and manufacturers to get a first-hand glimpse of the show for themselves.

Doubling Down on Fly Fishing
Attendees are getting excited to see what is in store for ICAST 2024. Last year the Fly Shop made its debut alongside an enhanced New Product Showcase designed to elevate the profile of the fly fishing sector at ICAST. It was a huge success, so the ASA is bringing it back and adding more. The ICAST Fly Shop is a dedicated, simulated tackle shop where fly-centric brands can display a wide variety of tackle, gear, apparel and accessories. In addition, it will house a hang-out space for attendees as well as casting exhibitions and lessons at the adjacent fly-casting pond.

Maximizing Your ROI
ICAST, hands down, will give you the best return on your investment, says the ASA. In addition to valuable time spent on the floor and networking, the show is set to a backdrop of activities such as daily Lunch & Learn business enhancement seminars, a fishing tournament hosted by Major League Fishing, ICAST On The Water Product Demo Day sponsored by Garmin and the State of the Industry Breakfast. ICAST is not just a trade show but a sportfishing experience. This year, ASA has stepped up to deliver even more value for attendees. Trade Show and Membership Vice President Blake Swango, says that close to 100 exhibitors are set to offer special pricing incentives to dealers who place orders at the show.

Dealers placing orders will also be eligible for daily cash prizes with a chance for one grand prize winner to take home a fishing trip for two to Crocodile Bay, Costa Rica.

To register and make hotel reservations for ICAST 2024, visit ICASTFishing.org and follow the prompts to reserve your space in Orlando, Florida. Registration is free for qualified buyers.

This article originally appeared in Angling International.