ICAST is the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, bringing together manufacturers, retailers, consumers, conservationists, state agencies, and sportfishing enthusiasts. From small bait and tackle shops to global sportfishing manufacturers, ICAST provides a vibrant atmosphere, lectures from industry experts, and the chance to meet with hundreds of retailers and anglers from around the world. The visibility and trade show networking opportunities available for retailers who attend ICAST are limitless.
In past years, vendors and small business owners nationwide have met consumers, built long-lasting brand relationships, and discovered innovative new products. Michael Tokunaga from Hilo, Hawaii, travels for over 20 hours, enduring three flights to attend ICAST every year, referring to the event as the Super Bowl of Fishing Tackle. According to Tokunaga, who owns the S. Tokunaga Store, ICAST allows him to experience the most cutting-edge technology in the industry. With dozens of new products on display, ICAST brings together more manufacturers, buyers, and media than any other sportfishing industry event. For those in the industry, there are more new products, new connections, and new business opportunities for everyone attending.
ICAST is a great place to explore everything from freshwater and saltwater reels to the Best of Category winners in the New Product Showcase. And every year, ICASTs New Product Showcase demonstrates the most significant industry developments. For Michael Able, president of Haddrell’s Point Tackle in Mount Pleasant in South Carolina, a fishing tackle retailer and supplier, ICAST’s product unveilings make it the year’s most exciting sports fishing event.
Benefits of Networking With Other Businesses
Gaining media coverage and building relationships can be difficult for small business owners, especially in the age of social media. Yet expanding business networks is crucial for any company looking to stay competitive in today’s fast-moving market. Networking with other businesses allows industry professionals to stay one step ahead. At ICAST, retailers will discover extensive media coverage and networking opportunities designed to benefit sportfishing brands of all kinds. With hundreds of media outlets, including social media influencers and highly respected periodicals, retailers can get up close and personal with the latest tech while reviewing, testing, and handling new products. At ICAST, businesses can witness product demonstrations, talk to distributors about new releases, and plan for their next fishing season.
ICAST provides an array of opportunities to highlight manufacturers and their newest creations. After the global health crisis of the past few years, longstanding companies and young brands are finally able to meet in person to discuss industry challenges and projections for 2023. ICAST is the resource for relevant news, capturing the industry’s impact on the country and economy. However, digital media applicants must meet specific guidelines that demonstrate they are posting regular, quality content about recreational fishing; generally, social media accounts are not approved for media badges. In terms of attendance and the number of fishing professionals present, ICAST is unparalleled.
Exploring the Latest Products and Innovations
ICAST represents the industry’s greatest opportunity for manufacturers, and releasing new products is an event tradition. As the largest sportfishing trade show globally, retailers should take advantage of this opportunity to experience the newest products and services they may not find anywhere else. The energy of the showroom floor, coupled with exciting demonstrations, informative discussions, and lectures, makes ICAST a unique opportunity for fishing enthusiasts. One of the benefits of attending trade shows is the chance to exchange information, socialize, and interact with customers–attendees at ICAST have the chance to do all this and more.
The New Product Showcase is a must-see for every attendee. At the showcase, the latest and greatest products are voted the top in their categories. With 37 different categories to compete in, developers and manufacturers get the chance to vaunt their hard work and ingenuity. The coveted “Best In Show” award is given to the best overall product, and last year’s winner, the PacBak P88-MK Combo, caused quite a stir.
Real-world Results for Small Businesses
One personal example of how ICAST has impacted a small business is the Pugh family, who purchased Neptune Fishing Supplies on the idyllic shores of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. After finding a store for sale near his wife’s home, Corey Pugh arranged to meet the owner and solidify a deal. By the time he left the ICAST show floor, Pugh and his wife were the new owners of the 44-year-old fishing supply company.
Pugh’s new business venture, the fulfillment of a personal dream, had a ready-made customer base consisting of tourists, charter guides, commercial fishermen, and resident subsistence anglers across both the U.S. and the British Virgin Islands. Logistics, staffing, and strong business relationships were crucial to running the business, yet initially proved challenging. However, almost a year after starting the business, Pugh and his family have gained valuable experience and industry contacts due in part to Pugh’s experience at ICAST. Meeting vendors at ICAST allowed him to transition smoothly as the new owner, and he was able to shake hands with the people he had only spoken with over the phone. His business operates 1,200 miles southeast of Orlando, so face time has proved invaluable. “We actually met the old owner at ICAST to help get things going, and it was great because I was able to see so many vendors and shake hands with the person on the other end of the phone,” Pugh says.
Attending ICAST allows Pugh and his staff to create personable relationships with vendors, manufacturers, and clients–keeping his stock and client list up to date with the newest products and recommended suppliers.
Catch More Business
ICAST is the premier destination for every manufacturer and dealer who considers anglers their target audience. Retailers can see the newest products long before their competitors, often before they come on the market, and try out the latest developments at the outdoor hands-on event On The Water. Attendees will have the chance to test out the latest boats, kayaks, and fishing gear in person, getting an opportunity to get their hands wet.
Trade show networking opportunities are second to none, and free business development seminars by industry experts are available. Hotel, registration, and travel discounts are available, though attendees must be members of the American Sportfishing Association. Connect with the brands you know, discover the brands that are up and coming, and build meaningful business relationships at ICAST.
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