Making the Most of ICAST 2024

How to game plan for the biggest trade show in recreational fishing.

ICAST is upon us. It’s hard to believe, but nearly half of 2024 has already flown by, and the sportfishing industry is once again gathering in Orlando, Florida for what has become a can’t-miss, annual tradition. Last year, ICAST—The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades—garnered more than 13,300 attendees from 80 countries and all 50 U.S. states. This year, the crowds are expected to return for what promises to be the biggest ICAST of the post-pandemic era.

And with a full week of activities stretching from Tuesday, July 16 through Friday, July 20, making the most of the event requires a solid game plan. Here’s how to make the most of your time with industry colleagues.

Download the ICAST Smartphone App

Keeping up with your ICAST schedule has never been easier. The ICAST app, free to download on both iPhone and Android devices, is packed with time-saving features like a show schedule, calendar organizer and floor map that can help maximize your time on the show floor. You can also save and organize exhibitors that you would like to make time to visit on the show floor. The app uses push notifications to keep attendees up to date on daily events like Lunch & Learn seminars, New Product Showcase announcements and outdoor activities.

Take Advantage of Networking Outside

Show doors officially open on Wednesday morning, but ICAST rumbles to life on Tuesday with a series of outdoor events that are tailor-made for networking.

ICAST Super Tuesday takes off from Lake Toho at the ICAST Cup presented by Major League Fishing before shifting over to the Orange County Convention Center at ICAST On the Water Demo Day sponsored by Garmin. There, attendees can test new rods, reels, electronics, watercraft and other products from the ICAST show floor in their natural environment nearly 24 hours before trade show doors open.

Super Tuesday is capped by the New Product Showcase Preview Reception sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer. Open to buyers and editorial media only, this happy hour comes with unfettered access to hundreds of brand-new products in the famed New Product Showcase and offers attendees the opportunity to vote for winners in 41 product categories.

Reserve a Seat at Breakfast

One of the most talked about events at ICAST is also one of its earlier. Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, the State of the Industry Breakfast sponsored by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation gives attendees candid insight into the goings on behind-the-scenes in sportfishing. Reserve tickets in advance for this seminal event that brings together American Sportfishing Association officials alongside keynote speaker, author, world traveler and motivational speaker Seb Terry.

Savor World-Class Seminars

ICAST isn’t only about seeing products. In fact, a large part of the show is devoted to selling products. Each year, the American Sportfishing Association brings some of the best minds in the business to the forefront of the show’s Lunch & Learn seminars. Complimentary for all attendees, the daily seminar series delivers university-level knowledge on topics ranging from customer recruitment and retention to social media marketing and the role that artificial intelligence could play in outdoor recreation.

Dealers can find information on the overall health of the sportfishing industry as well as insight into consumer-specific trends here.

Save Time for Social Hour

Show doors open at 9:00 a.m., and while a full day at ICAST is typically packed with business meetings, breakout sessions and seminars, happy hour comes early. The show’s acclaimed social hour kicks off at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday (noon on Friday). When the hour hand turns, the vibe can change immediately. Live music and pop-up beverage stations signal a change of pace that gives attendees a chance to unwind away from the conference table.

Attend the “Best of Category” Awards Reception

At 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the American Sportfishing Association hosts the industry’s most well-known award show, the ICAST “Best of Category” Awards Reception. This star-studded affair inside the Orange County Convention Center features a ballroom filled with fishing manufacturers all hoping to be crowned an ICAST winner. This is where trophies are handed out and legends are made before the winners go on to compete against each other for Overall Best of Show on Thursday.

Follow ICAST on Social Media

Even the most energetic attendees can’t see it all at ICAST. But everyone can follow the show’s official accounts on social media. From YouTube (ASAFishing) to Instagram (@icastshow) and Facebook, ICAST’s social accounts showcase products, events and booths that might have flown under your radar. As a bonus, they’re a great way to recap the show on your flight home.