ICAST Show Opens in Orlando

The world’s largest fishing tackle trade show has a different look this year thanks to a new marketing collaboration with the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association (NMMA).

Held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando this week, ICAST – organized by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) – is celebrating its 59^th season with a new NMMA marine equipment pavilion featuring a wide selection of boating parts and accessories.

“NMMA has partnered with ASA on several different issues over the years, and we’ve shared many common objectives,” said NMMA vice president of consumer and trade events, Jennifer Thompson. “Some of our members who manufacture marine aftermarket accessories have expressed an interest in reaching new buyers at this time of the year, so it made sense to organize a marine pavilion at ICAST. It’s a big show, and we felt that having a marine-dedicated pavilion would make it easier for buyers and exhibitors to find one another. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The addition of the NMMA contingent has helped make the 2016 edition of ICAST the largest yet, with a total of near 600 exhibitors and a 650,000 square-foot show floor. As many as 13,000 visitors – mainly buyers for retailers and distributors worldwide – attend the event.

“We’ve been hearing nothing but positive feedback about adding the marine accessories pavilion” said Ken Andres, ASA trade show director. “This is a win-win-win for ASA, and NMMA.”

Apart from the trade show, ICAST includes a packed schedule of business development seminars led by a range of professionals, including topics such as business improvement, retail data, trends in outdoor recreation and how to use social media to enhance your business.