ICAST 2016 Hosts Record-breaking Sportfishing Show
July 18, 2016
ICAST, which serves the sportfishing market, drew 15,000 attendees, making it the largest trade show produced by the recreational fishing industry’s trade association.
From exhibitors to buyers to outdoor media, representatives from the domestic and international sportfishing and boating community converged July 12-15 on Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center for the 59th International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST.
ICAST, along with the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show and the new Marine Accessories Pavilion, encompassed 650,000 gross square feet in the West Building of the OCCC.
ICAST, which is produced by the American Sportfishing Association, hosted 552 exhibitors in 1850 booths, with an overall combined exhibitor count of more than 700 exhibitors.
“Although the statistics are impressive, it’s the business opportunities that those numbers represent that really help tell the story,” said Trade Show Director Ken Andres.
He added, “By partnering with the National Marine Manufacturers Association on the Marine Accessories Pavilion, we expanded the show’s reach into the boating retail and media audiences. Combined with our ongoing co-location with the fly fishing industry and IFTD, we really do offer everything that enhances the fishing and boating experience, under one roof.”
The Super Tuesday events – On the Water product demonstrations, the FLW/ICAST Cup Bass Fishing Tournament, the Florida Sportsman’s Bass & Birdies golf/fishing event and the Opening Night Kickoff Concert, which, this year, featured Nashville’s newest star, Cole Swindell – gives buyers and media additional opportunities to try out product and network with industry representatives.
The proceeds from these events support Keep America Fishing®, ASA’s angler advocacy program.
During the State of the Industry Breakfast, more than 550 industry representatives heard about how important it is to attract new people into our sport, and keep them in our sport.
More than 126 million people have tried fishing, but only 46 million are active participants. The Recreational Fishing & Boating Foundation (RBFF) outlined an effort called “60 in 60” to engage everyone in the industry to get 60 million anglers actively engaged in the sport in 60 months.
That sentiment was echoed by keynote speaker Ken Schmidt, former Harley-Davidson executive and lifestyle branding expert, who asked the audience to remember that they aren’t just selling “gear and ball bearings” but selling an entire lifestyle and to remember that as a key element in their marketing and sales.
Andres said of the show’s success, “All of this clearly speaks to the diversity of product that we offer to buyers and media, both domestic and international. However, our expanded buyer and media base has also captured the attention of the broader outdoor industry.”
He added, “Inherently, this show is about the gear, apparel and accessories that help to make a day on the water both exciting and rewarding. And we’re planning on doing things even bigger and better in 2017 when the show returns to Orlando from July 11-17.”
HERE are highlights for this year’s show from CNTV.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
Add new comment