How to make the most of ICAST 2022

ICAST 2022 – the huge US-based tackle trade show – is nearly upon us. As the industry descends on Orlando, Florida this July, here’s our guide to tackling the show the right way by taking advantage of these can’t-miss opportunities.

Four days is never enough! From July 19th to 22nd, hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of attendees and a boatload of events will pack the halls of ICAST 2022 inside the North/South buildings of Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center.

There, tackle dealers and media will come face-to-face with the biggest tackle brands in the fishing world – alongside plenty of up-and-coming newcomers as well.

Now in its 65th year, ICAST is produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the US-based trade association that represents the business interests of the sportfishing industry.

With so much to do, scheduling for the show can become overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the activities and events to make time for during the event.

 

Tuesday, July 19th

Get on the water bright and early at beautiful Lake Toho. Located about 30 minutes from the Orange County Convention Center, Lake Toho is the site of the ICAST Cup Bass Fishing Tournament, a pro-am event pairing ICAST attendees with Major League Fishing (MLF) stars.

Weigh-in beings at approximately 9am. The event is sponsored by MLF, with the proceeds going to Keep America Fishing.

From 10am to 2pm, dealers and media have a chance to test never-before-seen tackle at ICAST’s On The Water Demo Day, sponsored by Take Me Fishing.

Test gear like rods and reels, lures, kayaks and marine electronics for yourself on a large, reed-lined pond located just outside the North Building.

Recharge beneath the shade of tent canopies and enjoy a complimentary cold beer in the MAGMA tent.

Itching to see more? Buyers and media can grab a glimpse of the show floor when doors open at 5pm for the New Product Showcase Preview Reception. The event kicks off voting by buyers and media for the 30 ICAST “Best of Category” awards. The showcase is sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer.

If you’re looking for dinner options, VisitOrlando.com has a wealth of restaurants in all price points posted on its website.

Showing your ICAST badge can generate discounts at a number of participating establishments throughout the week.

 

Wednesday, July 20th

Wednesday starts with the incredible story of shark attack survivor, Shark Week host and former Australian Navy diver Paul de Gelder, this year’s keynote speaker, at the State of the Industry Breakfast sponsored by Take Me Fishing.

De Gelder is joined by ASA president Glenn Hughes and board of directors chairman Jesse Simpkins, vice-president of marketing for St. Croix Rod, during the breakfast where the latest trends and events impacting recreational fishing will be presented in what has become one of the most important gatherings of industry professionals throughout the year.
Tickets are required to attend.

The show floor officially opens at 9am. It’s a busy day for exhibitors as well as buyers, media and other show attendees.

 

·      Voting for the 30 “Best of Category” awards is open to buyers and media from 9am to 1pm in the showcase. Once the “Best of Category” voting is over, the showcase is open to all badged attendees and exhibitors.

·      Exhibitor Happy Hour – the festivities run from 4pm to 6pm in booths located across the show floor.

·      Marine conservationist, biologist and renowned artist Guy Harvey is hosting a happy hour Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm to 6pm in the ICAST Buyers Lounge on the show floor.

·      Swing by the Lure Tank to watch bait presentations in front of live bass underwater and be sure to search out the ICASTing Pond—a shallow indoor pond—to test out more brand-new rods, reels and line.

 

Wednesday also kicks off this year’s popular Lunch & Learn business development seminars.

ICAST emphasises creating practical business value for retailers, including new ideas for sales, marketing, customer engagement and best business practices.

ICAST is offering the Lunch & Learn seminar series in a special location on the show floor close to the food court where attendees can both take a break and gain insights into improving their business.

Seminars are complimentary for all badged ICAST attendees.

The day’s activities culminate with the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception sponsored by St. Croix Rod. This Oscar-like affair runs from 6pm to 7.30pm in Room S320 (upstairs). It’s the place to go to find out which new products will take home the “Best of Category” awards and a coveted ICAST trophy.

 

Thursday, July 21st

It’s back to the show floor for another day packed with meetings, deal making and networking, plus are the other show floor destinations.

·      Lure Tank and ICASTing Pond

·      Dunk Tank – during happy hour

·      Lunch & Learn business development seminars

·      Happy hour with Guy Harvey in the Buyers Lounge

 

Voting for the “Best of Show” by buyers and media takes place Thursday morning in the Showcase from 9am to noon.

Make your way to the New Product Showcase at 2pm to see the overall Best of Show winner announcement and trophy presentation.

 

Friday, July 22nd

Plan to hit the show floor by 9am for the final day of ICAST. If you haven’t already done so, Friday is a great day to swing by the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association Pavilion to familiarise yourself with the latest and greatest boating accessories.

It’s also a perfect day to revisit the Best of Category winners to gather social media content prior to launch and make sure those products are scheduled to hit your shelves.

Wrap the show up with social hours from noon to 2pm at booths across the show floor. Join the party as attendees celebrate another successful industry gathering.

 

icastfishing.org/schedule-2022

ICAST 2022 SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

 

What: ICAST 2022

When: Tuesday, July 19th to Friday, July

Where: North/South buildings, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando Florida

Website: icastfishing.org

 

 

Monday, July 18th

12-5pm Registration open, Rooms S220 B-E (South Hall Lobby)

 

Tuesday, 19th

6.30am ICAST Cup, Lake Toho, Florida

8am-5pm Registration open, Rooms S220 B-E (South Hall Lobby)

 

10am – 2pm On The Water Demo Day, OCCC North Building Ponds

3pm – 4.30pm Lunch & Learn, Room S230A (Manufacturers)

5pm – 8pm New Product Showcase Reception, Booth 102 (Buyers and media only)

 

Wednesday, July 20th

7am – 5pm Registration open, Rooms S220 B-E (South Hall Lobby)

7am – 8.45am State Of The Industry Breakfast, Room S320 (Ticketed event)

9am – 6pm Show open, Lure Tank open, ICASTing Pond open

9am – 2pm Best New Product Showcase ‘Best of Category’ voting, Booth 102 (Buyers and media only)

11am – 2pm Lunch & Learn seminars, Room 5157

4pm – 6pm Happy Hour in exhibitor booths

6pm – 7.30pm Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception, Room S320

 

Thursday, July 21st

8am – 5pm Registration open, Rooms S220 B-E (South Hall Lobby)

9am – 6pm Show open, Lure Tank open, ICASTing Pond open

9am – 12pm Best New Product Showcase ‘Best of Category’ voting, Booth 102 (Buyers and media only)

11am – 3pm Lunch & Learn seminars, Room 5157

2pm – 2.30pm New Product Showcase ‘Best Of Show’ Award Presentation, Booth 102

4pm – 6pm Happy Hour in exhibitor booths

 

Friday, July 22nd

8am – 1pm Registration open, Rooms S220 B-E (South Hall Lobby)

9am – 12pm New Product Showcase open to all, Booth 102

9am – 3pm Show open, Lure Tank open, ICASTing Pond open

10am – 12pm Lunch & Learn seminars, Room 5157

12pm – 2pm Social Hour in exhibitor booths

3pm Exhibition closes

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