News

The Australian fishing tackle industry is set to converge on Queensland’s Gold Coast in August for the 2024 AFTA Tackle Show, with records expected to tumble, explains Nicholle Smith, AFTA’s Tackle Show Organiser.

The event, managed by the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA), will run from August 15^th to 17^that the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This year there will be a record number of exhibitors on show representing all aspects of Australia’s recreational fishing industry.

AFTA president Michael Starkey explained: “The Australian industry is very resilient after COVID – we have retained a lot of the new participants post 2020.

“Also, the number of new boats that hit the water during that time has resulted in a honeymoon period that we’re still enjoying. Most companies are still trading above their pre-COVID levels.”

 

Something for everyone

In 2019 a Public Day was introduced to the show’s program. The event now consists of two trade-only days, featuring B2B trade, and one public day, where the general public is invited to come and see what will be hitting the shelves of their local tackle stores in the months to follow.

“It is great having a mix of trade and public at this event,” added Michael.

“It’s especially encouraging for wholesalers to see, first hand, the enthusiasm and passion the next generation of anglers have for our sport.

“Sometimes, as wholesalers, we can be a little removed from dealing with the public, so this is a fantastic opportunity to engage with our end users,” he continued.

“Many savvy retailers also take the opportunity to attend on the public day to see which products are getting their customers most excited – especially new products entering the Australian market.”

 

 

Key backing

The AFTA Tackle Show is supported by state government departments from both Queensland (where the Tackle Show is held) and Victoria. It is because of the support of the Queensland Government, AFTA is able to offer free entry to all visitors on the Public Day of the event.

Michael revealed: “AFTA advocates tirelessly with state governments to achieve positive results for our members. We appreciate the financial support we receive for this event to be able to offer free public entry.  It reassures us of the value state governments place on recreational fishing as an activity and an industry in Australia.”

 

Trade gathering

AFTA will take the opportunity, while the industry is gathered together, to hold the association’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday, August 15th. 

“With so many of our members under the same roof at the same time it makes perfect sense to hold our AGM in conjunction with the Tackle Show,” Michael added.

“Following the AGM we hold the biggest industry networking event of the year – the Tackle Show Happy Hour.

“Multiple bars are set up across the Tackle Show halls for all in attendance to enjoy mixing a little business with social time and free drinks to wrap up the first day of the event.”

A highlight of the Tackle Show is the annual industry Gala Dinner and Awards Night. This will be held on the evening of Friday, August 16^th and will be hosted by local breakfast radio personality Ash Bradnam.

“AFTA is very proud of this industry event,” said Michael, “and, in recent years, we have put special effort into ensuring attendees have maximum networking time at the dinner.

“This event is a fantastic opportunity for wholesalers and retailers to connect in a relaxed setting and celebrate the achievements of our industry over last 12 months.”

 

Best in show

The Gala Dinner is also where the 2024 Best In Show awards will be announced. Exhibiting wholesalers can nominate products across twenty different categories ranging from Best Rod and Best Reel through to Best Boating / Fishing Accessory and Best Marine Electronics.

Over the two trade days of the event, attending retail stores can use their knowledge and experience to cast their votes to find Australia’s best products for 2024. On the public day of the show, voting opens for the People’s Choice across the same categories.  

“I can confirm we will also be inducting a very worthy recipient into the AFTA Hall of Fame this year,” said Michael.

The AFTA Tackle Show runs from August 15^th to 17^th at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For full event details, visit www.afta.net.au and follow the menu links for the Tackle Show.