The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) announced a partnership in which they would co-locate their tradeshows in one Las Vegas venue in 2013, making the event one of the largest fishing tradeshows on the planet.
Both the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) and the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show (IFTD) are scheduled July 10-12, 2013, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. The ASA and AFFTA boards of directors voted unanimously to support the new partnership and co-locating ICAST and IFTS in the Las Vegas Convention Center next year.
“By joining forces with ICAST and ASA to bring IFTD to Las Vegas in 2013, we are
collectively creating what will truly be the largest recreational fishing show in the world,” said Ben Bulis, president, AFFTA. “This is a tremendous opportunity for the fly fishing industry, and AFFTA’s board of directors encourages all AFFTA members to take advantage of this opportunity to explore a new and innovative option to grow and improve our collective business interests.”
“ASA’s board of directors is pleased that AFFTA has decided to partner with ASA to create an expanded trade show venue that will have a positive impact on our entire industry,” said Mike Nussman, president and CEO, ASA. “By combining both shows in one venue, we can expand the business opportunities for both tradeshows in terms of increasing international attendance as well as buyers and media located in the U.S., which will benefit both organizations.”
Both ASA and AFFTA will each manage its respective tradeshow but will combine some functions where it makes good business sense and benefits exhibitors and show attendees, such as show registration, the show directory and having the same show hours.
“What’s exciting is that IFTD is going to remain an independent, progressive tradeshow that is controlled and run by the fly fishing industry,” said Jim Klug, chairman, AFFTA. “We will be able to continue to feature all of the elements that make IFTD great, including retailer-specific forums and seminars, a large casting pond and a cohesive footprint that will keep fly fishing together in the same area. This is an opportunity to grow the show and provide a better overall experience and value to our members and show attendees.”
ASA is the sportfishing industry’s trade association and provides a unified voice on emerging laws and policies that could affect sportfishing. ASA also gives America’s 60 million anglers a voice in policy decisions that affect their ability to sustainably fish. AFFTA is the sole trade association for the fly fishing industry in the United States with a mission to promote the sustained growth of the fly fishing industry.
