The global sportfishing industry has converged on the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., for the world’s largest sportfishing trade show. The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, is being held July 11 – 13. Produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the industry’s trade association, ICAST – in its 55th year as the industry’s trade show – is the catalyst that drives the recreational fishing industry year-round. Thousands of industry representatives from the global sportfishing industry are in Orlando to see the latest innovations in gear, accessories and apparel.
The single most important feature for ICAST exhibitors and attendees alike is the New Product Showcase. The New Product Showcase embodies the sportfishing industry’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and rewards that ingenuity through the “Best of Show” new product awards competition.
This year, the New Product Showcase, the tradeshow’s flagship event, was as competitive as ever. Sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer, nearly half of the exhibiting companies entered over 700 tackle products and accessories into the New Product Showcase.
Making up a special section of ICAST’s 300,000-square-foot show floor, the New Product Showcase provides special visibility for the industry’s latest innovations in gear, apparel and accessories.
Best of Show Awards
This year the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 by Hobie Cat, was voted by buyers and media as the best product in both the Boat category and the overall “Best of Show.”
This year’s New Product Showcase winner’s also included first-time ICAST exhibitor SeaQualizer. Two returning ICAST exhibitors were also first-time winners. They are: Luna Sea and Magnetic Marine. Eight 2011 showcase winners also won Best of Show honors in 2012: Hobie Cat, JL Marine Systems, Inc., Pure Fishing, Johnson Outdoors, Costa, G. Loomis, 3D Picture Store and Koppers Fishing & Tackle Corporation.
“Each year, I am amazed by both the quality and ingenuity of the new products that are unveiled at the New Product Showcase and this year was no different,” said Mike Nussman, ASA’s president and CEO. “I congratulate all of the winners and everyone who participated in the New Product Showcase, from the companies who worked hard to develop these innovations to the buyers and media who served as judges. I also thank Fishing Tackle Retailer for their sponsorship of this important event.”
The ICAST 2012 “Best of Show” awards were presented on Wednesday, July 11, during the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception, sponsored by Frabill, Inc., at the Orange County Convention Center.
GALLERY: 2012 ICAST New Product Showcase Award Winners
—Source: American Sportfishing Association
