The show of the year hits Orlando this summer! From July 20-23, the American Sportfishing Association will put on the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) at the Orange County Convention Center, located at 9800 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819. Central Florida is no stranger to this convention and by the end of it, we hope you aren’t either.
Don’t let the opportunity to connect with thousands of fellow retailers, wholesalers, independent shop owners, buyers, pro-staff, independent manufacturers’ reps, media, custom tackle builders and industry representatives slip away. Around 94% of buyers leave satisfied with their ICAST experience and we hope you join their ranks too. Find out the latest products, network with industry leaders, and connect with international clients this July at ICAST 2021.
In order to take advantage of ICAST, which has the most buyers, the most media coverage and the biggest platform to promote your brand, to find a list of events to attend while at the convention, and to find places to enjoy while in Orlando, we’ve created a comprehensive article just for you!
What should I know before arriving?
We always remind our valued business partners that Orlando International Airport located at 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827, is Florida’s busiest airport, so ensuring your travel arrangements are ready is critical for a successful experience. In association with Delta Airlines, the American Sportfishing Association offers discounted airline prices for convention attendees. Make sure to check out https://icastfishing.org/orlando-travel-discounts/ for more information. Also on that website are links to discounted pricings for Orlando theme parks and TopGolf, so don’t miss out on any potential savings while planning your visit to ICAST 2021.
Maritz Global Events is the Official Housing Provider for ICAST, so in order to comfortably secure a hotel reservation sponsored by this year’s convention, check out https://icastfishing.org/hotels-and-shuttle/ for more details. Keep in mind that housing options will be available to industry members that have already been pre-approved, so if you are registering for the first time or you are not on ICAST’s pre-approved list, make it a priority to contact them and register for the event at https://registration.experientevent.com/ShowSFE211.
What should I do at the convention?
Every year, the sportfishing industry gathers to get their first look at the most innovative products the convention has to display. And every year, ICAST’s New Product Showcase hands out its prestigious “Best of Show” award which is voted on by all retailers and media who want to participate in the voting. Including the “Best of Show” award, there are 30 “Best of Category” awards that generate their own interest too. Even for just casting a ballot, buyers and media have a chance at winning one of three $500 cash awards, so be sure to get involved and get excited for the latest equipment and technology exhibitors have to offer. For more information on booth displays for ICAST’s New Product Showcase and additional details, check out https://icastfishing.org/new-product-showcase-events/.
As the largest gathering of fishing professionals globally, ICAST 2021 presents you with the unique experience of networking with anybody who is somebody in the industry, ranging from manufacturers to media companies, and everything in between. If you’re interested in exhibiting make sure to register at https://icast2021.exh.mapyourshow.com/6_0/boothsales/index.cfm. In order to become a member of the American Sportfishing Association, sign up at https://member.asafishing.org/cvweb/cgi-bin/utilities.dll/openpage?wrp=mainlogin.htm. Don’t miss out on showcasing and connecting with the leaders in fishing gear, apparel, outdoor accessories, boat accessories production.
What theme parks should I go to?
We love Orlando so much, we’ve gone in depth in our coverage of what to do in their world-class theme parks!
For tips on how to navigate your Orlando experience from our resident theme-park-connoisseur Kyle, check out some of the links below:
“How to Get the Best Experience During Peak Crowds at the Walt Disney Resorts”
“Best Places to Relax in the Disney World Theme Parks”
“The Best Quick-Service Dining Locations at Each of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks”
“Where to Eat, Drink, and More at Disney Springs- A Complete Guide to Disney Springs”
Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary: Everything You Need to Know
Where should I eat?
With a name that conjures up quite an interesting image and has even better food to enjoy, The Ravenous Pig is a must-eat destination in Orlando. Located at 565 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, this restaurant boasts a braised pork belly and a short rib brisket burger that locals and tourists alike love, not to mention a rotating selection of phenomenal craft beers. Labeled as one of Orlando’s premier “gastropubs” you won’t want to miss the Ravenous Pig. For more information on their menu and hours, check out https://www.theravenouspig.com.
If you’re a fan of steaks, you won’t want to miss Waldorf Astoria’s Bull and Bear, located at 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL 32821. Known for their selection of savory, perfectly-aged beef, dishes like their 38-ounce bone-in 28-day dry-aged Tomahawk Ribeye, Bull and Bear offers many eye-opening, mouth-watering, and jaw-dropping cuts to make your Orlando trip one to remember. The Veal Oscar, B&B Fried Chicken, and Escargot & Gnocchi are among the many signature dishes this establishment cooks up as well. Be sure to check out https://www.bullandbearorlando.com for more information.
Conventionally known as the staple food of broke college students, ramen is a delicious dish anybody would be lucky to devour at Domu, located at 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803. In particular, their renowned curry ramen can be a shareable delight for a family of four or a hoardable bowl of goodness just for yourself. Though this establishment does not offer take-out or reservations, you can show up and chow down on their pan-Asian cuisine that will have you asking for seconds. Upgrade your bowl with braised pork belly or fried chicken thighs, and check out some of their other bowls at https://www.domufl.com
It’s in the name! Everything Tradeshows is your one-stop shop for all things trade shows, including booth purchases, booth rentals, and complete brand management services. Ready to get started? Have questions? Get in touch by calling us at (954) 791-8882 or by filling out the form below. We can’t wait to hear from you!
