The New Chicagoland Fishing, Travel and Outdoor Expo Set to Open in January 2013
OutdoorHub 05.01.12
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade association that represents the sportfishing industry and the broader recreational fishing community, is proud to announce the launch of a new fishing, travel and outdoor sports show that will serve the greater Chicago and Great Lakes market. Titled the New Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo, this new show is targeted to the area’s sportsmen and women. The show will take place January 24-27, 2013, at the Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, Ill.
In addition to producing the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, ASA also produces a series of outdoor sports shows on both coasts under the ASA/Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Expositions with show locations in Worcester, Mass., Suffern, N.Y., Philadelphia, Pa. and Somerset, N.J.; and the Fred Hall Shows…The Ultimate Outdoor Experience with show locations in Long Beach and San Diego, Calif.
“Chicago and the Great Lakes region represent a significant freshwater fishing market. The area’s anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts deserve a premier fishing, travel and outdoor expo,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “This new show will provide our member companies an opportunity to introduce new products to Midwest anglers and all sportsmen and women who are eager to see new products to enhance their fishing and outdoor experience. The January show dates are traditional in this market and provide a taste of spring when cabin fever has set in.”
Many ASA members have already committed to supporting this new event. “Chicago and the Great Lakes region is such a big recreational fishing and outdoor sports market; this new show just makes sense,” said Rapala Executive Vice President Gregg Wollner. “I’m excited that we can bring the enjoyment and high-quality production of ASA’s other consumer shows to the area with the new Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo.”
Kirk Immens, president, Sportco Marketing, Inc., who represents Shimano American Corporation, said, “Absolutely Shimano will be there. Shimano has a wide-variety of products for the freshwater angler and we’re looking forward to showcasing our product in this market.” Randy Lemcke, senior vice president, Plano Molding Company, remarked, “The region has been waiting for a well-produced, manufacturer-supported show to come to this area. Plano is looking forward to being at the new show’s launch.” Ken Hammond, CEO, The Hammond Group, and ASA’s Membership Committee Chairman said that a number of the major fishing tackle manufacturers that his company represents are also onboard.
“Our goal is to produce a show that anglers and sportsmen and women in the Midwest will be eager to attend year after year,” said Show Manager Paul Fuller. “From bass to pike, from bluegill to salmon, this show will cover it all. Exhibitors will include major fishing tackle manufacturers; boat manufacturers; local fishing tackle retailers; lodges, guides and camps from throughout North America; travel regions, local fishing clubs, taxidermists and much more. In addition, the Expo will offer seminars from regional and national angling experts and other sportsmen and women at the top of their game. This is my 36th year in sport show management and I’ve never been more excited about a new show.”
“The Schaumburg Convention Center is a relatively new facility offering many amenities for both outdoor enthusiasts and exhibitors. It’s an exhibitor-friendly facility with easy move-in and move-out,” Fuller further said. “The Convention Center is attached to the Renaissance Hotel offering relatively inexpensive lodging at a first class hotel. Parking will be free for both the consumers and the exhibitors. The Convention Center provides easy access for show goers across the area and particularly from Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin and Northwest Indiana, in fact, the entire Great Lakes region.”
