ICAST 2020 Cancelled; Trade Show Will Go On As ‘Virtual Show’
OutdoorHub Editor: Keenan Crow 04.20.20
The ASA held onto hope as long as they could, however given the ongoing stay-at-home orders, ICAST 2020 will be hosted virtually for the first time ever as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The biggest sportfishing trade show in the world, which was scheduled for July 14 – 17 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, will instead be moved online to provide anglers the experience of the show floor from the safety of their laptops/mobile devices.
Here is the letter Glenn Hughes, President of ASA, sent out in wake of the show being cancelled:
“For more than 80 years, the American Sportfishing Association has created a legacy of working hard to ensure our industry’s future. Nowhere is this more evident than at ICAST, our industry’s trade show, where lasting friendships and business partnerships have been forged and fostered.
However, given the ongoing stay-at-home orders and the desire to keep the health and safety of everyone in our recreational fishing family first in the decision-making process, ASA’s board of directors made the decision to cancel the physical ICAST Show that was scheduled for July 14-17, 2020, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
Two weeks ago, we asked for your patience as we strived to make the best business decisions we could on behalf of our exhibitors, members, staff and all our show attendees. Cancelling this year’s show was the only decision that could be made when considering everyone’s well-being and the impact the pandemic is having on the sportfishing industry and our economy.Despite cancelling our in-person show, we are committed to keeping all of us connected as a global community this July. As the largest sportfishing industry trade show in the world, we look forward to producing ICAST 2020 Online, our version of a “virtual trade show,” that will provide a wide variety of tools and a wealth of information that you’ve come to expect from us. We will share more with you very soon!
We ask for a little more patience as we shift gears. Please allow us to reach out to each of our exhibitors to discuss their options, including a full refund if desired.
There is no doubt that we are in unchartered waters, but we are confident that we will get through this together and stronger than ever! As we always have.
From all of us at the ASA, please stay safe and stay healthy.”
Glenn Hughes
President
The week of ICAST is a highlight for anglers all across the U.S., and we’re just as bummed as you are that we won’t be able to check out some of the latest lures and fishing gear in person, but we’ll do our best to cover the show and report what’s coming down the pipeline this year.
Stay tuned for more!
