The annual International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) annual show attracts thousands each year in Orlando. (Photo by Scott Bernarde)
April 17, 2020
By Game & Fish Digital Staff
The American Sportfishing Association announced Friday afternoon that the popular ICAST 2020 fishing trade show in Orlando has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, a "virtual show" will takes its place.
ASA president Glenn Hughes announced the decision in a Friday email to expected in-person attendees of the July 14-17 show scheduled at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando:
"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.
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"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.
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"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."
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