ICAST is on but other US shows still falling victim to COVID-19

ICAST may be going full steam ahead with its in-person show in July, but other US fishing and outdoor events planned for this year have been less fortunate.

Shortly after the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) confirmed that ICAST was going ahead, the Outdoor Retailer (OR) Summer trade show was moved back by two months, while the Atlantic City Boat Show has been cancelled.

The Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, one of the largest pure fishing expos in the Great Lakes, has also been moved into next year.

OR has moved from June to August 10th to 12th and remains at the Colorado Convention Center (above). The dates were changed to facilitate a safe and successful in-person event, say the organisers. “This industry is eager to reunite and get back to the productive, in-person business they find at the show,” said Marisa Nicholson, Show Director and Outdoor Retailer Senior Vice President.

“Shifting two months later allows more time for exhibitors and attendees to plan participation while offering reassurance and a greater peace-of-mind in the opportunity to gather again.

“We are already working with Visit Denver and the Colorado Convention Center to ensure the latest safety standards are in place for the August show and we will take extra precautions beyond those mandated. We look forward to safely reconvening as a community and together welcoming the booming participation growth we’ve witnessed throughout our industry.”

For exhibitors and attendees unable to attend in-person, virtual opportunities will be available via Elastic Suite and announced in the coming weeks by the show’s organisers.

The Atlantic City Boat Show, originally scheduled for April 7th to 11th, has been cancelled until next year, with the organisers taking the decision following ‘a thorough analysis of the market and our safety-first principles.’

“The decision to cancel is the result of our continued due diligence to ensure a safe, successful, and high-quality experience with health and safety top of mind for everyone involved,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, President of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the show’s organiser.

“We will be back stronger than ever next year to help drive sales for the recreational boating industry.” The annual event will return to Atlantic City Convention Center in 2022, although the new dates are not yet available.

The Greater Niagara Fishing Expo had already been moved from October last year to February 19th to 21st this year. The largest freshwater fishing expo in New York and one of the largest in the Great Lakes region will now take place on February 17th to 20th, 2022.

“This difficult decision is based on the continued impact of the COVID health crisis, uncertainties around the opening of the Canadian border and required vaccinations for those travelling from other states and the impact these factors might have on the return on investment for vendors and attendees,” explained Melissa Gearhart, Director of Sales for the Niagara Falls Conference Center and Show Manager.