Rob Carter: A show that means something to Europe

Angling International owner Rob Carter writes: Tell me what these businesses have in common. An established lure brand from Texas; a French seatbox supplier looking to re-establish itself in the market; a line brand from Indonesia; a supplier of mounts for tackle from Canada; a Japanese tackle box innovator; and a business specialising in digital transformation that sees huge potential in the tackle trade.

You have probably guessed that all six will be on the show floor of Angling International LIVE in September. Livingston Lures from Texas, Rive Sport Fishing from France, the Relix brand from Indonesia, Scotty of Canada, Japan’s Meiho and newcomer ELLA Digital from the UK each have their own reasons for being in Budapest, and all will add to the powerful international mix of the event.

But the connection between these very different businesses runs much deeper. And if you are not already committed to joining them in Budapest, you should take notice of what each of them has to say. They will not only be at Angling International LIVE for their own purposes, but also because they see the long-term value of a European trade show to the industry as a whole.

When I announced the launch of Angling International LIVE in March, I explained that it would be a joint effort between my colleagues as organisers and you, the businesses that depend on a thriving European trade that is underpinned by a successful European trade show.

I remember writing that if you want a show that helps your business, don’t hold back, and don’t ask who else will be there. Play your part, take a lead, commit to coming and spread the word. That way, everybody wins.  

These exhibitors get it, and what is more gratifying is that more than half of them come from outside Europe. If you are a business based in Europe, don’t just take my word that a show dedicated to your market matters, listen to their comments… and then make plans to join them in Budapest. Respect the fact that they are travelling from all corners of the world to inject energy into the European industry.

Here is Rivai Susanto, the Company Director of PT Central Sarana Pancing of Indonesia, who says he is ‘delighted’ to be back at a European trade show after a four-year break. “Europe is very important to us as it is our main export market. We still believe that the region represents a significant opportunity for us to grow our business.”

And here Hiroaki Kiymoto of Japanese tackle box supplier Meiho: “It’s a very important exhibition for us as it is a rare chance to conduct business meetings with distributors face-to-face. It is the only trade exhibition in Europe and without it, there will be difficulties for the trade.”

And this is Ryan Emile of Scotty of Canada, a regular at European shows: “This is the focal point to meet all our existing customers as well as potential new ones. The European market is very important to Scotty.”

Meanwhile, Livingston Lures of Texas, together with the new partners that is has picked up since last year’s European show, is crediting the promotional packages put together by Angling International for helping it develop new business in Europe.

All Angling International LIVE exhibitors are offered free editorial space in the pages of Angling International when they book their booths. And it is that coverage that has brought Livingston to the attention of European distributors.

Here is Livingston’s new Bulgarian distributor, Kalin Kabakchiev, of Sofia-based Bait Zone: “After seeing the advertisement feature in the March issue of the magazine I immediately contacted (Livingston’s) Erick (Arnoldson) and now – only a few months later – we are fully stocked and offer a complete range of lures to customers.”

ELLA Digital is a non-core business offering digital solutions to angling firms. It will be on the show floor in Budapest, led by its founder and fishing enthusiast Jamie Dixon. He says: “We are attending Angling International LIVE to connect directly with leaders and innovators in the fishing industry.” He gets it.

Also in Europe, Benjamin Fruit of Rive Sport Fishing has told us: “Angling International LIVE is our first opportunity to present Rive Sport Fishing, Mack2 and Leon to agents and distributors across Europe. This is a very important moment for us – the beginning of a large global project.”

Yes, it’s that important to a business determined to grow in Europe. Is it equally important to you? It should be.