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Last July, after the crowds had filtered out of the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, the ICAST team gathered to discuss the show.
For the group of roughly two dozen people that put on ICAST each year, the annual debrief is a chance to unplug from the flurry of a busy show week and brainstorm for the next year’s edition. Here, ideas flow freely outside of the organisational chart. Directors, managers, interns, contractors and volunteers all have a voice around the table.
As the afternoon went by, final statistics floated around the room.
- Around 13,000 attendees from 75 nations
- People from all 50 US states
- More than 900 products in the New Product Showcase
- A record number of exhibitors at ICAST On the Water
By any measure, the consensus from the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) – owner of the show – was that ICAST is going well. However, one section of the show floor had clearly outgrown its space – the ICAST Lunch & Learn, a series of daily seminars where business experts dole out free insights to buyers.
After launching in 2021, the seminars have become so successful that they were attracting experts in generative AI, designers from TikTok and – often – a standing room-only crowd of retailers.
“Lunch & Learn started as one hour on Wednesday and Thursday during the show,” explains ASA Director of Communications, Content and Digital Marketing John Stillwagon, who oversees the event. “It grew into a three day event running for most of each day.”
ICAST Lunch & Learn will not return for 2026. The revelation made at last year’s post-show wrap party birthed a brand new feature – a bigger, bolder version of Lunch & Learn called ICAST Live. “ICAST Live is going to be a focal point with prime placement, a new stage, new lighting and new broadcasting abilities. Industry experts will still deliver free, valuable knowledge to dealers, but they will be joined by a daily show kick-off event, product launches and awards.
“We’re still going to have the Lunch & Learn-style content you’ve come to expect,” says Stillwagon.” We’re still going to hear from experts about AI and emerging technologies to help your business. But we’re also going to have other events.”
In addition to ICAST Live, a brand-new Retailer Lounge has joined the show floor for ICAST 2026. Designed exclusively for buyers, it provides a comfortable space to network, relax and recharge between sessions and appointments. “It offers an ideal setting for conducting business away from the show’s bustle,” said Stilllwagon. “While dealers may come to ICAST for new product research and deals, networking remains a valuable aspect of the show that can’t be duplicated anywhere else.”
This year, ICAST is also introducing an all-new event called Meet the Market. Launching on Tuesday, (July 14th), Meet the Market connects sportfishing manufacturers directly with qualified buyers through pre-scheduled, introductory appointments. Think speed dating for tackle users. Designed specifically for first-time buyers, exhibitors launching new products and first-time exhibitors, Meet the Market aims to kickstart new connections that can be built during the week and continue for years.
These new spaces and events will join forces with an expanded array of specials only available on the ICAST show floor. Ranging from bulk discounts to complimentary shipping and marketing materials, and free fishing trips to bucket list destinations, these incentives are designed to maximise the value retailers receive from spending a week in Orlando.
This year, the show doors open on Wednesday, July 15th, but the party gets going on Monday, July 13th.
Non-stop flights connect Orlando to major hubs in the Americas, while Asia, Africa and Oceania transits usually require just one connection. Registration is ongoing at ICASTFishing.org
