rchiuz Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 Hi all, I never attended ICAST but wondered, is it worth the time and money to attend? Do you get your moneys worth gas, hotel and so forth? Asking since I live in Miami and wanted to know if its worth the 3-4 hour drive for your everyday bass angler. Thanks in advance! Quote
CTGalloway21 Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 you have to have a pass to get in. Can't just show up and get in from my understanding. Not open to public. Quote
Super User Solution buzzed bait Posted July 7, 2015 Super User Solution Posted July 7, 2015 It's not open to the public, nothing for purchase, so no 1 Quote
rchiuz Posted July 7, 2015 Author Posted July 7, 2015 Thanks all! I guess just wait till hear about the new stuff online as usual Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted July 7, 2015 BassResource.com Administrator Posted July 7, 2015 ICAST is open to industry professionals only. It is strictly a convention for business purposes. It is not some kind of massive tackle sale open to the public Quote
slimshad Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 I have been to a similar show for the archery world. They are AWESOME! I met all the TV personalities and got tons of free stuff. I went with a business owner and had a great time seeing all the newest stuff. Even met some fishin guys like Hank Parker and Jimmy Houston. If ICAST is anything like the ATA show, it is worth the trip. If you can get in..... Quote
NJSalt Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 If you are looking to meet people in the industry, and have the chance to work a booth with a company you may have a relationship with, I'd say it's worth it if you are local. If you are just looking to see what's new or get a deal (which you can't, since there's no selling), then I'd say no. That said, it came up quick this year! Just looked and my flight's in less than a week. OK, back to work.... Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted July 7, 2015 BassResource.com Administrator Posted July 7, 2015 ICAST is not like ATA. In fact, if you're there "just to look" and "gawk" and "meet celebrities", you'll be asked to leave. Again, it's not open to the public. Nothing is for sale, nor is there "free stuff", autograph sessions, etc. Everyone there, is there for business purposes. So unless you work for a fishing company or manufacturer, are a buyer for a distributor or sporting goods retail store, or work for a fishing/outdoors media outlet, you shouldn't be attending. 1 Quote
slimshad Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 Dang Glenn, I am sure "business" people like small business owners will still Gawk at celebrities. Or "business" people may bring a friend or "co-worker" to look around at the new stuff. You make it sound like suit and tie event with bouncers. Bassmasters has over 200 new item pictures up to look at Rchiuz. I like to get my hands on the new Rock Star RK 55 Spro. Looks awesome. Quote
hoosierbass07 Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 ICAST is not like ATA. In fact, if you're there "just to look" and "gawk" and "meet celebrities", you'll be asked to leave. Again, it's not open to the public. Nothing is for sale, nor is there "free stuff", autograph sessions, etc. Everyone there, is there for business purposes. So unless you work for a fishing company or manufacturer, are a buyer for a distributor or sporting goods retail store, or work for a fishing/outdoors media outlet, you shouldn't be attending. If it's all about business that has me thinking now - why should I then watch all their videos they will put on Youtube pushing the new stuff on the buyers with a big smile? My money is good enough to take but I'm not good enough to be let in and gawk around? Double standard jerks. Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted July 7, 2015 BassResource.com Administrator Posted July 7, 2015 It's not my rules. I'm just trying to keep y'all from getting in trouble. Plain and simple - ICAST is not a consumer show. And yes, they will escort you out the door. With bouncers? LOL! Unlikely. But I have seen uniformed officers escorting people off the premisis before. Exhibitors will report you if you don't belong there. Don't think for a moment you can just "sneak in" unnoticed. From ICAST's rules of conduct: ICAST is open only to qualified members of the trade. All attendees must be badged for the duration of the show. Exhibitors and attendees must be in compliance with local, state and federal laws and any valid federal or state court order. Exhibitors and attendees must refrain from any conduct that would be viewed as detrimental or disruptive to the operation of the show, including, but not limited to: inappropriate dress, lascivious behavior, excessive noise, unauthorized use of another exhibitor’s product or product concepts or any other activity that the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) determines to be unacceptable or unethical. ASA reserves the right to determine whether the character and/or attire of booth personnel is acceptable and in keeping with the best interests of other attendees and/or ICAST. Orders may only be taken within exhibitors’ booths. Retail sales are prohibited during the show. Unless promotional materials are included in an ASA/ICAST sponsorship program, exhibitors are not permitted to place promotional materials outside their booth except in the Press Room. Any attendee who is observed to be in violation of any portion of ASA’s rules and regulations – will be asked to leave immediately and will forfeit his or her badge. Additional penalties may be applied. Any company that is not an official exhibitor that hosts an exhibit or other function at a non-official show venue is in violation of show rules and may lose priority points, seniority and/or the ability to exhibit at ICAST. Only credentialed photographers and videographers (Media Editorial badge) are permitted to film during the show. All photography and videography must take place in designated areas or within an exhibitor’s booth. Prior consent is required. If you want to wander around and collect freebies, gawk at new products, get autographs and pictures with celebrities, etc. then go to a sportsman's show during the off-season. Those are explicitely set up for consumers and have all that and more. ICAST does not offer any of that. Quote
Super User FishTank Posted July 7, 2015 Super User Posted July 7, 2015 I have attended other shows like this for business purposes and it would be awesome to attend ICAST, even if the only thing I could do is gawk and mingle. To see and possibly handle new equipment before it deputes, would be a thrill. Quote
hoosierbass07 Posted July 8, 2015 Posted July 8, 2015 It's not my rules. I'm just trying to keep y'all from getting in trouble. Plain and simple - ICAST is not a consumer show. lol. I know it's not your rules. I don't have a big problem with their rules, I'm not going and have no plans on going. Still, when I see things about simple fans of the hobby being escorted out and then turn around and make hundreds of videos pushing their next great fishing product at those exact fans, I don't like it. Still, if I had the chance to sneak in I would and head directly to the Shimano booth! Quote
slimshad Posted July 8, 2015 Posted July 8, 2015 Great discussion. I always wonder what the next big thing will be. The Livingston guys seem to have someting going. They have blown up lately. Wonder how the new bluetooth lure will work. Sounds interesting. Other than the Rockstar Spro crankbait, i think the suspending Megabass rattlebait be a giant hit.. Great for Guntersville this spring. can't wait to try some out. Quote
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