Alexandria, VA – November 12, 2015 – The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced today a partnership in which NMMA will produce a new Marine Accessories Pavilion located within the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST. ICAST will be held July 12-15, 2016, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

NMMA’s new Marine Accessories Pavilion highlights the importance of boating accessories to the world’s largest recreational fishing trade show, which also includes a co-location with the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show, known as IFTD.  

Since 2011, ICAST has nearly doubled its floor space from 350,000 sq. ft. to the 647,000 sq ft. planned for 2016.  Adding the Marine Accessories Pavilion is a natural extension of both organizations’ vision to expand the show’s appeal to a wider cross-section of buyers while expanding accessory offerings to existing attendees. As a popular new addition with limited space, the Marine Accessories Pavilion is expected to sell-out.

“By joining forces with NMMA in 2016, as we did with IFTD in 2013, we are creating a one-of-a-kind trade event for the sportfishing industry with a new boating component that enhances the attendee experience,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “Our partnership with NMMA is a natural extension of the long-term relationship between both organizations and allows us to explore an innovative way to grow and improve our collective business interests.”

Nussman further said, “From a business perspective, this partnership further diversifies the products offered at ICAST, greatly enhancing the buyer and media experience.” 

“The Marine Accessories Pavilion provides marine accessory manufacturers an opportunity to directly connect with buyers at a key time of year when they are making their buying decisions for the upcoming year,” said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. “With NMMA’s vast experience producing marine trade and consumer shows and ASA’s guidance and support, the Marine Accessories Pavilion will offer an exciting new element to ICAST, giving attendees access to the latest boating products and exhibitors a unique sales platform.”   

ASA and NMMA will each manage their own exhibitors but will combine some functions, such as the show directory and show hours.

Manufacturers interested in exhibiting in the new Marine Accessories Pavilion at ICAST 2016, should contact NMMA’s Jennifer Thompson (jthompson(a)nmma.org) or Rachel Timko (rtimko(a)nmma.org) for more information.

Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida

• Wednesday, July 13 – 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, July 14 – 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Friday, July 15 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.