NPAA Annual Conference January 2-4
Dec 18th, 2014 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Dec 18th, 2014 at 12:00 AM
A Fishing Industry Tradition — NPAA Annual Conference January 2-4
Forestville, WI – A tradition has been in the making over the past decade, and has
become the “Can’t Miss” kick-off to the new fishing season. The National Professional
Anglers Association annual conference, Jan. 2-4, is a weekend of fishing experts sharing
their knowledge, skills and passion. Pat Neu, NPAA executive director said, “Our
members know how valuable this conference is to their careers. Anybody involved in
any capacity in the fishing industry – guides, tournament anglers, educators, sales people, and those passionate about the species they chase will learn this is a career-enhancing event.”
The theme is “Proactive and Professional.” The Jan. 2 – 4 conference at the Crowne
Plaza Hotel and Suites (877-810-5190) near the Minneapolis airport offers special rates
of $79 by using group code NPA through December 27. “Bring a friend this year and
urge anglers in the public eye to join us. The conference is open to members and non-
members,” he said. Conference attendees registered by Dec. 27, receive a special $75
rate ($100 after that date or at the door). The fee includes two meals, plus a no charge ticket to the Future Angler Foundation Benefit Banquet Saturday Night and admittance to all sessions. “This conference is priced 50% below what it could be and is the best step an angler can take to learn the business side of this sport”, said Neu.
Keynote speaker Rick Cole will kick-off the “professionalism” discussion Saturday
morning. He has a 30-year business career in sales and management, and formerly
served as director of sales for the In-Fisherman Communications Network. He is
currently a Dale Carnegie area director having conducted business and personal
improvement training to more than 3,000 individuals. He has been inducted into the
Minnesota Jaycees Hall of Leadership.
The Future Angler Foundation Benefit Banquet hosted by Skeeter and Yamaha occurs
Saturday evening. Included among the silent auction items is a complete set of Walleye In-Sider magazines and a day fishing with Al Lindner. This amazing stack of magazines
(all issues for 19 years) was donated by Supporting Partner Bob Luellen of Worldwide
Marine Insurance.
The agenda begins with Supporting Partner displays and registration Friday, Jan. 2,
starting at 3 p.m. A one-hour seminar at 4 p.m. Friday by Korey Sprengel and Mark
Courts will describe how and why they have become so dominant in the walleye
tournament fishing business. A Meet and Greet party starting at 6:30 p.m. is sponsored
by Worldwide Marine Insurance.
Additionally, sessions by industry marketing partners including boat and outboard
manufacturers, the largest tackle companies in the world and tournament organizerswho
will share the latest news with attendees. Special classes in branding, digital and social
media, professionalizing sponsorship presentations and a session on organizing youth
fishing events will be offered. Session speakers include Cody Roswick, Keith Kavajecz,
Chase Parsons, Bill Shimota, Tommy Kemos, Dean Arnoldussen, Jimmy Bell, Tim
Lesmeister, Steve Worrall, Gary Nault, Greg Karch and Nancy Koep.
NPAA Supporting Partners include: Advanced Tex Screen-printing, Cabela’s National
Walleye Tour, The Walleye Federation, Evinrude Outboards, Fishouflage, Plano
Synergy, Great Lakes Sea Grant, Lund Boat Co, Matzuo, Mercury Marine, Muskie
Expo Chicago & Milwaukee, Navionics, Nebulus Floatation, Optima Batteries, Outdoor
First Media, Pure Fishing, Ranger Boats, Skeeter Boats, Stratos Boats, Triton Boats,
U.S. Forest Service, Worldwide Marine Underwriters, Yamaha Motor Co., Arrowhead
Promotion and Fulfillment, Bait Rigs Tackle Co., DuraSafe Locks, Fish on Kids Books,
G2-Gemini, Kingfisher Boats , Larson Boats, Liddle Marketing Company, Moonshine
Lures, Motor Guide, Mutual of Omaha, National Fleet Graphics, Northland Fishing
Tackle, Off Shore Tackle, Pasha Lake Cabins, Powrtran, Simms Fishing, Smooth Moves,
Strike King, Target Walleye, The Next Bite, Warrior Boats, High Tech Fishing, Fishing
the Wildside, and Financial Planning Services. More NPAA annual conference news,
member and association news can be viewed at www.npaa.net.
Pat Neu: NPAA headquarters – (920) 856-6151