The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything for 2020.
However, we know how important ICAST is to you as the cornerstone of our industry’s business. To that end, we are producing ICAST 2020 as a virtual trade show that will incorporate a number of the features that you’ve come to expect from your industry’s trade show.
The virtual trade show will take place July 13 – 17, 2020, and will offer virtual “booths” where exhibitors will showcase their products and services, host virtual press conferences, schedule live and on demand product demonstrations, set up virtual meetings with buyers and media, engage in live chat and much more.
Please send your questions and concerns to ICAST@asafishing.org.
Will ICAST 2020 take place?
Yes! Although we won’t have a physical show in Orlando, we are committed to keeping all of us connected as a global community this July. We look forward to producing ICAST 2020 Online, our version of a virtual trade show, that will provide a variety of tools and a wealth of information that you’ve come to expect from us.
How did you make this decision?
The health and safety of our exhibitors, members, staff and all our show attendees were our top priorities. In April, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ASA’s board of directors made the decision to cancel the physical ICAST Show that was scheduled for July 14 – 17, 2020, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
When will the next in-person ICAST show be held?
ICAST will return to Orlando, Fla. at the Orange County Convention Center, July 20 – 23, 2021.
Will voting for the New Product Showcase still occur?
Yes! Exhibitors will still have the ability to upload their new products for viewing on ICAST 2020 Online. During ICAST week, registered buyers and media can then vote for the 30 Best of Category products, leading up to the overall Best of Show award.
What do I do if I already registered for badges and housing?
If you already registered for the ICAST Show, you will automatically be registered for ICAST Online.
Since ICAST Online is now a fee-free show, we are refunding all registration fees. Hotels booked through Experient, our registration company, will automatically be canceled.
If you booked accommodations outside the official ICAST hotels, you will need to contact them directly to cancel reservations.
What if I booked a non-refundable flight for ICAST 2020?
We recommend contacting your travel provider as many airlines are offering flexible refund options at this time due to COVID-19.
FOR EXHIBITORS
Am I still required to be an ASA member to exhibit?
Yes, membership in your industry’s trade association is still required in order to participate in ICAST 2020 Online.
What are my options if I want to exhibit in ICAST Online?
We have a wide range of virtual booth options for current and new exhibitors with more member exhibitors signing on each day. Please contact Trade Show and Membership VP Blake Swango with questions about exhibiting.
Can I apply my deposit to exhibit on ICAST 2020 Online, or to ICAST 2021?
Yes, deposits can be applied to your virtual exhibit experience this year or be rolled over to your booth space for next year. Additionally, you can use this year’s payment to support ASA and Keep America Fishing. If you would like a refund, we can arrange that as well.
Is there a way to interact with the buyers and media I was planning to meet in-person in Orlando?
Yes, there will be multiple ways to showcase your products and make appointments with registered buyers and media through the ICAST 2020 Online portal. We will provide detailed instructions and guidance to make the most of your exhibition experience.
FOR REGISTERED ATTENDEES
How do I register for ICAST Online?
If you attended ICAST 2017, 2018 and 2019 with a Buyer or Media Editorial badge, you will automatically be registered for ICAST 2020 Online and will be notified by email in early June. No further action is required on your part.
If you registered for ICAST 2020, you will be automatically registered for ICAST Online. If you paid a registration fee, your fee will be refunded to you by mid-June through Experient, our show registration partner.
ICAST Online is a fee-free show for all registration categories.
Is there a way to interact with the exhibitors I was planning to meet at the in-person show in Orlando?
Yes, there will be ways to create an attendee profile, make appointments with exhibitors and interact with them via online events through the ICAST 2020 Online portal. We will provide detailed instructions and guidance to make the most of your attendee experience.