This July, sportfishing industry professionals, retailers, and manufacturers will gather for the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) 2023 show in Orlando, Florida. The world’s largest sportfishing trade show, ICAST is open only to qualified industry members, meaning that attendees and exhibitors alike are dedicated to strengthening valuable business relationships.
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) organizes ICAST each year to support the sportfishing industry trade and represent both the sportfishing industry and the boating industry’s interests. ASA is committed to ensuring the industry remains strong and prosperous, as well as to safeguard and promote the enduring economic, conservation, and social values of sportfishing in America.
ICAST is the largest gathering of fishing professionals anywhere in the world. It sees more buyers and media coverage than any other fishing show in the nation, making it the best platform to promote your brand.
Will you be there to reel in all these potential customers?
Looking for a local Orlando tradeshow booth builder for the upcoming ICAST 2023? Contact Exhibit Experience for your complimentary consultation.
When & where for ICAST 2023
Date: July 11-14, 2023
Location: Orange County Convention Center
Exhibit Hours:
Tuesday, July 11th — 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday, July 12th — 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday, July 13th — 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday, July 14th — 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Hotel & Accommodations
ASA has partnered with various service providers to offer discounted rates for show attendees and exhibitors. For more information and a list of hotels offering these exclusive rates, visit the ICAST 2023 Hotels and Shuttle webpage.
Who attends ICAST?
Every ICAST attendee is a vetted industry member, ensuring that everyone you meet on the show floor is dedicated to discovering the next big thing for their business. Expect to interact with individuals from all sub-sections of the industry, including retailers, wholesalers, independent shop owners, buyers, pro-staff, independent manufacturers’ reps, media, custom tackle builders, and industry representatives.
So, what are these attendees hoping to catch?
People primarily attend ICAST to:
- Network with experts to gain insights into the fishing community, including legislative policy, conservation, and best business practices.
- Explore new products that their customers desire for their fishing experiences.
- Browse the international marketplace for popular brands from Australia, Japan, and various European countries.
If your company manufactures innovative fishing gear, apparel, marine accessories, or any other product that gives sportfishing professionals a competitive edge, you should exhibit at ICAST 2023.
What exhibit booth trends to expect at ICAST 2023
As a local exhibit house, we have attended shows like ICAST for over 20 years. Our designers and staff are leaders and experts when it comes to building exhibit booths that work.
There are three exhibit trends we predict will be out in full force this year.
- Booths are designed with safety in mind. With the risk of transmission still a concern for many in the US, exhibitors are creating booths and layouts that will allow attendees to gather in a socially distanced way. Exhibit Experience is familiar with all the health and safety regulations and can ensure your booth is a safe space for all.
- Creativity with how you use your booth space. Traditional marketing tactics have been overused in the past few years. Attendees are craving new, innovative marketing and will be drawn to those booths that stand out with their unique approach. The design team at Exhibit Experience can transform your brand into something truly unique.
- Using AR and VR technology to give attendees a virtually hands-on experience. This cutting-edge technology lets your prospective buyers test run your product in a controlled, safe environment. Exhibit Experience can incorporate an AR and VR component so you can give show attendees a true taste of your products’ capabilities.
How to design a stellar ICAST 2023 booth
With those trends in mind, here are a few booth-building tips that’ll have attendees clamoring to see what you’ve got to offer.
- Pick the focal point and product/service.
- Which of your products best fit attendees needs?
- Do you have any new products, services or technologies that offer solutions to the attendee?
- How can you let attendees experience these new things?
- Design a marketing/content campaign around what’s relevant and what’s new.
- Choose the right booth size for your message.
- 10’ x 10’: ideal for a single product or service, or a small line of products. You have room for multiple display cases, 3D graphic wall, custom light display and flooring, and one seating configuration.
- 10 x 20: good solution for those showing a variety of products in the booth. It has 20 feet of graphic back wall, multiple seating configurations for demonstrations and education, in addition to custom light and flooring that come standard with our exhibit rentals.
- 20 x 20: Exhibit Experience usually recommends 20’ x 20’ booths, as these offer demonstration space, enclosures for private viewing, and dozens of other configuration options. However, we understand that many companies have limited budgets this year.
- Decide if you will rent or DIY your booth.
- Experience is key when it comes to standing out at large-scale tradeshows.
- Local tradeshow exhibit rentals for the upcoming ICAST show will help you go that extra mile.
- Design a memorable in-booth experience.
- No matter the size, your booth should tell a seamless brand story.
- Pro Tip: include an interactive experience for your booth visitors.
- Build and train the right team.
- Having the right booth staff is just as important as having the right design.
- Include a mix of people from sales, technical, customer service and management.
- Ditch the hard sell.
- Instead of trying to get sales, focus instead on how your products or services solve a problem.
- Create an itinerary with the networking and social events, educational sessions, and other activities you want to attend. This way you and your team will know when you’ll be at the booth.
- Follow up. Use the travel time home to send follow-up emails to thank visitors for their time and remind them about your company.
Who is a reliable booth builder for the ICAST 2023?
Exhibit Experience is the preferred trade show booth builder for the upcoming ICAST 2023 show. We produce state-of-the-art exhibits within a variety of budgets. From custom to pre-certified exhibits, we’ll have the booth you need to show your company the right way.
We will:
- Design and build your exhibit to the right specs
- Provide 24-hour support throughout the trade show.
- Set up and take down your booth
The Exhibit Experience team has over two decades of experience delivering custom exhibits and custom modular exhibits that see instant results. Our exhibit management services are all-inclusive, from design to delivery. We will deliver your exhibit on time, on budget, and following all safety protocols.
If you are looking for an ICAST 2023 trade show booth builder, look no further than Exhibit Experience! Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
Dimensional Strategy: Selecting the Optimal Booth Size
Exhibit Experience offers customized solutions across a comprehensive range of booth dimensions to align with your specific marketing objectives, budgetary parameters, and venue requirements:
- 10′ × 10′ (100 sq ft): Entry-level presence with focused messaging
- 10′ × 20′ (200 sq ft): Enhanced linear exposure with expanded demonstration capabilities
- 20′ × 20′ (400 sq ft): Premium presence with significant impact potential in peninsula or island configurations
- 20′ × 30′ (600 sq ft): Extended engagement space allowing for multiple activity zones
- 30′ × 30′ (900 sq ft): Substantial presence enabling comprehensive brand storytelling
- 30′ × 40′ (1,200 sq ft): Commanding footprint supporting complex multi-functional exhibits
Each dimensional increment represents not simply additional square footage, but expanded strategic possibilities for engagement, demonstration, and differentiation within the competitive exhibition landscape.
Navigating Regulatory Parameters: Essential Compliance Guidelines
Successful exhibition strategy requires not only creative vision but meticulous adherence to industry regulations and venue-specific requirements. The following regulatory considerations represent critical compliance factors for all exhibitors:
1. Vertical Space Utilization & Height Restrictions
Linear/Inline Booth Regulations:
- Maximum 8′ (2.5m) height allowance at back wall
- Graduated height restrictions approaching the aisle
- 4′ (1.2m) height limitation within 5′ (1.5m) of aisle frontage
- Strict enforcement to prevent sight line obstruction
Perimeter Booth Regulations:
- Enhanced rear wall height allowance up to 12′ (3.7m)
- Maintained 4′ (1.2m) height limitation within 5′ (1.5m) of aisle
- Specific venue guidelines may apply to projection heights
Peninsula Booth Regulations:
- Height allowances typically between 16′-20′ (4.9m-6.1m)
- Potential restrictions within 5′ (1.5m) of adjoining exhibits
- Back wall finishing requirements when visible to neighboring exhibits
- Prohibition of competitor-facing logos on reverse surfaces
Split Island Booth Regulations:
- Height allowances comparable to peninsula booths (typically 16′-20′)
- Shared back wall must be finished on both sides with neutral coloration
- Branding must not intrude onto neighboring exhibitor’s space
- Typically requires coordinated approval of structural elements along shared boundary
- Specialized rules may govern sound projection toward the shared boundary
Island Booth Regulations:
- Maximum height utilization (typically 16′-20′ depending on venue)
- Ability to incorporate suspended elements with proper approvals
- Rigorous engineering certification requirements for multi-level structures
- Line-of-sight considerations for suspended signage
2. ADA Compliance Requirements: Creating Accessible Exhibits
The Americans with Disabilities Act establishes non-negotiable standards for exhibit accessibility:
- Universal Experience Mandate: Exhibits must provide substantially equivalent experiences to all attendees regardless of physical ability
- Pathway Requirements: Minimum 36″ (91cm) clear path throughout exhibit areas
- Elevation Transitions: Any raised platform exceeding ½” requires ADA-compliant ramping with specific slope ratios (1:12 maximum)
- Interactive Element Placement: Engagement features must be accessible from wheelchair height (maximum 48″ reach range)
- Audiovisual Considerations: Presentations should incorporate captioning when feasible
- Service Animal Accommodation: Sufficient clearance for service animals throughout exhibit spaces
Non-compliance with ADA requirements carries significant consequences, including potential removal from the event, financial penalties, and reputational damage. Professional exhibit partners provide invaluable guidance in designing fully compliant spaces that elegantly accommodate all visitors.
3. Spatial Boundary Enforcement
Exhibit footprints are contractually defined with zero tolerance for encroachment:
- All exhibit elements including product displays, literature racks, and furniture must remain completely within the defined booth space
- Projection of images, lighting effects, or sound beyond booth boundaries is strictly prohibited
- Suspended elements must be positioned within the vertical projection of the booth footprint
- Unauthorized marketing activities outside designated booth space (“guerrilla marketing”) may result in penalty fees or expulsion
4. Sight Line Preservation Protocol
Exhibition environments function through carefully calibrated visual accessibility:
- Structures exceeding 4′ (1.2m) in height are prohibited within the front 5′ (1.5m) of standard and perimeter booths
- Peninsula exhibits must consider neighbor visibility when positioning tall elements
- Transparent or semi-transparent materials are recommended for necessary partitions in high-traffic visibility zones
- Interactive displays must be positioned to prevent aisle congestion
5. Illumination & Electrical Safety Standards
Lighting design must balance impact with consideration for the overall exhibition environment:
- Directional lighting must be focused inward toward the exhibitor’s own space
- Strobe effects, flashing sequences, and moving lights typically require special permission
- Lighting intensity must avoid creating uncomfortable glare for attendees or neighboring exhibitors
- All electrical connections must comply with local building codes and certification requirements
- Cable management must eliminate tripping hazards through appropriate concealment or floor covering
- Power load calculations must be submitted in advance for verification against venue capacity
6. Intellectual Property & Audio Licensing Requirements
Content presentation within exhibits carries specific legal obligations:
- Music, video content, and other copyrighted materials require appropriate licensing documentation
- Performance rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) may actively monitor compliance at major events
- Volume levels for audio content are subject to specific decibel limitations
- Scheduled presentations must adhere to show management guidelines regarding frequency and duration
- Alternative solutions include royalty-free music libraries and blanket license arrangements available through show management
Location-Specific Compliance: Navigating Regional Requirements
Major exhibition venues maintain distinct regulatory frameworks that may supplement or modify industry standards:
- Las Vegas Convention Center: Stringent fire safety requirements with specific material certification needs and unique rules for multi-level structures
- Orange County Convention Center (Orlando): Specialized electrical codes and detailed rigging regulations for suspended elements
- McCormick Place (Chicago): Union labor requirements and specific loading dock procedures that impact installation timelines
- Javits Center (New York): Enhanced security protocols and specific weight-bearing limitations for exhibit components
- International Venues: Substantially different regulatory approaches requiring specialized knowledge of local standards and certification requirements
Professional exhibit partners with experience across multiple jurisdictions provide invaluable guidance in navigating these complex and constantly evolving regulatory landscapes.
Exhibit Experience: Your Partner in Exhibition Excellence
Creating impactful, compliant trade show environments requires specialized expertise that transcends standard marketing capabilities. Exhibit Experience delivers turnkey solutions characterized by:
Comprehensive Design Integration Our design process incorporates regulatory compliance from conceptual development through final execution, eliminating costly modifications and ensuring seamless approval processes.
In-House Production Capabilities Vertical integration of manufacturing and graphic production provides unparalleled quality control while accommodating compressed timelines:
- Direct oversight of fabrication processes
- Elimination of third-party communication inefficiencies
- Rapid response capability for last-minute adjustments
- Proprietary quality control protocols exceeding industry standards
Dedicated Installation Teams Unlike providers relying on temporary labor, our specialized installation professionals:
- Maintain intimate familiarity with our proprietary systems
- Execute with precision honed through repeated collaboration
- Provide continuity from project to project
- Deliver exceptional problem-solving capabilities on-site
Strategic Geographical Positioning Our operational presence in primary exhibition hubs delivers substantial logistical advantages:
- Reduced shipping costs and transit risks
- Enhanced scheduling flexibility
- Rapid response capability for unexpected challenges
- Established relationships with venue management teams
Conclusion: Elevating Your Exhibition Strategy
Strategic trade show participation represents one of the most significant marketing investments many organizations make annually. Maximizing the return on this investment demands not just creative excellence, but sophisticated understanding of the technical, regulatory, and logistical factors that determine success.
By partnering with Exhibit Experience, you gain access to specialized expertise that transforms these complex considerations into seamless execution—allowing your team to focus on what matters most: meaningful engagement with your target audience and the advancement of your strategic objectives.
Ready to elevate your exhibition strategy? Contact Exhibit Experience today for a consultative assessment of your trade show program and discover how our integrated approach can enhance your brand presence while optimizing your marketing investment.
