Since being released by Nielsen from the FFR trade show contract, the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) has taken some bold steps to provide the fly fishing industry with a productive industry trade show.
In a mere 45 days, AFFTA has created the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show, hired Randi Swisher as the marketing director and show producer, selected and… …contracted a show venue, and appointed a high-powered Trade Development Show Committee which is not satisfied with the status quo of previous shows. The fly fishing industry can rest assured that the new IFTD Show, held September 9-11, 2010 at the Colorado Convention Center, will be re-energized and exciting.
The IFTD show will be produced by the fly fishing industry for the fly fishing industry. Within 24 hours of announcing the IFTD show, the industry’s most influential manufacturers, reps, dealers and media endorsed and guaranteed their attendance at the show.
One additional change coming to the AFFTA office will be Gary Berlin’s February 1 move from President to Business Manager. Berlin has agreed to work on a part-time basis, handling the business end of AFFTA, which will allow Swisher to focus on the success of the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show.
AFFTA chairman Alan Gnann stated, “Gary Berlin has put AFFTA in a position to be able to successfully produce a trade show for the industry it represents. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude for his organizational skills, which have put us on solid footing to succeed and grow. Gary’s knowledge of running associations compliments Randi’s show and industry experience. We are fortunate that Gary is available to continue assisting AFFTA with its growth.”
Berlin will train Swisher on AFFTA’s daily routine and groom him to eventually assume the President’s role. Effective February 1, Swisher will be AFFTA’s primary contact. He can be reached at [email protected], or at (303) 604-6132.
