Alexandria, VA – September 1, 2011 – The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the association that represents the sportfishing industry, today named Kenneth G. Andres as its new industry tradeshow director. ASA produces the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, which is the largest sportfishing tradeshow in the world annually attracting 7,000 sportfishing representatives from around the globe. Andres succeeds Maria del Valle Hamilton who oversaw significant growth in the tradeshow over the past decade.
Andres has been with ASA and the tradeshow since 2007 as ICAST Associate. During that time, Andres was responsible for sales and exhibitor relations, sponsorships, logistics, vendor relations and general show production. Andres has an extensive background in tradeshow production including work with Freeman and with Trade Show International, Inc. and Team One LLC, both based in Florida. Andres is also an avid and accomplished angler and knows both the conventional and fly fishing sides of the sportfishing industry.
ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman voiced his support for Andres. “I’m looking forward to working with Ken in his role as ICAST Director. He brings years of knowledge and experience not only about ICAST, but the entire tradeshow industry to this important position.” Nussman also noted that Ken’s lifelong passion for fishing and the outdoors will continue to serve him well in his new role.
Andres extends his thanks to Nussman and to ASA’s Board of Directors for the opportunity. “I’m really excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work in my new role as ICAST Director,” said Andres. “I’ve been fishing since I was able to hold a rod. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring my fishing experience and my knowledge of ICAST and the tradeshow industry to ASA and to help increase education opportunities, support for and participation in the show.”
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry’s trade association, committed to looking out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry a unified voice speaking out when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. We invest in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America. ASA also gives America’s 60 million anglers a voice in policy decisions that affect their ability to sustainably fish on our nation’s waterways through KeepAmericaFishing™, our angler advocacy campaign. America’s anglers generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for over one million people.
