Every year, we come away from the show, and we hear mixed reviews. Some people always—always—say, “it was epic!” and some always say, “It was lame.”
I’ve covered many, and I’m going to say it was a great show, in terms of the “happening” factor. The buzz. The people. The business. The seminars. Good job AFFTA. The show itself is improved. People on the fence who missed out should come back next year. It’s going to be in the same place (Orlando). I would wager it will be as good, and probably even a bit better.
I give the new product lineup, collectively, a C+. There were some great items. Some good new companies. Great to see some old standards back squarely in the mix. The manufacturers showed up, but I’m not sure they all “brought it” in terms of the A-game when it comes to knock-my-socks-off products. That’s part of the cycle. It’s normal. It wasn’t bad at all, and there are some gems in the mix. But I expect a bigger landslide next year.
Maybe it’s because I’m giddy about the Pebble Mine situation, and maybe I’m just tired as I jet home and type this at 35,000 feet en route to Denver. But I’m actually feeling pretty bullish about our industry, and I’m looking forward to coming back to IFTD… next year… These next couple weeks will be for fishing!
Thanks to all. Good business to all of you. And don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments. Angling Trade is here to help you and your business. KD
