Family and Youth Casting Call

Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Fletcher’s Cove in Washington, DC.

Spend a day fishing in the C&O Canal – we provide the instructors and all the gear you will need to catch fish! When not fishing, children will Explore, Learn and Protect to get their NPS Junior Ranger Badge through activities like water quality testing, fly casting or fly tying, fish art, scavenger hunts, touch tanks and so much more! Partner agencies and organizations will have displays set up to learn about how they are helping fish and fishing across the country. Don’t miss this fantastic day of family fun!

Hosted by the American Fly Fishing Trade Association and the National Park Service

Download and print a PDF of our flyer here (2.5 MB) or
Download an image of the flyer here (260 kb).

Info about the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show

The largest international gathering of fly fishing manufacturers, retailers, sales reps, media and fly fishing organizations in the world.

• The International Fly Tackle Dealer show is the best time and venue to meet with the industry – the people, products, innovations, emerging trends and the leading brand presentations of the 2011 fly fishing season.

• See all the latest gear, equipment, waders, fly line, tippet and accessories for the 2011 season.

• Experience proven new ideas to grow your business and increase your customer base through educational sessions.

• Save thousands of dollars by benefitting from show discounts from all of the fly fishing manufacturers.

• Get new ideas and creative ways of growing your business by being at the center of the fly fishing industry –The 2010 International Fly Tackle Dealer show.

Click here for Floor Plan

Click here for Exhibitor Information

One of our goals is to keep the costs of participating at this year’s IFTD show to a minimum. We are pleased to announce that all participants at the IFTD show will have the opportunity to stay at the Hyatt Regency Hotel for a room rate of $99/night. Sitting high above the Mile High City skyline, this new 37 story contemporary hotel  represents luxurious accommodations, some of the best guest room amenities , and close proximity to the Colorado Convention Center (across the street).

Stay tuned for more information on the reservation process.

AFFTA Announces Randi Swisher’s move to President

AFFTA NEWS RELEASE:

After serving as AFFTA’s Vice-president and Marketing Director since January 1, Randi Swisher has been promoted to the President’s position.  According to AFFTA Chairman Alan Gnann, “Since Randi came on board January 1, we’ve been very impressed with his work habits, ethics and communication ability.  We are confident that Randi will meet the new responsibilities which accompany the President’s position with the same level of enthusiasm and professionalism that he has exhibited since coming to work for AFFTA.”

“For the past two months, I received on-the-job training from AFFTA Office Manager Mischa Jones and former President, and now part-time Business Manager Gary Berlin” said Swisher.  “Although I still have a lot to learn, I feel comfortable in my new role and I look forward to serving as the President of AFFTA for many years to come.”

AFFTA members get discount on IFTD exhibit space

The 2010 International Fly Tackle Dealer show contract is now available for exhibitors.

For the 2010 industry trade show, we are excited to announce that all AFFTA members are entitled up to a 6% discount off their exhibit space. In addition, all inline standard booths cost 18% less than last year’s exhibit rates. We also have added a feature at the show where smaller exhibitors can exhibit at the show with a 4 ft. table and chair for $350. If you prefer to have a contract sent to you via mail or email, please contact the AFFTA office at 303-604-6132 or email request to randi@affta.com.

All exhibit space is based on a first come, first-served basis so please get your contract sent in today! Please call or email if you have any questions regarding the show.

6% Discount for all contracts received on or before March 15th, 2010.

4% Discount for all contracts received on or before May 14th, 2010.

2% Discount for all contracts received after May 14th, 2010.

IFTD Exhibit Space Contract

AFFTA Media Center

Comments from Outgoing AFFTA President Gary Berlin

Today is January 29th. This morning as I was kissing my wife good-bye and patting the dog on the head (or was it the reverse?), my wife asked me “how does it feel knowing that today is the last day that you’ll be working full-time for AFFTA?” Until she asked me that question, I hadn’t really dwelled on the subject.  As you know, in December, I asked (yes, it was my suggestion) to move to part-time status so that AFFTA could hire a person with the marketing skills that I lack.  AFFTA’s new VP and Marketing Manager Randi Swisher has that skill-set and I am confident that Randi will take AFFTA to the next level of success.

So, in response to my wife’s question, I’m going to reflect on the year and one-half that I have been at the helm of AFFTA. I am extremely proud to say that AFFTA’s business & house is in order. We are financially sound, our taxes, business licenses, contracts, by-laws, etc. are current. Our membership numbers have increased, we have this monthly newsletter, and we (the entire fly fishing community) have had many successes to be proud of. In preparation for my departure, I asked for and received a financial audit of our books so that everyone can see that AFFTA’s expenditures have been spent appropriately and in the membership’s best interest. I’m pleased to say that our books were reported as being perfect with every dime accounted for In the 19 months that I have been President. I have had the great pleasure of working with an incredibly hard working office manager, Mischa Jones (who refuses to allow me to post her photo on our website), a great volunteer board of directors (who contribute dozens of hours to the fly fishing industry and pay for their own expenses for all AFFTA related travel, etc.), and many equally dedicated AFFTA members and volunteers. After working with Mischa for 19 months, I no longer need an interpreter to understand her strong Georgia accent and her southern expressions. So, with that in mind, I’m now fixin to express my opinion.

Without a doubt, the hardest working person on the AFFTA board is Chairman, Alan Gnann. Alan has put his heart and soul into this association and has supported me in every way possible. I have no doubt that between September 1, 2009 through mid-December, Alan spent more time on AFFTA related business than he did running his own companies. I and the entire fly fishing industry community thank Alan for his contributions.

All of the current and past board members have gone out of their way to ensure AFFTA’s success; however the current and past officers and committee chairs deserve special mention. A special thanks goes to Diane Bristol, Travis Campbell, Mike Fitzgerald, Jeff Fryhover, Mike Gawtry, Scott Harkins, David Heller, Gary Jennings, David Leinweber, Jim Lepage, Tom Sadler, and Steve Sullivan. Non-board members who have really pitched-in during my tenure were; Mike Bailey (AKA Animal), Bill Dawson, Gary Lyons, Robin Knox, Jim Range (deceased), and Jodi Stemler. Lastly, I’d like to recognize Chuck Furimsky for his efforts to promote the sport of fly fishing and his willingness to exchange ideas with me whenever we talked.

So, where do we go from here? Beginning February 1st I’ll be AFFTA’s part-time and temporary business manager and Randi will take over the helm of AFFTA. In the next few months, the tasks that I was responsible for will be assigned to Randi and Mischa. I have an agreement with the AFFTA Board that when the Board feels as if my tasks have been completed, I’ll be asked to ride off into the sunset (unlike huge companies changing CEO’s, I won’t get a severance package, bummer. Randi and the Trade Development Committee are working on hosting the best damn fly fishing industry trade show ever. And Mischa, she’ll be diligently working on AFFTA’s administrative matters and teaching Randi a whole new southern vernacular.

Thanks to Mischa, we all have new e-mail addresses.. Mischa has set up our computers and the server to recognize and forward our e-mails as follows. My primary e-mail address is gary@affta.com. I will also receive editor@affta.com so that I can continue to work on AFFTA Connects. Randi’s primary e-mail account is Randi@affta.com. His secondary accounts are president@affta.com, marketing@affta.com and Randy@affta.com. Mischa’s primary e-mail account will be Mischa@affta.com, and she will also receive info@affta.com and editor@affta.com.

Once again, thanks to everyone for their support of me and AFFTA. Best wishes and adios amigos.

Gary Berlin

Reflections on the First Fly Fishing Trade Show from Randi Swisher

I can remember back when the first Fly Fishing trade show was in Denver at a Holiday Inn Ballroom about 20 years ago. I was working at Lamiglas at the time and Dick Posey (owner) and I displayed Lamiglas fishing rods at the show. The concept was to attract the dealers in the booth, pitch them on the coolest new products, and then actually sit down and write an order for the upcoming fishing season.

Well, as we all know, the concept of writing orders at the industry trade show has gone by the wayside. It seems like the show has become more of a social venue than a business reason for attending. If you look up the definition of a trade show, you would find that it relates to buying and selling commerce. Yes, I’ll be the first to admit that it’s always fun to see my old fishing buddies and be able to have a beer or two discussing how the family is doing and where the hottest fishing spots are. I always look forward to seeing industry people at the show but the reality is that we all need to make a living through our love for the sport of fly fishing.

As the AFFTA organization moves forward in organizing and promoting the new International Fly Tackle Dealer show, one of our main objectives is to increase participation from all parts of the industry. We have reviewed feedback provided from all members of the industry and are planning to incorporate many new ideas, concepts, and features into this fall’s IFTD show. I am excited to be an integral part of facilitating this change and hope that all of the AFFTA membership is excited about this new venture and direction as I am. Whether you are a retailer, manufacturer, sales rep, fishing guide, lodge owner, or entrepreneur, we all work towards creating and sustaining a strong healthy and prosperous business for our families and ourselves.

Please stay tuned for more exciting reasons to attend the 2010 IFTD show in the upcoming AFFTA Connects newsletters. I look forward to helping AFFTA move in a positive new direction. Finally, let’s all have a beer after the business day is over.

AFFTA News: Berlin shifts role to Business Manager

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 marketing@affta.com, or at (303) 604-6132.

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AFFTA — The American Fly Fishing Trade Association – is the sole trade organization for the fly-fishing industry. Our mission is to promote the sustained growth of the fly fishing industry.

AFFTA announces dates – Sept. 9 to 11, 2010 – for International Fly Tackle Dealer trade show

Below is the latest from AFFTA’s Media Center:

AFFTA Board member and Trade Development Committee (TDC) Chairman David Leinweber, owner of Angler’s Covey in Colorado Springs, is already hard at work planning for the show, which is only nine months away. The show will be held at the Colorado Convention Center.

According to Leinweber, “the TDC is responsible for the vision and all future planning of the IFTD.   We don’t have much time to plan for the trade show, so Randi (Swisher, now AFFTA VP and Marketing Director) and I will be meeting on Tuesday, Jan 5^th in Denver to set the agenda for the TDC meeting which will be on Jan 7^th.  I can guarantee that an AFFTA produced fly fishing industry trade show is NOT going to look or feel like a Nielsen produced FlyFishing Retailer show.”

Under the leadership of Leinweber, AFFTA solicited and appointed well-known industry veterans to serve the Trade Development Committee.  In addition to Leinweber, committee members are David Heller, Jim Klug, Marc Bale, Kirk Deeter, Tom Bie, Bruce Richards, and Randi Swisher.

These committee members have a reputation of marching to a different drummer, speaking their mind, and not being content with the status quo.

When asked by Leinweber how success will be defined for a new trade show, AFFTA board and TDC member Jim Klug bluntly said, “Simply put: Success will be doing something different with the show (i.e. new and exciting).”

“We need to be totally aware of the fact that attendees, retailers, manufacturers, etc. are all in agreement on one thing:  They do not want to see more of the same.  For us to continue an industry show that is heading down the exact same path as before (same timing, same location, same look, etc.) is NOT the answer, especially when that path has been heading downhill for the past several years. The industry is waiting to see how a new show idea is going to reverse this downhill slide.”

“We as a committee need to ask ourselves how we are going to make this show different. What can we change or add that will inject some excitement into the program?  We know from past experiences that seminars are not the answer, although they can play a role. Casino tours, hotel scholarships, etc. also have not worked.”

“Everyone on the committee needs to be thinking of new ideas; ideas that are outside of the box and completely different than anything that has been tried in the past. I also think that we would do well to each contact a number of vendors, retailers, etc. and ask THEM what they would like to see. Let’s solicit THEIR ideas!  I believe strongly that this is the only way that we can turn the show around, increase attendance, and create the buzz and excitement that we need.”

“It would be great if everyone could come to the meeting with two or three ideas of what can be done. Rather than debating the merits of each and every idea that is put forth, we can simply submit our ideas, list them all, and then see which ideas and proposals “float to the top.” The fly fishing industry can rest assured that this year’s INTERNATIONAL FLY TACKLE DEALER TRADE SHOW will look and feel completely different than the past shows.”

Leinweber said it best, “I am very excited and at the same time realistic that we only get one chance to hit a home run.”

It’s really not rocket science

There are many myths surrounding fly-fishing:

Fly Fishing is Expensive. Fly-fishing equipment has come a long way in affordability and quality in recent years. A quality beginner outfit should cost around $100. The best place to find a quality outfit that meets your needs is a local fly shop.

Fly Fishing is Complicated. There are many facets to the sport of fly fishing. There is no reason you have to learn them all before you get started. Some casting instruction, a few simple knots, some flies and then it’s off to the water. Many anglers who have a spin fishing backgrounds will be able to apply everything they know and incorporate it to fly fishing. Fly Fishing is not rocket science.

You can only Fly Fish for Trout. If it swims, you can fly fish for it. Warm water and saltwater fly fishing are the fastest growing areas of the sport. You can Fly Fish for anything from bluegill to tarpon and marlin. You can go after the fish that lights your fire!

Fly Fishing is only catch and release. Many fly anglers release their catch. Why? Many fly anglers believe that fish are a resource that can, and should, be enjoyed by many. By releasing the fish you catch, you give others the opportunity to enjoy the same thrill you’ve experienced. Can you eat a fish you catch on a fly? If the regulations permit keeping a fish, then it is your choice.

Some of the best resources on fly fishing are found right in your community. Local fly shops and fly fishing clubs are all too happy to help get you started.

DISCOVER FLY-FISHING is an educational outreach program of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association traveling across the country introducing the dynamic sport of Fly-Fishing.

For a list of local shops contact AFFTA at info at AFFTA dot com.