Ever been to someone else’s family reunion? Standing in a room full of people hugging and catching up, while they throw polite smiles your way?
As the new kid on the B.A.S.S. team, that pretty much sums up my experience at my first ICAST. Everybody here knows each other, and even more people seem to know James Hall.
I started working for B.A.S.S. in May, and I was surprised to learn just how many people were involved with the tournaments, attended weigh-ins and joined in discussions on our social media channels.
This week, I quickly learned that the well of fishing fans is even deeper than I’d thought.
It would be impossible to relate everything I’ve seen, or write about every amazing person I met.
I can tell you three things this newbie has learned – in case you find yourself en route to your first ICAST:
- It’s huge. Gerald Swindle said if he had to describe this show in one word it would be ‘big’. Seriously, this trade show is in the biggest convention center I’ve ever seen, and every time I walk the floor I see something new. Be prepared to walk a lot (i.e. wear your most comfortable shoes and a step counter so you can brag).
- Bring every charger you have. The number one problem seems to be running your devices until they die. There’s so much to capture and share around every corner. Come prepared!
- There’s always room for innovation. I saw so many companies improving things and inventing solutions to problems. I walked in the door thinking, “How much can change in the fishing industry in a year?” I learned the answer is, innovation comes in inches and miles. Don’t assume anything has reached perfection.
When I started at B.A.S.S., people kept welcoming me to the family, and treating me like a new sister.
Now I know B.A.S.S. is just one branch of a much larger extended family tree.
