Charleston, SC – At the recent inaugural AFFTA Industry Summit, there were many discussions regarding the future of the fly fishing industry trade show. Ultimately, the decision was made by the AFFTA Board of Directors to spark the overhaul of the annual industry trade gathering by changing the name to The AFFTA Confluence. The decision was met with overwhelming support from industry leaders at the board meeting.
The vote was in response to calls for changes to the previous trade show format. The AFFTA Confluence is planned to open with two days of business at the Salt Palace and an outdoor product demonstration event on the third day at nearby Liberty Park. Featured will be industry speakers, peer to peer seminars, the Dealer Summit, industry parties, music and new for 2023, facilitated meetings for dealers with manufacturers to increase ROI. The show will open on Tuesday, September 26 and end on Thursday, September 28 to keep show costs low and allow retailers to be back in their shops over the weekend.
The changes to the show have been long awaited. “The AFFTA Show and Summit Committee along with the Board of Directors have been hard at work to make the new iteration more meaningful and relevant to the industry,” states Lucas Bissett, AFFTA Executive Director. “We have listened to our members who wanted to see change. There is still more to reveal about the show as we move forward. I am proud of what both the Board and Committee have created by blending our trade and conservation efforts.”
“We are fortunate in the fly fishing industry to be on the forefront of a change in the way a trade event is put on,” said newly elected Chair of the Board, Corinne Doctor of RepYourWater. “The updates that will begin with the inaugural AFFTA Confluence in Salt Lake in 2023 are just the beginning to what we can do to bring together the guides, retailers and manufacturers at AFFTA to do business, collaborate to make positive change for the planet and of course, talk fly fishing.”
Kenneth Andres, Event Director said, “These last few years have changed how we see our industry show. It has become clear that AFFTA members want to move in a new direction. With a renewed focus on dealers, we will continue to develop our events to create more meaningful connections. I look forward to working with our members to grow their industry trade event now known as The AFFTA Confluence.”
About AFFTA
The American Fly Fishing Trade Association is the sole trade organization in fly fishing representing manufacturers, retailers, guides and outfitters, media, and associate organizations in all 50 states.
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