As FlyFishing Retailer returns to Denver, America’s fly fishing community returns to Colorado … to fish

July 16, 2007

New September dates point to a successful business atmosphere as well as hundreds of successful post-show fishing trips.

As thousands of fly-fishing businesspeople converge on the Colorado Convention Center for the upcoming 2007 FlyFishing Retailer trade show (www.flyfishingretailer.com), the premier event on the fly fishing trade calendar will also serve as the staging area for hundreds of fly fishing trips into surrounding Rocky Mountain rivers, lakes and streams.

With new show dates of September 16-18, 2007, FlyFishing Retailer total attendee registration is already up 25 percent over last year, with retail store registration numbers also boasting double digit increases.

“We hope that the surge in registration numbers are because the fly fishing community acknowledges and appreciates the devoted business atmosphere that we strive to create at FlyFishing Retailer,” said Kenji Haroutunian, FlyFishing Retailer show director.   “But we know for certain that a show in September absolutely benefits the fortunate ones who make time for a little post-show trout time.”

While some are captivated by the warm days and cool nights of September weather in the Rockies, the fly fishing faithful have their own reason for getting excited – dry fly fishing for trophy trout.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say that one of the big attractions to the Denver trade show is the post-show fishing trip. It’s always nice to be able to mix business and pleasure so easily,” said Jim Reilly, Fly Rod & Reel magazine associate editor.

An ideal venue for the FlyFishing Retailer trade show, Denver feature a modern convention center, access to world-class fishing opportunities, and close proximity to over 400 front-range fly fishing retail stores who can drive to the show.   With the right blend of location and amenities to draw a great mix of retailers, exhibitors, and media, show organizers have worked to identify and lock down the ideal timing as well.

Originally held in August, the organizers of the show – Nielsen Business Media and the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) — responded to recommendations from the fly fishing community to shift the show to later dates.  Based on current registration trends that point to a healthy increase in attendance over 2006, the organizers feel that the move was a solid one.

“After a close look at the needs and recommendations of the fly industry, it was decided that moving the show to September would benefit the largest possible range of retailers, exhibitors, and fly industry professionals,” said Margie Staley, FlyFishing Retailer marketing manager.  “We anticipate the new dates will make FFR a more vital resource for the fly industry as a whole.”

And with the support of the industry that attends it, the 2007 FlyFishing Retailer show is sure to be a memorable one.

“(The show organizers have) heard the retailers loud and clear that Denver is the city of choice for the Fly Fishing Retailer Show.  Who can resist the temptation to add a day or two onto their FFR trip to catch what will probably be one of the best fishing seasons in a long time?” said Diane Bristol, Director of Marketing for Simms Fishing Products.

ABOUT FLYFISHING RETAILER:  FlyFishing Retailer, produced by Nielsen Business Media, is the annual gathering of the fly fishing trade, drawing thousands of manufacturers, retailers, media and industry associates to the Colorado Convention Center.  This unique three-day event showcases the passion, innovation and community of the sport, and is the only place to see the world’s best-known and best-loved fly fishing brands in a single location.
 
To learn more about FlyFishing Retailer and the fly fishing industry, please visit flyfishingretailer.com.  For media information, please call 802/583-6070, or send an email to flyfishingretailer@madriver.com.