RIP IFTD?
Monday, August 20, 2012 at 12:00AM This year's IFTD show just wrapped up in the biggest little city in the world and odds are this was the last time we see an independent fly fishing retailer show.
Short of staying on the same path, where to next has boiled down to two options. Partner up with ICAST, or kiss and make up with Nielson and try to get back in with Outdoor Retailer, which saw multiple new fly brand exhibitors this year. We strongly feel Outdoor Retailer, and the power of the Outdoor Industry Association, is the better strategy. Unfortunately the smart money is now on the ICAST scenario.
If the comments on Angling Trade's take on IFTD is any indication, the debate will surely continue.
Either way, compliments to AFFTA and Randi Swisher's team for their efforts to make the last two shows more relevant for the vendors and retailers.
IFTD, fly fishing business in Business
Reader Comments (5)
Well its about time!!! This show has been a joke for a number of years and after attending this show since 1993 I have seen in become a complete joke. It does nothing for us retailers but cost money. The reps all come through showing us their programs and samples and I dont have to spend money on a time wasted on watching movies, getting stickers and other BS that paves the way for Randy and Jims ego show. It's time to push to industry forward and upward!!
Doug,
It's really easy to sit in the darkness of the internet and throw shots at those of us that work our ass off to do the best for our industry! Do you really think IFTD is there to massage Jim Klug and Randi Swisher's egos? What about the other AFFTA board members- Do you think this is for their ego? I am amazed at the amount of time and dedication AFFTA board members volunteer to our industry and then get to read comments like yours!
This years seminar line-up was designed for retailers, after talking with many of the retailers that attended the seminars, everyone walked away with something which would benefit their shop!
Which seminars did you attend?
B2- Thanks for the opportunity to comment and congrats to Patagonia on this years awards!
Ben Bulis
AFFTA General Manager
406-580-6887
ben@affta.com
Ben, welcome to the industry of fly fishing. Your comments while meaningful don't help the industry. Many before you helped pave the way for retailers and companies to come together so while you pat yourself on the back keep in mind, many of use have seen almost everything in this industry. As far as seminars in which I have seen a few in my days have been driven for a wide retail base but really do not focus on the fly fishing industry in which we are all apart of. I have made this idea known to many board members to have our peers of success teach and to show how they have made a difference in their business. We can all learn from each other within our industry as well as outside. Did this every cross your minds Ben? Like I mentions I have been attending the show since 1993 and yes while you may have been exploring other ventures you were most likely not there. I do appreciate the fact the board works hard and putting these shows are not a easy task believe me Ben I know.. But when many of my peers have addressed matters of the industry and the show and it falls on deaf ears can you address that Ben ? There is a huge reason that the show is losing attendance it is not working and the companies are not coming like they use to , because it is a lack of believe in the direction that AFFTA is moving. I have made it clear to Randy and Jim many times as well as others within this industry over the past few years and again in falls on deaf ears. So while you are sitting in the darkness of your AFFTA office I am tending to my customers because it is I and only I that can make my business a success not you or your show or your seminars. So with this said Ben maybe a trip down the past of our industry can help you understand where the future is best play for the industry and not asking shops only in the west or in your zip code.. Ben is wish you the best in your challenge of driving the industry and support your hard work has not been unnoticed.
Doug,
Fly Shop Owner since 1990
Doug,
I have no idea why you think I'm patting myself on the back? That wasn't my intention, at all.
You stated above; " As far as seminars in which I have seen a few in my days have been driven for a wide retail base but really do not focus on the fly fishing industry in which we are all apart of. I have made this idea known to many board members to have our peers of success teach and to show how they have made a difference in their business. We can all learn from each other within our industry as well as outside. Did this every cross your minds Ben?"... The seminars/roundtable discussions in Reno tackled many of issues facing fly fishing retailers and were paneled by our peers that have very successful retail and manufacturing businesses. Did you not attend any of these?
Doug, just to clear-up your misunderstanding on the retailers I visit or call... I will be traveling the East Coast in October starting in Florida and ending in Maine visiting as many retailers as possible. I also am in the process of planning 2 weekends for either late winter or early spring for a kids and Adult Introduction to fly fishing with a fly fishing retailer in Massachusetts. I'm also planning on a late winter West Coast trip Washington to California, and will follow-up with a Rocky Mountain trip in late May. Not to sound condescending, these retailer road trips are about as far outside my Zip Code as possible!
Doug, please at anytime feel free to contact me. I'd love to hear your thoughts on which way you think AFFTA should be headed.
Best,
Ben
Ben, I am glad to see you are interested in visiting shops and it shows that you are willing to venture out. I did go to the seminars and yes there were a few things that were brought up that made sense but if you have been to these seminar in the past year Ben you would find that the topics of concern have not changed. Have you been to the past seminars? I have seen this industry change alot over the years since i started my shops, where you involved in the industry in 1990 Ben? Since your travels will be covered by AFFTA members dues and as a members what is the purpose of your trip? what is the goals you are trying to accomplish? and Why do you only hit the East cost when we have many shop in the middle part of the country that have been begging for attention of the industry do they count? I think what you are do is great you need to get out of your zip code and actually see what goes on it puts it all together. I am sure you will have a great time and learn some new things which in return should make you a better manager. Good Job!! I appreciate the invite to call Ben, but again I have a shop to run and my comments along with many of my peers are not what you and your board are looking to here. The hard reality of why we are struggling as an industry we be found on your travels.
All the Best
Doug