Registration Now Open for NPAA Annual Conference In Fort Myers, FL.

Forestville, WI (October 30, 2023) – The dates and location have been announced and anticipation is already on the rise for the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) 2024 Annual Conference. The premier event for all sportfishing industry professionals ranging from tournament anglers and guides, to tackle shop staff, service crews and industry representatives will commence on Friday, January 5^th, and run through Sunday, January 7^th, at Southwest Florida’s newly renovated Crown Plaza Fort Myers Gulf Coast, an IHG Hotel.

“This is an awesome venue, and we are really looking forward to this event,” says NPAA president, Patrick Neu. Located just five minutes from the SW Florida Regional Airport (RSW), which offers direct flights daily to/from most major cities across the country, the conference promises to be informative, fun and convenient to attend while focusing on its “Passion to Profession” theme.

“An NPAA Conference attendee can learn more about making a living in this industry in a weekend at this event than they can in 10 years on their own, just ask anyone who has attended a conference over its 15-year history,” states Neu. “The event will zero-in on what it really takes to make a successful transition from passionate angler to a sportfishing industry professional. Speaking from years of experience, I can tell you, it’s a journey that’s a lot easier and faster to undertake if you have a little inside knowledge – which is exactly what the NPAA’s high-power panel of successful industry pros plan to impart through professional workshops, partner and educational breakout sessions, meet and greet parties, networking lunches, banquets and more.”

According to Neu, the conference will focus on providing attendees with an understanding of the tools needed to be successful on a professional level in this industry. The early January timing, he adds, is perfect for attendees to sample the amazing fishing opportunities available in this part of the Sunshine State or extend their visit to find out why Southwest Florida is a destination for millions of visitors each year.

NPAA’s robust line-up of featured speakers includes a mix of top-level professional anglers and industry leading executives covering subjects you really need to comprehend whether just starting out in the recreational fishing industry or looking to climb to the next level. Among others, you’ll hear from Elite Series bass angler and 2018 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Justin Lucas, angling podcast host and sportfishing author Sid Dobrin, Tall Pines Tackle VP of Business Development, Eric Naig, will also step up to the podium, as will Mike Leonard, VP of Government Affairs at the American Sportfishing Association, and Freshwater Fishing Hall of Famer, walleye expert and TV personality, Keith Kavajecz, along with many others whose combined knowledge of the sportfishing industry is both comprehensive and compelling.

Featured Educational Workshops and breakouts include titles such as Crafting Impactful 1-Minute Videos, Women Anglers Taking Their Passion to a Profession, Taxes Done Right, Passion Drives Professionalism as a Guide, How to Gain and Retain Sponsorships, Boat Financing in Today’s Market, Maximizing Customer Acquisition & Retention, Batteries: Wet, AGM, Lithium and Why, Safe Boating Practices Save Lives, and more.

In addition to superior networking opportunities, sportfishing advocacy and promoting entry into the sport, NPAA offers a monthly member newsletter, a weekly industry NewsBLAST, and access to significant discounts on gear and services provided by many of its nearly 80 supporting partners.

The NPAA 2024 Annual Conference is expected to sell out quickly as registration is limited to the first 200 registrants. Registration is now open to any angler looking to take the step from “Passion to Profession”. The registration fee of $300 for Non-Members and $250 for Members includes all activities, meals, and one ticket for the Future Anglers Foundation (FAF Banquet). More information on registration can be found on the NPAA Conference Page.

(Note: Non-Members who pre-register for the Conference and opt to join the association prior to the end of the Conference will receive a $50 rebate on their Conference Registration Fee.)

For more information on joining the NPAA, attending the Annual Conference, and exploring the many benefits membership provides, visit www.npaa.net.