Minneapolis NPAA Conference a Launching Pad into 2013
Dec 12th, 2012 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Dec 12th, 2012 at 12:00 AM
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“Preserve and Protect” is the theme of the Jan. 4-6 annual National Professional Anglers Association conference at the Minneapolis Crowne Plaza Hotel and Suites. NPAA board president Robert Blosser said, “The line-up of speakers and breakout sessions is second to none.” He urged anglers, “Use this conference as an exclamation point to the 2012 season or as a launching pad into 2013.”
NPAA Executive Director Pat Neu added, “Attendees will gain more knowledge about the money-making potential of their passion (fishing) than they will on their own in 10 years.” Workshops and educational sessions have been designed to benefit professional anglers, with experts like Marty and Scott Glorvigen, owners of Wired2Fish, Inc., speaking on public relations. Marty said, “We as professional anglers face challenges when presenting our message. The focus needs to be on the three C’s of public relations, content, consumers and the client. Blending a valued message will allow you to be a valued messenger with the angling community.”
Steve Worrall, co-owner of Outdoor First Media will share the “how-to” of creating and sharing video and images for the web and social media. He said, “Digital media promotions are critical to industry marketing programs, and it’s important to understand the process. But, it all starts with high-quality content.” His session will cover shooting, creating, editing and storing digital media in the field (boat), office, events, shows and seminars.
Other special sessions include Kristine Houtman describing her top 10 tips for creating power-point presentations. A special “Q and A” panel of experts will address the business-side of fishing and share some of their on the water tactics. Noel Vick and Tom Neustrom will tackle, “Becoming a modern day professional angler.” Thanks to Evinrude, FLW and BASS Champion David Walker will share his perspectives of the bass-fishing tournament world. Dan Johnson will discuss, “Effective writing for today’s media.” Johnnie Candle will talk about “Sharing knowledge for money at seminars.” Gregg Karch will coach members about the basics of Future Angler events. Tony Roach will present, “Profiting from your passion; running a profitable guide business.” Fishing and marine industry leaders will be present with displays and team meetings.
The keynote speaker is Gregg Wollner, chairman of the board of the American Sportfishing Association. He is also executive vice-president of Rapala. The ASA has been committed to the interests of sport and recreational fishing for 75 years. It hosts the largest sportfishing trade show, ICAST, with 9,000 industry representatives, 700 media and 2,600 buyers annually. Recreational fishing generates more than $125 billion in economic output and more than 1,000,000 jobs.
NPAA members have until Dec. 19 to pre-register (npaa.net) at a very attractive conference rate of $50 ($75 after Dec. 19). If weather conditions prohibit travel to Minneapolis, registration fees will be refunded. The fee includes the Friday, Jan. 4 “Meet and Greet” party, all sessions and breakouts, keynote speakers, sponsor/manufacturer displays, a Saturday lunch, and the Future Anglers Foundation benefit banquet Saturday evening. The conference is open to the public at the same fee. If a non-member attends and joins – or a new member joins now and registers for the conference – their first year membership will be discounted $25. Crowne Plaza & Suites is near the Minneapolis airport, and lodging is available at special NPAA rates, 952-854-9000. For additional information on the Conference go to www.npaa.net or call Pat Neu at NPAA headquarters at (920)856-6151.
The NPAA is a non-profit organization focused on growing the sport of fishing and increasing the professionalism of its members. Supporting Partners include: Navionics, Mercury Marine, Evinrude Outboards, Yamaha, Lund Boats, Ranger Boats, Skeeter Boats, The Next Bite, Oahe Wings and Walleyes Guide Service, Outdoor First Media, Pure Fishing, Fish On Kids Books, Advanced Tex Screen Printing, Worldwide Marine Insurance, FLW Outdoors, AIM, North American Media Group, Cabela’s National Walleye Tour, Frabill, John Butts Outdoors, J.J. Keller Fishing Team, The Reel Shot, U.S. Forest Service, Great Lakes Sea Grant, FPS Financial Planning Services, Off-Shore Tackle, Warrior Boats, Fin-Tech Tackle, Kingfisher Boats, Liddle Marketing, Mutual of Omaha, Northland Fishing Tackle, Optima Batteries, Simms Fishing Products, Pasha Lake Cabins, National Fleet Graphics, Arrowhead Promotion, G2 Gemini, Bait Rigs, Fishouflage, PK Lures, Foley Belsaw Outdoors, High Tech Fishing and Lowe Manufacturing. More NPAA member and association news can be viewed at www.npaa.net.