NPAA Twin Cities Conference Includes Cast of Quality Presenters
Dec 17th, 2009 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Dec 17th, 2009 at 12:00 AM
The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) annual conference is set for Jan. 8-10, in the Twin Cities. “Anybody who has attended a conference in the past has joined, if they were not already members,” said Cody Roswick, executive director. The theme for 2010 is “Commit to Your Future.”
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The NPAA presenters will provide personal experience, craft improvement tips, and prepare conference-goers for the future of competitive fishing. The keynote speaker is long-time BASS and FLW touring pro angler Guido Hibdon, Gravois Mills, MO. Fishing has been his sole source of income all his life. He is a BASS Classic champion, a two-time BASS Angler of the Year, has fished 16 Classics or Championships, with more than $900,000 in career tournament winnings. He fished the circuits from the beginning, and will bring the perspective of a bass circuit insider to our fishing world.
National Fresh Water Hall of Fame inductee, full-time guide, writer and seminar presenter Tom Neustrom, Grand Rapids, MN, will discuss how anglers can control their own destinies. Successful businessman turned full-time pro angler, with multiple tournament and Championship victories and an in-demand seminar speaker Tommy Skarlis, Waukon, Iowa, will offer views and recommendations on the changing tournament landscape. John Butts, Dryden, Ontario, was a successful businessman, turned pro angler with a big win and numerous Championship appearances, and now has combined the two occupations as the National Marketing Director for Fin-Tech Tackle. He will cover the transitions and marketing necessary for pro anglers to survive in these times.
Roswick said the conference will help grow membership, which despite the retirement of many senior pro anglers, nearly maintained membership from 2008 to 2009, down only seven percent. “We’re seeing the new, young blood joining,” he said. Networking with the outdoor media and the tackle and marine industry marketing leaders has become a major ingredient to past conferences. “This alone is reason enough to join the festivities,” Roswick said.
The conference opens Friday, Jan. 8, with an evening social get-together at the Holiday Inn Select in Bloomington (952-854-9000), with special room rates. This follows a 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bruce “Doc” Samson Lowrance Mapping and GPS School, covering Lowrance LCX/LMS/HDS models, at a special conference fee of $100. He will also conduct a 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. free map creation class.
Saturday and Sunday sessions include the presentations listed above plus the latest news and displays from the fishing and boating industry. Members and non-members are welcome to attend. Conference fee is $50.00 ($60.00 at the door), and advance registration is recommended with Roswick at 701-845-0381 or [email protected].
The NPAA is a non-profit organization focused on growing the sport of fishing and increasing the professionalism of its members. Roswick said, “All anglers who want to become involved are encouraged to join.” NPAA supporting partners are also dedicated to helping grow the sport of fishing. They include Northland Fishing Tackle, Navionics, Mercury Marine, Evinrude Outboards, Lund Boats, Ranger Boats, Off-Shore Tackle, Fin-Tech Tackle, Bartness Tackle, Berkley, Walleye’s Inc., Greater Insurance Services, Frabill, Us Forest Service, Masters Walleye Circuit, and FLW Outdoors. More NPAA member and association news (and to join) can be viewed at www.npaa.net.
(For more information, contact Cody Roswick, 701-845-0381)