The National Professional Anglers Association kicks off each New Year with their Annual Conference. This popular gathering of marine and fishing tackle industry leaders, anglers from all passions and skill levels, and expert presenters will take place Jan. 3rd–5th, at the Crowne Plaza near the Minneapolis airport. Operating under the theme “Motivate and Inspire,” the conference will be one of the best, said Executive Director Pat Neu, “Anglers will be able to talk one-on-one with representatives from dozens of boat, outboard, and tackle companies. There will be numerous seminars on topics that will help them become more professional at dealing with their sponsors, the general public, and at running their businesses.” NPAA members and non-members are invited to attend.
The line-up of speakers will discuss the state of the organization (more members and more supporting partners), the necessity to carry the right insurance, aquatic nuisance updates, tournament news, a panel of top Pros, the latest and greatest news about boats, electronics, outboards, terminal tackle and more. Special sessions will be conducted on sponsor relations, income taxes, traditional media, social media, tournament winning strategies and electronics.
Ron Lindner will present his views of the adjustments being made in the industry and recommend the adjustments necessary for pro anglers to survive in the current economic climate. The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame inductee, publishing innovator, TV show host, tackle inventor and fishing sage has spent more than 70 years on the water and nearly half a century within the intimate circles of the fishing and boating community.
A special fund-raising banquet presented by Yamaha Outboards and Skeeter Boats to benefit the Future Angler Foundation will be held Saturday evening, Jan. 4. This event is free to conference attendees.
Registration opens online in early November at npaa@npaa.net, where a complete conference schedule will also be posted. Advance fee is $60 or $80 at the door. Reserve lodging at the Crown Plaza (specify NPAA) by calling 800-227-6963.
NPAA Supporting Partners include: Advanced Tex Screen-printing, Cabela’s National Walleye Tour, The Walleye Federation, Evinrude Outboards, Fishouflage, Frabill, Plano, Great Lakes Sea Grant, Lund Boat Co, Mercury Marine, Milwaukee Muskie Expo, Navionics, Nebulus Floatation, Optima Batteries, Outdoor First Media, Pure Fishing, Ranger Boats, Skeeter Boats, The Next Bite, The Reel Shot-Home of the J.J. Keller Fishing Team, Triton Boats, U.S. Forest Service, Wildlife Forever, Worldwide Marine Underwriters, Yamaha Motor Co., Arrowhead Promotion and Fulfillment, Bait Rigs, G2-Gemini, Kingfisher, Liddle Marketing Company, Motor Guide, Mutual of Omaha, National Fleet Graphics, Northland Fishing Tackle, Oahe Wings and Walleyes, Off Shore Tackle, Pasha Lake Cabins, PK Lures, RDM Insurance Company, Simms Fishing, Strike King, SmarTech Inc., Warrior Boats, High Tech Fishing, Financial Planning Services, Lowe Manufacturing Co Inc, and O2 Marine Technologies Inc. More NPAA annual conference, member and association news can be viewed at www.npaa.net.