Tag Archives: AFFTA

AFFTA.com: same good looks, just more better guts

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The re-engineered (as opposed to “redesigned”) website of The American Fly Fishing Trade Association is now alive and kicking.

The American Fly Fishing Trade Association

Front page images were rescaled so more valuable content was above the fold, and new typography was chosen so consumers whose eyes are otherwise damaged from tying #28 midges could still read the text. Otherwise, the project was ripping the face off the old site, placing it on top of a more efficient and flexible content management system. Plus a few other tricks not generally available.

The switchover took place when I should have instead been casting the same midges across a small creek, so if you find any technology-related bugs and/or feel the need to play armchair quarterback after the fact, be advised the developer is a little testy right now.

MG signing off (to go back to staring at that yet unused two-weight sitting in the corner of the office)

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: The FIBFest bar is now officially closed

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I look forward to some bonefishing during Deneki Outdoors FIBFest 2011. But I cannot deny anticipation of alcohol-induced rowdiness down at the Slack Tide after a hard day’s work either. Sadly, swinging from oceanside tiki bar rafters with a bottle of Captain Morgan in my free hand just ain’t gonna happen now.

See, our host, one Andrew Bennett, has officially succumbed to the influence of the corporation. Instantly gone are his perpetual smile, the laid back atmosphere he’s created at his lodges, and the singular focus on fishing-as-fun. It’s all business from this point forward, as Mr. Bennett has joined the board of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association.

While I expect to catch even more bonefish now – fish pay very close attention to industry press releases – from here on out I will address my old friend as Mr. Bennett. And I suggest you do the same (after you congratulate him, of course).

MG signing off (to find some space in my bag for a pipe and a tweed smoking jacket)

Casting microscopic flies to fish that have doctorates in entomology might not make much sense, but at least AFFTA’s decision does

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As is now well known amongst industry players, the American Fly Fishing Trade Association has severed its ties with Nielsen Business Media and the associated Fly Fishing Retailer trade show. According to the announcement, AFFTA and Nielsen have been in discussions for some time as to how to improve the show. Nielsen’s latest proposal was to combine FFR with the summer Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, which Nielsen also owns. The AFFTA board considered the proposal, but the final pitch from Nielsen essentially amounted to a watered-down addition of fly fishing related vendors, and it was summarily declined.

affta-ffr-split

This matter has been subject to much speculation, and much second-guessing. I’m not an industry player, nor do I claim to be. I’m just an ordinary guy with nothing to lose, who conveniently happens to have spent a decent part of his working life advising (or directly managing) companies that were either under-performing, or literally on their deathbeds. I don’t understand the fuss. If I was a fly fishing retailer or manufacturer, I’d applaud the decision.

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American Fly Fishing Trade Association readies migration to Denver

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Via Moldy Chum:

The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) announced today that it has hired Gary Berlin as the trade association’s president. A former human resources manager and Area/District Wildlife Manager for the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the recent head of the International Hunter Education Association, Berlin brings nearly thirty years of experience in the outdoor arena as well as proven non-profit association leadership skills. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management from Mesa College in Grand Junction, CO and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado in Denver. Berlin, a lifelong Colorado resident, will begin his tenure on July 1 and will be establishing a new permanent home for AFFTA in the greater Denver area.

Good place for a fly fishing trade association [Denver] if I do say so myself. Does this mean manufacturers will soon be selling cheap fly rods by Colorado’s gold medal waters?