The National Professional Anglers Association is wrapping up the first month of the new calendar year with some exciting news and announcements. Earlier this month the NPAA hosted its Annual Conference in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin which attracted a record number of attendees. Nearly 400 hundred NPAA members and partners attended the event that included seminars from such well known anglers as Kevin VanDam and Al Lindner. Kevin gave a very insightful speech on how to obtain sponsorships in this industry through hard work, loyalty and dedication. Al Linder followed up Kevin’s speech with a speech that outlined his career path and the role his passion for angling played in his career. Al’s impassioned speech included a segment on how important it is for industry leaders to be anglers. You can view a video of Al’s inspiring speech on YouTube: Click Here to View
Another key event that takes place at each NPAA Conference is the election of the board of director’s member/s whose three year terms have expired. This year Stephen Picht’s and Mark Courts’s terms expired. Mark Courts had reached the 6 year term limit set for the directors and was not able to run for re-election. The entire board would like to thank Mark for his service and dedication to the NPAA during his terms as a board member.
The results for the board election had Stephen Picht being re-elected to serve his final three year term on the board. He joins newly elected board member Brian Bashore. Following the elections the NPAA Board went on to appoint officers for the next 12 months. Stephen Picht has been appointed as President and Brian Bashore as Vice President for this period. Congratulations go out to both of these dedicated individuals who serve on this volunteer board of directors.
With the success of the 2018 Conference the NPAA board of directors recognized the need to look for Conference venues for 2019 and beyond that can handle the explosive growth the NPAA has seen at the event. They found such a location for the coming year in Minneapolis, MN at the DoubleTree Hotel and Convention Center Southwest. This venue is conveniently located just a short 10 minute ride from the Minneapolis Airport and the Mall of America.
Patrick Neu, NPAA Executive Directors said, “This new conference venue fit the criteria needed to meet our growing space needs and yet it still offers exceptional entertainment opportunities nearby for attendees families who may accompany them to the conference.” He went on to say, “The event will take place on our traditional dates in early January which for next year will be January 4-6th, 2019. We have plenty of room for growth at this new venue, but I recommend those who plan to attend act early once registration opens to assure they have the opportunity to attend this can’t miss event.” The NPAA continues to grow rapidly and 2018 is shaping up to continue the NPAA’s movement onward and upward.
About the National Professional Anglers Association:
The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) is a non-profit, member-based association dedicated to sportfishing. The NPAA’s membership is composed of professional guides, tournament anglers, angler educators and sportfishing/marine industry professionals who are passionate about the sport.
The NPAA’s mission is: “To increase the professionalism of our members as we work to grow and protect sportfishing.”
The NPAA is proud to have a very substantial list of Partners that support its efforts as an association. A complete list of those partners can be found on the NPAA Partners Page at http://npaa.net/partners/
More NPAA partner, member and industry news can be viewed at www.npaa.net
The Preserve Academy, located at The Sporting Shoppe & Range at The Preserve, offers a wide curriculum of firearms safety and tactical training classes taught by NRA Certified Instructors.