2009 Australian Fishing Tackle Show, August 8 – 10, Gold Coast Australia - TRADE ONLY

The 2009 AFTA Tackle Trade Show will take place in the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach, Queensland. Opening hours are 9am to 5.30pm on the Saturday and Sunday, and 9am to 3pm on the Monday.

EXHIBITOR INFO

You can book a stand at the Trade Show from as little as $1749 (the AFTA member rate).

If you’re on a really tight budget, however, you can lower the cost of exhibiting even further by sharing a stand with another wholesaler. If you want to share a stand, just be sure to let AFTA know so they can arrange for you to be mentioned in AFTR magazine before the event. All exhibitors in shared stands who aren’t already AFTA members will also need to apply before the Show.

Exhibitor information is available from the Show Organiser at show@afta.net.au or on +61 2 9695 7799. If you would like to know more about the venue, there is plenty of information at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre’s website at www.gccec.com.au.

VISITORS

Entry is free for AFTA members and $10 for non-members. If you want to beat the wait on the registration line at the Show, it is recommended that you pre-register on this site. There are both member and non-member registration forms, and non-members also have the option of applying for membership. You can also pre-order tickets for the Best Of Show Awards Party on this site.

At present the online registration facility is open only to retail visitors. Wholesalers and media organizations who are not exhibiting can pre-register by contacting AFTA direct. Entry to the Show for these wholesalers is restricted to Monday only.

Members of the general public have no admission to the Show.

TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION

Inexpensive domestic airfares to the Gold Coast are available at www.virginblue.com.au and www.jetstar.com.au, with prices starting from around $120 return ex-Sydney.

Accommodation venues with special rates are shown below. When booking at Jupiters or Sofitel always ask for the Australian Fishing Tackle Show rate.

Conrad Jupiters Casino - (07 5592 8100 or 1800 374344)

5 Star hotel

Single Double or Twin, room only. Suites available.

Casino, 5 restaurants, 24-hour room service, 9 bars, Jupiters theatre live shows, pool, walking track, fitness centre, spas and massage service, specialty retail stores, hair and beauty salon, business centre, 250m walk to venue by overhead footbridge. Headquarters Hotel.

Sofitel Gold Coast - (07 5570 0377)

5 Star hotel

For visitors who would prefer to stay in an apartment, the following resorts provide special discounts when you book online:

Phoenician Resort Apartments – Book online at www.stellaresorts.com.au

5 star apartments.

All apartments feature wide balconies, kitchen with microwave and dishwasher, laundry, direct dial phone, cable TV, CD radio player, audio visual security. Resort facilities include outdoor and indoor heated pools, gym, sauna, and spa. 300m from venue, 200m from beach. 3 nights minimum.

Mantra Broadbeach on the Park Apartments – Book online at www.stellaresorts.com.au

4.5 star apartments

The resort offers guests a variety of modern and spacious one, two and three bedroom air-conditioned luxury apartments. Key features are professional on-site management team, heated pool incorporating lap pool, spa, sauna, steam room, gymnasium, barbecue area, games room, conference room and under cover car parking. 300m from venue, 200m from beach.

Websites such as wotif.com.au and expedia.com.au have useful info on alternative accommodation in Broadbeach and the wider Gold Coast area.

FREE ENTRY TO PRO-AM COMP

Show visitors and exhibitors are entitled to free entry to the ABT BREAM Pro Am on the morning of Friday August 7, where they will be paired with tournament pros to fish the Gold Coast’s bream-filled canals and rivers. Boats will be provided by the pros, and there will be prizes on offer for both industry members and tournament anglers. A complementary breakfast will also be provided after the weigh-in.

For more information or to secure your place in the Pro Am, contact ABT on (07) 3387 0888.

FISHING AND TOURIST ACTIVITIES