Read in latest issue 2023.ICRBE is in limbo due to costs with an expected announcement soon.
This would be my first one and I was looking forward to it.
I noticed tix are only $10/day or $15 for both.
Even in tight times that seems like an extreme bargain, especially for something we all enjoy so much.

Would it help you out Tom if you raised ticket prices $5, $10??
And would most be in favor as a way to keep it going?

Hello Todd.

I am amenable!


Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

As this is a massive show for the Rod Building community we want this to continue! We feel this is not only about connecting with our community, but also a great place to get with old friends and meet new ones! We have attended EVERY ICRBE and we know how important this show is for many rod builders!

Tom, If you see this please reach out if there is anything American Tackle can do to help! We love this show and it is something we all look forward to every year!

Kevin Landers

Marketing Manager
American Tackle Co.

As far as rod building events go the Expo is a pretty high class affair. I suppose something could be done on a less grand scale but then you would be back to the type rod buildiing event sthat only draw a few dozen people. Doubt many vendors could come out without big attendance numbers. Cost is going up on everything for everybody these days.

That's a drop in a bucket compared to thr Sportsman Shows. 25 dollar tickets, 25 to park + waiting for a bus to ferry you to thr spot. Just wish these events could be closer to home.

70% of the custom rod builders live east of the Mississippi River. Because most want to be able to buy blanks and components and drive them home, you need to locate within a one-day drive for most people. Go too far north or too far south and you've failed and your event will fail - people can only take off so much time from work for travel not to mention the cost of a couple extra nights of hotel stay. Schedule at the wrong time of the year and it'll fail. Put it too close to areas where bad winter weather events are likely and it'll fail. Locate it in a city where event venues, hotel rooms and food are expensive and it'll fail. I didn't locate the Expo in NC because I live here - I located it here because it ticks all the right boxes.

My understanding of rod building demographics is one of the major reasons the Expo has flourished while all the copycat events have been one-and-dones.

We're still negotiating and I will make a decision shortly.

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In a “down year” due to Covid and other factors hit has numerous new vendors, and many longtime ones - perhaps some with smaller footprints that in the past but I think I everyone was hedging due to Covid.

As an attendee and exhibitor I hope to see it continue….

Saturday's attendance at this year's 2022 event set a new one-day attendance record. Turnout was strong all-around. But costs are rising rapidly. Up 20% last year and I've already been presented with another 20% increase for 2023.


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I agree with others it’s cheap at double the price
Gladly pay more , the savings on 2-3 blanks alone cover the admission
The classes are priceless
The location is great easy to get too and the
Marriott Is right with the price
Local restaurants are affordable
It’s like A short inexpensive vacation.

Tom, as usual, we always have a great time at the Expo. Either as an attendee, or renting a booth, need 2 for 2023 as an exhibitor, or presenting a demo. We all dislike price increases, but now days it is a fact of life. Barry and I fully support a price increase. It is a win, win situation. We always meet new people, share our talents and even old farts like me learn something new every year. It will work out, looking forward to 2023....