EXPO ALERT: Chicagoland’s Ultimate Outdoor Expo Returns to the Schaumburg Convention Center January 24-27, 2019

THE PROGRESSIVE® CHICAGOLAND FISHING, TRAVEL & OUTDOOR EXPO ANNOUNCES 2019 FEATURES AND SEMINAR LEADERS

Chicagoland’s Ultimate Outdoor Expo Makes a Splashy Return to the Schaumburg Convention Center January 24-27, 2019

Cast a line out to the Progressive Insurance Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo, taking place at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, this January 24-27 and reel in the best deals and seminars of the year. Featuring more than 100 travel-related exhibitors and a seminar lineup featuring the most the elite anglers in the industry, the Progressive Insurance Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo welcomes guests old and new to learn, see, shop and enjoy. From stocking up on the latest gear from major tackle manufacturers, to buying a new fishing boat or even booking a trip, the Expo is the ultimate one-stop outdoors experience.

Fun and Exciting Features at This Year’s Show:

·Lure Like the Pros at The Hawg Trough
The Hawg Trough is a massive, 5,000-gallon fish tank that houses monster Large Mouth Bass. Guests will have the chance to learn from the pros as they demonstrate the latest lures and how they behave in the water.

·Family Fun at the Fishing Simulator
Grab a rod and go fishing! This realistic fishing simulator allows the user to experience all the excitement of catching a fish through a large screen TV. The pull on the line even simulates the action of the fish!

·Musky Madness Friday, January 25
After a day of seminars featuring tips and tricks from some of the most notable Musky anglers, Angler Jim Saric will host a Q&A forum, giving guests the chance to win the ultimate Musky Tackle Package. The package will include a St. Croix Rod, Daiwa Reel and Stormr Strkyr Jacket.

·Respect and Revere the Great Outdoors
Get up close and personal with the birds of prey with the assistance of trained Raptor Handlers from Wings and Talons: Raptor Education, Stewardship and Conservation. Guests will have the opportunity to see and learn about animals such as the Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Western Screech Owl, American Kestrel and two Red-tailed Hawks, as well as learn about preservation and conservation. 

Seminars Hosted by the Industry’s Most Elite:
In addition to hearing from Pro Favorites like Seth Feider and John Crews, guests should expect an exciting weekend full of engaging and informative seminars including:

·Thursday, January 24: Bass Fishing with Brandon Palaniuk
One of the most popular pros and 2017 Angler of the Year, Brandon Palaniuk is known for his success on the Bass fishing tournament circuit. He will be sharing his secrets at the show in two seminars: “Winter Bass Tactics” at 1:30 p.m. and “Tips for More Bass Fishing Success” at 5:30 p.m.

·Friday, January 25: Fish Like Hall-Of-Famer Joe Bucher
National Freshwater Fish Hall of Fame Inductee Joe Bucher is one of the most highly regarded multispecies authorities in the outdoor trade. Having founded Musky Hunter Magazine and pioneered many of the Musky hunting techniques that have since been adopted by many, Joe will be hosting “Overlooked Tricks That Trigger Bigger Fish Strikes!” at 4:00 p.m.

·Saturday, January 26: Enjoy the Love of the Sport with “Z”
One of the most recognizable faces in outdoor television today, Mark Zona is the current host of “Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show” on the Outdoor Channel, which encourages outdoorsman to have fun with fishing. Zona will be sharing his passion and approach to the sport in his seminar “In Pursuit of Monster Smallies” at 1:30 p.m.

·Sunday, January 27: Bassmaster Junior National Champion Carter Wijangco
Naperville native Carter Wijangco has been fishing since he was in Kindergarten. Four years into the tournament circuit, he earned 1stplace in the Bassmaster Junior National Championships in 2017. Speaking to novice and aspiring anglers, he will host “Angling for All Ages” at 1:00 p.m. during the show’s “family day”.

Fast Facts
WHEN: The Progressive® Insurance Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo will be open Thursday-Sunday, January 24-27, 2019.  Show hours are as follows: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday, January 24, and Friday, January 25; 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday, January 26; and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, January 27.

TICKETS:  Tickets are $13 for adults and $3 for children ages 6 - 11. Tickets to the show can be purchased here.

MORE INFO: For more information on the Progressive® Insurance Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo, visit:www.sportshows.com/chicago or connect on Facebook, or Twitter. #CHIFishShow2019

EXPO ALERT: CHICAGOLAND FISHING, TRAVEL & OUTDOOR EXPO 1/25-28, 2018

CHICAGOLAND FISHING, TRAVEL & OUTDOOR EXPO ANNOUNCES 2018 DATES: JANUARY 25-28

Chicagoland's Ultimate Winter Fishing Event Brings “The World of Sportfishing” Indoors with a 5000 Gallon Fish Tank, Non-Stop Seminars, A Casting Pond, and Fun for All Ages

*A free Plano Tackle Box will be given out to the first 100 children, that are 11 and under, who attend the show on Sunday, January 28.* 

It’s almost winter in Chicago and that means it is time for families to plan fun indoor activities for the colder months. The Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo will be heading to the Schaumburg Convention Center from January 25-28, 2018, and their “Sunday Funday” on January 28 is sure to be fun for every member of the family. Might you be interested in covering? Children 11 and under will get in free, when accompanied by a paying adult, and there will be several unique and fun kid-friendly activities throughout the day, including:

· Kid Scavenger Hunt – Children can explore the different kid-friendly activities on the show floor and receive stamps on a checklist. Once they receive all of their stamps they can redeem their checklist for a free prize at the Grand Prize Giveaway Booth.

· BASSMaster CastingKids - The CastingKids program is easy, fun and makes fishing exciting for kids. Open to young people in two age groups, 7-10 and 11-14, the goals of these competitions are to get America’s youth involved in the sport of fishing and to foster an appreciation and concern for the outdoors. The challenge is to “cast, pitch and flip,” which are very important skills needed in order to catch a fish. Scoring is based on a points system and the young angler with the most points wins.

Put down the ice auger and join in on the fun of indoor fishing this January with the return of the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo, January 25-28, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 North Thoreau Drive. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler or anyone interested in the outdoors, the annual “Sportfishing Spectacular” offers the latest in fishing and outdoor gear, as well as an extensive lineup of seminars with top-notch local and national fishing professionals, and hands on family activities. This year, anglers will have the opportunity to purchase the latest gear and equipment from top manufacturers and retailers, book their next adventurous getaway and browse the newest state-of-the-art fishing boats on the market.

“Our team is extremely passionate about the outdoors and we are excited to bring the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo back to Schaumburg this year,” said Tod Alberto, show manager of the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo. “We aim to offer something for every skill level, and help get all outdoor enthusiasts prepared for the upcoming season! With the nation’s top manufacturers, retailers, and experts in the industry in attendance, we are proud to produce a top-notch expo year after year for the outdoor community in the Midwest.”

Featuring more than 100 travel-related exhibitors (including guides, lodges, resorts and regional promotion agencies), major fishing tackle manufacturers, local fishing retailers, and a diverse selection of fishing boats and kayaks, attendees will be able to see, learn, touch and buy everything they need for their next fishing or outdoor adventure. Expo attendees will also have the opportunity to learn something new or improve their current skill level with the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo’s impressive lineup of seminars led by expert instructors and nationally recognized fishing celebrities.

The Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo also features an indoor fly fishing pond for attendees to try their hand at casting or watch trick casting demos. Other highlights of the event include a 5,000-gallon fish tank stocked with bass and pan fish, a virtual fishing experience activity, a birds of prey exhibit, and Chauncey’s Great Outdoors, a family friendly interactive exhibit featuring snakes and reptiles.

The Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo will be open Thursday-Sunday, January 25-28, 2018.  Show hours are as follows: 12 - 8 p.m. Thursday, January 25 and Friday, January 26; 10 a.m. –8 p.m. Saturday, January 27; and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, January 18.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online and are $12 for adults and $3 for children starting at age six; children 5 years old and younger are free.

Click HERE for more information on the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo.