Forestville, WI -"With Driven by Passion as the theme for the upcoming National Professional Anglers Association's (NPAA) Annual Conference, anglers who attend this event are likely to get their money's worth and more", said the NPAA's Executive Director Pat Neu. Neu went on to comment, "Our list of speakers for this event is probably the best we have ever offered, with two sportfishing industry icons, Johnny Morris and Mike Iaconelli as featured speakers anchoring the lineup of speakers that are driven by their passion for angling."

The NPAA will be awarding noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris with their "Look to the Future" Award at the upcoming conference, an award given to individuals or organizations who have contributed greatly to the future of sportfishing through their efforts surrounding conservation of our aquatic resources, and/or efforts to support growth in angling participation. "The support Johnny Morris and his companies have given to sportfishing's future is undeniable", said Brian Bashore, NPAA's Board President. "To highlight Johnny's efforts to grow sportfishing and support conservation by presenting him with this award will be an honor".

"IKE (Mike Iaconelli) is the poster child for anglers who are "Driven by Passion" both on and off the water," said Patrick Neu, NPAA's Executive Director. "When we were looking for an angler whose personality and efforts off the water were the best fit for this year's conference theme, IKE's name was at the top of the list." There is no doubt that NPAA Conference attendees can count on a passionate and informative presentation from IKE!

"The featured speakers at the NPAA Conference are really just the tip of the iceberg" commented Pat Neu. The 2020 Conference will also include: a panel of industry promotional and marketing experts who will answer questions brought forth by conference attendees, breakout sessions hosted by NPAA partner companies, breakout sessions on navigating the complex world of health and casualty insurance, and new this year are two no charge workshops. These two workshops will go into depth on; how members can develop their own website in a session presented by Brain Bashore, or a workshop presented by outdoor communicator Joel Nelson on the business communication skills that are required for professional anglers to succeed.

This year's breakout session opportunities will also include a "Women Angler Roundtable" targeted at sharing the opportunities that exist for female anglers in the industry and professional angling world. This session will be hosted by NPAA Members: Barb Carey, Angie Scott and Nancy Koep. Also on the line up this year are: Lindner Media's James Lindner, South Dakota Guide/Outfitter Chad Schilling, NPAA's social media administrator Brenden Kanies, Ali Shakoor the world's foremost expert on walleyes, and a session for Student Anglers (College/High School) that will be presented by some of the most successful student anglers in the country. The conference agenda can be accessed on the NPAA website conference tab at https://npaa.net/nppa-annual-conference/.

In addition, the NPAA Conference registration includes admission to 8th annual Future Angler Foundation Benefit Banquet, sponsored by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats. There is limited seating for this can't miss event so register early! All proceeds from this banquet go to support the Future Angler Foundation (https://www.futureangler.org/).

Registration for the 2020 NPAA Conference is open and will continue on a first-come basis until December 15th, or the 450 attendee capacity mark is reached. The conference is open to non-members and members alike. Register Chula Vista Resort and Waterpark is a family-friendly venue, and they are offering NPAA Conference attendees a very special rate that includes waterpark passes for the family. To register for the conference, obtain additional lodging information, see past conference videos, or check out past conference Programs go to the NPAA website Conference Page at https://npaa.net/nppa-annual-conference/.

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