Kayak Fishing Seminars - 2015 Great Alaska Sportsman Show

Ok, I'd like a little input from the folks here.

I have agreed to do three seminars on behalf of Alaska Raft and Kayak on Kayak Fishing at the Great Alaska Sportsmans Show April 3,4, & 5.  They are one hour seminars each. 

I don't have any issue with public speaking as I did quite a bit of it for work in the past.  But 60 minutes will go pretty fast and I have never done it for anything other than work.  I know a few folks on this board are veterans of seminars and such and have done it for years.  I'm pretty passionate about kayak fishing but its hard to believe that I have barely been doing this for five years so I know I don't have the monopoly on good ideas.

So a little help please!
 

My basic outline so far is:

A) INTRO:Why Kayak Fish
B) Kayaks
C) Safety Gear
D) Fishing Gear
E) Location/On-water considerations (Tides, wind, current, etc)
F) My "Secret" Spots and fishing schedules...that can be found online.

What do you think is important or interesting for folks?  I am going to give the presentation at a level assuming these folks already know how to fish.  I've also told the folks I'd make myself available for Q&A at their booth so I can use most of the time to hear myself talk though questions are always welcome.  The seminars are in the bleachers.  I'm not dragging my kayak up there...I don't think...

I will likely use a powerpoint and videos.

So any words of wisdom or advice from those with experience would be welcome!!!  Equally important would be anything anyone on this board would be interested in learning if they went to something like this.  I am trying to balance the subjects, but the main point is to increase participation up here in Alaska and hope AK Raft and Kayak make a few sales.

They don't have the schedules up but the dates they reserved are below.  Stop by and say hello if you get a chance!  Friendly faces always welcome...thinking I might have gotten myself into something a tad over my head.  lol.  Oh well, everyone has their first time.  haha.

- Friday at 6:00PM on Stage 4

- Saturday at 5:00PM on Stage 4

- Sunday at 11:00AM on Stage 2

http://greatalaskasportsmanshow.com

I've done a few Kayak Fishing talks at the Sportsman's Shows down here.  My best advice is to keep it simple. Most of the folks that came to my seminar were new to kayak fishing but I did have a few that had kayaks.  You might ask for a show of hands to see who has kayak fished before.  I like to talk 3/4 of the time and open up the last bit to Q&A.  Having your rigged kayak there as a prop is a plus.  I found that people that asked questions often had more questions afterwards that I could answer after the talk or in the booth.  Power Point is great for keeping people engaged.  Good photos and lots of fish porn!   Good luck!

Thanks Brad!!! Just got the confirmation for the times listed above!  Would be great to see fellow NWKA folks who could share their experience as well!!!!!

If I'm in state that weekend, I can lend some support. Should know in about a week. If nothing else, I can provide a critical eye for your slides -- copy edits and such. I spent 10+ years lecturing undergrads with presentation software utilized heavily. Simple rule of thumb: more art, less words.

Here's a few things I picked up from our January show. Try to be really general with your info. Like Brad said, most of your audience are new to the sport, or learning before they jump in. Plus with your preset amount of time, you'll run well over if you dive too deep in any one subject. I had to do a lot of trimming and modifying on my slide show to stay in the parameters. People that are looking for specific answers or techniques will ask you on the side. You'll learn a lot doing Friday's show, and Sat-Sun will be guaranteed home runs! They're a great time! have fun with it!

Try to get them to move the seminar to the Fish pond, then you can show the people how it is on the water and maybe get one of those 30" brood stock rainbows to pull you around the pond!

Try to get them to move the seminar to the Fish pond, then you can show the people how it is on the water and maybe get one of those 30" brood stock rainbows to pull you around the pond!

LOL.  Now THAT would be ultra cool!  Even get to demonstrate self-rescue!  Haha.  Move over kids!  THIS is WAY more important!!!!!!!!!

So Friday I have my first seminar on Kayak Fishing South-central Alaska.  Should be interesting.  I have never done anything like this outside of work. 

So here's a promotional piece I did for social media and such.  As a disclaimer I am not officially affiliated with Alaska Raft & Kayak, Hobie, or Kokatat.  Alaska Raft & Kayak generously donated the time slots for the seminars.  They do sell Hobie and Kokatat gear.


A draft of the slides I created in Keynote.  the intro video is 45 seconds and then its 5 seconds a slide unless it has transitions.  Seems a little busy. Might cut it back some more.  I have an hour which means I have 45 minutes max.  I have time at the booth afterwards for Q&A.

Any constructive criticism welcome!!!

I would take out the music during the globe part it just doesn't fit the rest of the show, I would also switch the intro part to the end, the video starts out like purely and advertisement for Hobie and Kotakat.

 New people who are at the seminar looking for the meat and potatoes of what kayak fishing is might lose interest right away. Its put together way to well to cut out or change though, clips are good and the music fits well.  Seeing that the seminar is sponsored by Alaska raft and kayak I wonder if it would be beneficial for them to see that section last and have AK raft, Hobie, and Kotakat be what is fresh on their minds.

Its well made either way, just my thoughts

Rudy, see you next friday.

what time are you going on Sat? I'd love to come by and learn what you know!

You'll be great. You are a natural storyteller! Enjoy, man. You've earned these stripes.

Sry didn't see this Jeff. One more At 11am on Easter...odd.  It's been fun if not a little nerve racking!!

Heard your talk on saturday. Thought you did a great job, excellent presentation and very inspiring.   Thanks for all the info!