IGFA Hosts First General Councils Meeting to Strengthen Global Collaboration

Last month, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) hosted the inaugural IGFA General Councils Meeting, bringing together leadership from across the organization’s regional network for an important exchange of ideas, updates, and plans.

Held virtually in February, the meeting welcomed Council Chairs and Committee Chairs from the six established IGFA Regional Councils: North America, South America, Central America & Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. The gathering served as an opportunity for council leaders to share the successes and challenges they face in their respective regions while exploring ways to collaborate more closely moving forward.

The meeting was the brainchild of IGFA Trustee and IGFA Representatives Committee Chair, Brett Cleary, who envisioned a forum where regional leaders could connect directly, exchange insights, and strengthen the global network that supports IGFA’s mission.

During the meeting, each council presented its 2026 Action Plan, outlining priorities and initiatives that will guide its efforts throughout the year. These plans will also be shared with the IGFA Representatives within each region, helping ensure that representatives remain aligned with council initiatives and opportunities for collaboration.

The discussions also highlighted several key goals for expanding IGFA’s reach and impact. These included increasing the number of IGFA Representatives in underrepresented areas of the globe, promoting available IGFA Representative tools such as the IGFA Representative Seeding Program and Tournament Relations Program, and expanding a digital library of educational “how-to” and informational videos featuring prominent industry figures worldwide. Additional priorities included enhancing the IGFA’s international presence in ongoing Angler Recognition programs, such as the Hall of Fame, Tommy Gifford, and Annual Award recipients, expanding IGFA representation at major conservation symposiums and industry events, and working collaboratively with regional representatives on proposals for additional angler recognition opportunities to strengthen IGFA’s presence and foster a more localized, regional connection with anglers.

This emphasis on communication and cooperation aligns with updates introduced during the 2026 IGFA Representative Renewal process earlier this year. As part of that process, IGFA Representatives are encouraged to maintain active communication and collaboration with their respective Regional Councils, further strengthening the organization’s impact at the regional level.

The meeting was attended by IGFA President Jason Schratwieser, IGFA Chairman Roy Cronacher, and IGFA Global Relations Manager Andy Saldana, who expressed appreciation to the council leaders for their commitment and participation. As a global organization with leadership spread across multiple time zones, the IGFA is especially grateful to the attendees who joined regardless of their local time for this inaugural and important gathering.

The success of the meeting highlighted the value of bringing IGFA’s regional leadership together. By sharing ideas, coordinating initiatives, and strengthening connections between councils and representatives, the organization continues to build a more unified and impactful global network dedicated to conservation, education, and responsible angling.

For additional information about the IGFA Regional Councils and the IGFA Representatives Program, please contact Global Relations Manager, Andy Saldana at  [email protected].