Jan
18
The Bicycle Leadership Conference begins today here in San Diego. Since I’ve been working on two of our other trade shows, Outdoor Retailer and ASR (Action Sports Retailer), that are staging next week, I had to miss the morning bike ride, unfortunately. Long week ahead for me with the BLC this weekend, then off to Salt Lake City on Monday for OR and then back to San Diego for ASR on Thursday.
It’s fun to see the gathering of the tribes, as we call the different industries, at all our shows. Each of them have their own unique cultures that come alive when they come together at a trade show. While I definitely still feel like somewhat of an outsider at these other events, it’s still a great experience. And despite their differences, they are all basically retail sports-related businesses that have many of the same issues and challenges that the bike industry has. It’s been enlightening to see how they approach them versus how the bike industry does.
That last thought applies to the BLC since they have a speaker from the ski industry bringing some insight from outside the bike world to attendees.
I’m planning to be there for lunch when the business part of the conference starts. Wonder who I’ll be placed with at meals. I met some great people at the meals last year - they were some of the best time spent at the conference.
Just like we did last year, we’ll be hosting a breakfast presentation on day two. We have an opportunity to explore new venues for Interbike since our contract at the Sands runs through the 2009 show. We’ll present some options and go over issues and realities to consider. A big part for us is to get feedback and see what the industry leaders in attendance think.
Judging from the responses we’ve gotten to our recent press release on the subject from the industry, a consensus might be tough to achieve. I’m hoping to post some of the responses soon to show how the industry is thinking…
We’ll also probably be answering a lot of question about the new OutDoor Demo East event from the industry
I think I’ve written the word “industry” enough in this post, so I’ll stop here. Hope to see you at the BLC. And welcome to San Diego, bike industry!
Comments
3 Responses to “Bicycle Leadership Conference”
Rich, I know you’re busy but I’d be interested in hearing the buzz about John Burke’s keynote later on if you get a chance to write something about it.
Armed with the support of SANDAG’s bicycle coordinator, I tried to attend the open mike at the Interbike meeting. I even camped in my RV in Mission Valley so I could get there on time for the 07:30 event.
I did not make it in time. I hope that this does not extinguish the spirit or importance of my message. San Diego is the best location in America for Interbike.
Not only do we have a large and growing Convention Center district, which includes the Gaslamp district and Petco Park, but the generous and closeby facilities of Balboa Park and the Olympic bicycle training center.
Add what is arguably the worlds most perfect weather and a light rail transportation infrastructure second to none. There are four separate commuter train services in San Diego. Amtrak, Metrolink (LA) Coaster (San Diego) Sprinter (Escondido) and all are bicycle friendly.
We don’t believe that any other west coast metro area can compare with San Diego as a host city for Inerbike.
And the County wants to extend it’s hand of cooperation to make San Diego the world’s bicycle city.
Aloha,
Bob Kiger
Globike.org
http://www.cruiserbob.com
Fritz- I couldn’t make the John Burke speech, unfortunately, since my wife was running her first half-marathon that morning. I heard great reviews of it and was really happy to see him and Trek taking part in the BLC. As the two researchers that presented findings of their research on the industry stated, cooperate more and share more data and information amongst ourselves for the benefit of the whole family.
Bob - Sorry you couldn’t make it to the presentation. There was some great back and forth discussion during the talk about various locations and everyone’s pitch for their own backyard. On your recommendation of San Diego (which came up in the discussion), there are some unfortunate limitations that prevent it from being a viable choice. Personally, I live in San Diego County myself and would love to see the show here. We even hold two other trade shows in SD (ASR) so we know the conv ctr and the area very well.
Just two of the limitations for SD that make it difficult:
1. The convention center is just not big enough to host a show the size of Interbike. That’s really a show stopper. It’s a beautiful venue, but too small for our industry’s size.
2. The airport is small, too, with its one runway. This is a major issue for the city as a whole, as you know if you live here. There aren’t enough direct flights from around the country and international flights are also very limited.
These don’t take away from the great San Diego bike culture an weather that could combine to make for a great host city.