Aug
22
Pre Show Numbers on Schedule to Match or Exceed Last Year’s
By Rich Kelly, Filed Under Attendee News, Cycling, Deep Thoughts, Exhibitor News, Industry News, Interbike
Sent out a press release yesterday with an update on the show now that we’re a month (!) out from Interbike. I hate focusing on raw numbers since there is so much more to any story than just the stats, but before the show takes place, there’s not much else to use as a predictor.
In most cases, Interbike’s performance is really tied to and is a reflection of the health of the bike industry. This year, the conventional wisdom is that the industry is enjoying a strong period due to the continuing high cost of oil and the increasing acceptance of the bicycle as a legitimate and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.*
Regardless, I think that this year is shaping up to be another stellar show because the bicycle is very vital and present in the consciousness of the population as a means of social change both in terms of financial and environmental impact. Manufacturers and retailers are tuned into this and taking advantage of this opportunity. Add to the business side all of the other elements that take place at Interbike with the parties, riding, fund raising, racing, media coverage, education and networking and we really have the biggest true celebration of the bicycle business in the world.
Maybe not in total raw numbers, but definitely in passion and impact.
Read the release here.
* I’m reminded of something that Tim Blumenthal of Bikes Belong told me recently that we need to be careful to not be smug about the oil situation and gloat about how we are benefiting from the proverbial “pain at the pump” since there is real pain being felt by a lot of real people out there right now.
Comments
One Response to “Pre Show Numbers on Schedule to Match or Exceed Last Year’s”
That’s a good point about appearing to ‘gloat,’ Rich. I’m happy for the bike industry, but most cyclists are motorists too, and we all participate in an economy that’s primarily driven by petroleum. I paid $6.50 for a tube yesterday; yikes!