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Apr
28
Retailer Registration Opens with a Bang
Filed Under Attendee News, Industry News, Interbike | Comments Off
So retailer and buyer registration for this year’s Interbike and OutDoor Demo is now open. We decided to open reg a few weeks earlier than we typically do, and interest has been really strong so far. As of the release of our press release with the reg update (below) we’ve had more than 2,300 buyers register to attend the show – about a 160% lead on last year this far out from the show. From all the reports I’ve seen and from speaking with people in the industry over the last few months, I think it all points to a strong outlook for bikes this year.
And thanks for the early commitment if you’re one of those who’ve registered already!
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Retailers Registering Earlier and In Larger Numbers for Interbike 2011
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. – April 26, 2011 – Interbike opened buyer registration a month early this year and retailers are responding. Registration for the 30th edition of the industry’s leading trade show is currently at more than 2,300 qualified buyers, a 160 percent increase over last year during the same time span.
“As a buyer, Interbike offers me a chance to spend two days evaluating product at OutDoor Demo, then transition into the indoor show to look at product, reconnect with vendors, and cement deals on the products I decide that I have to have in the store,” said Ted Arnold, bike buyer at Mellow Johnny’s in Austin, Texas. “I also handle the social media for the store and our followers love the fact that we can include them in updates from the show and what we’re doing.”
The yearly pilgrimage to Interbike also offers shop owners a chance to learn from other retailers as well as leaders from across the cycling industry.
“Interbike is a great educational opportunity. I always attend as many seminars as I can and they help me rethink my business strategies,” said New York City’s Bike Habitat Owner Charles McCorkell. “Plus, we’ve found a lot of new products at Interbike that have been very successful for us. There’s just so much there if you open yourself up to it.”
“2011 registration opened with a bang, indicating retailers continue to look to Interbike as the place to be,” said Show Director Andy Tompkins. “Interbike strives to create an efficient and effective forum for a wide variety of retailers. From top 100 dealers, multi-unit and single door shops, to a growing number of dealers from South America and Asia, Interbike provides a platform to get their business done.”
Manufacturers, retailers, press and advocates representing categories across the cycling industry will converge on Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City, Nevada, September 12-13 before their meetings and presentations at the Interbike trade show at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas September 14-16.
Interbike recently provided the industry with a status update on the more than 560 exhibitors that have committed for the 2011 show. Notable returns to the show include Kona, Easton-Bell and Norco, along with a debut presence by legendary outdoor brand The North Face. To read the release in its entirety or for a current exhibitor list please visit www.interbike.com/pressreleases and www.interbike.com/exhibitorlist, respectively.
Interbike and OutDoor Demo attendee registration is available at www.interbike.com/register.
Apr
8
Buyer Registration for 30th Interbike is Now Open
Filed Under Attendee News, Industry News, Interbike | Comments Off
Registration for qualified retailers, distributors and other buyers is now open for Interbike 2011. Click here to register.
This year’s show will be the 30th edition of the bike industry tradeshow. Interbike was first held in 1982 in Las Vegas.
By the way, we haven’t mentioned or strongly promoted the anniversary until now, and this new 30th anniversary graphic will first be appearing in the next issue of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News to come out (April 1 edition). Our art director, Jennie Brewton, did a great job on the design. As a nice touch, she used a Campy Nuovo Record chainring and spider that would have been available for sale back in 1982 when the show was founded.
Apr
5
New The Spokesmen Podcast: WFSGI Takes on the UCI; P.J. O’Rourke; Venge Goes Viral and the Tour of Flanders
Filed Under Cycling, Industry News, Interbike | Comments Off
After too long a break I was finally able to participate in an edition of The Spokesmen Cycling Roundtable podcast this Sunday morning after a busy moth of traveling. With some of the other regulars also on some of those same trips – mainly the Taipei Cycle Show – there hasn’t been a new episode in about month. That’s a good thing since there was lots to talk about. This edition was hosted by Carlton Reid of BikeBiz.com and featured Tim Jackson, Chris Matthews and myself.
- The Tour of Flanders
- Specialized’s senior manager of global marketing, Chris Matthews, gave some behind-the-scenes info on their recent launch of the Venge aero road bike. Designed in partnership with legendary Formula One constructor, McLaren, the launch went viral.
- The World Federation of Sporting Goods Industries (WFSGI) has recently begun representing the bike industry as it attempts to deal with the UCI over the governing body’s rules compliance and “UCI-Approved” sticker program. At the Taipei Cycle Show, the WFSGI presented on what they bring to the table and what they’ve been able to achieve so far on behalf of the industry.
- Discussion about PJ O’Rourke’s Wall Street Journal column last Friday satirizing his displeasure with cyclists, bikes, helmets and bike lanes. Can we take the joke and will others realize it’s a joke?
- Some National Bike Summit comments
While Tim Jackson had some technical issues (and got to practice his speed typing skills as a result), it’s a good listen. Listen to it live here, or download and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes here
Mar
31
Key Brands Committing to Interbike 2011
Filed Under Exhibitor News, Industry News, Interbike, Press Release | Comments Off
We released the press release below this morning as an update on where-we’re-at for the 2011 show. Along with the notable returns to the big show by companies like Kona, Easton-Bell and Norco, we’re proud to have legendary outdoor brand The North Face making it’s debut in front of the the bike industry this year.
As for the overall number of exhibitors signed up so far, we’re just over 560. That number might not sound that impressive, but is primarily contracted companies and not all of the multiple brands that each of them may represent. When it’s all said and done, there should be well over 1,000 brands on display at the show this fall.
Also, I think this is the first time we’ve said anything about 2011 being the 30th edition of the show. Look for more about that in the near future.
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Key Brands Committing to Interbike 2011
Excitement builds as brands prepare for the industry’s annual gathering
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. – March 31, 2011 – Interbike, the cycling industry’s annual flagship trade event for the last 30 years, is quickly selling out as exhibitors large and small lock up their space for the September 14-16 show at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.
“Interbike 2011 is already shaping up to be one of our biggest shows ever,” said Show Director Andy Tompkins. “The mix of established brands that exhibit every year and companies new to the cycling industry or just new to the show provide retailers with the opportunity to see the latest offerings from every corner of the cycling world, something that can only happen at an event as broad based and well-attended as Interbike.”
Among 2011’s new exhibitors is outdoor apparel giant The North Face, which will join the apparel collections of long time exhibitors such as Louis Garneau, Pearl Izumi, Primal Wear, Gore Bike Wear, Canari Cyclewear, Hincapie Sportswear and Champion System.
“We’re steeped in mountain heritage and that doesn’t stop in the summer time– when the snow melts we love to bike,” said Aaron Carpenter, Vice President of Marketing, The North Face. “We are launching a Spring 2012 product line built around the concept of protection from the elements. Interbike is the best avenue for us to reach the independent bicycle retailer channel and we’re looking forward to participating in the bicycle industry’s annual gathering.”
In addition, several key brands are returning to the show after short absences including Easton-Bell Sports and Kona Bicycle Company. Santa Cruz Bicycles returns for 2011 after rejoining the show in 2010.
“Coming into 2011, we have a number of new products and initiatives to roll out for 2012, and we see Interbike as a critical component to telling those stories,” said Pat Hus, Director of Sales for Easton Bell Sports. “We were pleased with the date and location changes that Interbike brought to the table this year, which made our decision to come back very clear.”
These returning brands join cycling’s biggest names exhibiting at Interbike in 2011 including Advanced Sports International (ASI), Electra, Gita, BH Bikes, Raleigh, SBS/Redline, Scott USA, Pivot Cycles, SIDI and Specialized.
This year Interbike celebrates its 30th anniversary of producing trade events for the bicycle industry. Last year’s edition of the show was attended by 24,700 industry professionals, of which were 12,200 retail buyers from every state in the U.S., along with more than 1,800 international retailer buyers from 67 countries and 560 journalists.
Prior to the Interbike expo, more than 3,500 bicycle retailers and media will gather in Bootleg Canyon’s world-class cross country mountain bike trails, downhill-specific courses, pump track, closed road course and eBike demo track for hands-on experience with the industry’s latest bikes and accessories. This festive outdoor event is the leading bicycle industry demo event, imitated by many others around the world.
For more information about Interbike 2011, visit www.interbike.com.
Dec
16
Campy USA Holiday Ride
Filed Under Cycling, Industry News, Interbike, Photos, Rides | Comments Off
A holiday cycling event is the perfect catalyst to get us back into the blogging swing of things after having fallen off the wagon earlier this year. And since it’s still twenty ten, I get to avoid being lumped in with all the new years resolutions of “I’ll post more frequently this year.”
The guys at Campagnolo North America have hosted an annual holiday ride and gift drive here in Southern California for the last 3 years now. It’s a great cause and a nice chance to meet up and ride with fellow bike industry members and cyclists. Campy’s headquarters in the USA are in Carlsbad, California – about 35 miles up the coast from San Diego. You can tell the location when walking through the office and seeing the stash of employee surfboards in the back room. They’re literally about a few minute ride from some prime SoCal surf spots.
The ride took place two weekends ago, and I had the rare pleasure of also being able to ride with my wife Julie. I’m really lucky to have married a passionate cyclist, but with two small kids at home, the chances to ride together are very infrequent. With the kids settled at their Sunday morning play date, off we went.
There were about 60 people on the ride this year. MUCH better weather than last year’s un-San Diego like cold rain contributed to the the good showing. Riders from a bunch of the region’s bike companies showed up like Focus Bikes, SockGuy, Canari Cyclewear, Road Bike Action Magazine, RedKitePrayer.com, Peloton Magazine, Campagnolo (obviously) and a good showing from local bike shops. I wish I could have met everyone.
The ride rolled down the Pacific Coast Highway from Carlsbad. We first stopped at Swami’s Beach in Encinitas to regroup. This is one of the great surf spots in SoCal. Don’t let all the long sleeves and tights fool you. It wasn’t that cold. We’re just soft in this part of the country.
The ride turnaround for most of us at the top of the Torrey Pines climb near the famous golf course. Anywherebicyclerepair.com was kind to provide support and snacks at the turn around. With all the industry types and bike experts, it didn’t seem like anyone needed much help, though. Thanks, guys!
This is Julie (my lovely bride) and Mark from Canari Cyclewear. mark handles the custom apparel division for Canari. If you order your team or club stuff from them, Mark makes sure that it gets done right.
That’s Tom Kattus, the general manager of Campagnolo USA in the blue Campy jersey and our ride’s host and MC. Campy has a good man in charge of the brand here in the US. Thanks for putting the ride on, Tom!
This journalist and blogger Patrick Brady of RedKitePrayer.com. You might also know him as Padraig, formerly of BelgiumKneeWarmers fame. He came down from the LA area for the ride. Nice RKP kit, Patrick! No sign of Radio Freddy, though.
Bicycle John’s made it down to the ride. BJ’s is a great shop with a bunch of locations in the LA area. I visited their Burbank location about 8 years ago and remember being impressed that they were located right in the middle of all the Hollywood film and TV studios.
Me and the missus at Torrey Pines. She’s been riding more and even talking about getting back into racing after an 8 year sabbatical raising two kids (one of whom asked for a “road bike like mommy and daddy’s” for Christmas this year. Don’t tell her, but she’s getting a cool 24″ Schwinn Midi Fastback…). Julie retired as a Cat 2, so I’m sure she won’t have any problems.
This is what it’s really all about. The guys at Campy were able to collect two huge boxes of toys to donate to kids who will need some extra love this holiday season. Personally, I’m jealous of the kid who’s getting that Campy gift in the picture. I’m still a kid in spirit, Tom…
Thanks again to Tom Kattus and the team at Campy USA for getting us all out for a ride together for a great cause. Looking forward to next year’s ride!
Oct
13
News: Interbike Returns to September in Las Vegas in 2011
Filed Under Attendee News, Exhibitor News, Industry News, Interbike, OutDoor Demo | 5 Comments
Here’s the press release we sent out last night announcing a change of dates for 2011 that supersedes our initial plan to move the show to August in Anaheim that we announced just prior to this year’s show.
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Interbike Returns to Las Vegas in September for 2011 Show
Show organizers respond to support for September dates and Las Vegas
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. – Oct. 12, 2010 – In response to feedback to its announcement three weeks ago that it was moving the show to August in Anaheim for 2011, Interbike today announced the 2011 edition of the show will stay in Las Vegas and will be held September 12-16.
“The announcement that we were moving the show dates and location elicited a very real response that surveys and discussions alone couldn’t accomplish,” said Andy Tompkins, Interbike show director. “Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to this year’s show and the countless conversations we’ve personally had with exhibitors and retailers regarding the future dates and location of Interbike, we are reversing our earlier decision to move the 2011 show to Anaheim in August. We are hearing loud and clear that, at this time, the industry prefers September dates and the convenience of Las Vegas.”
The indoor portion of the show will be held September 14-16 at the Sands Convention Center, with the OutDoor Demo being held in Bootleg Canyon September 12-13. The 2012 show also will be held at the Sands in Las Vegas September 19-21 with the Demo September 17-18.
The attention brought by news of moving the show to August allowed the entire industry to examine how it utilizes Interbike, what the show means to the marketplace, and helped solicit real and frank opinions from every sector of the industry. Based on this feedback and the success of Interbike 2010 (see press release), the show will move back to September in Las Vegas.
“Interbike has always been and will continue to be the industry’s show,” continued Tompkins. “We have heard the market’s passion and commitment to this event and we want you to know that we are listening. We believe the new direction will best serve the current needs of the marketplace.”
About Interbike
Interbike (a business unit of Nielsen Expositions, the parent company of the Outdoor Retailer (OR), Action Sports Retailer (ASR), Health+Fitness Business, and Fly Fishing Retailer trade shows) is a full-service trade show company that creates, markets and produces high-quality expos and educational conferences. Producers of the OutDoor Demo and Interbike International Bicycle Expo, Interbike is the leading bicycle industry business-to-business event management company, bringing together top manufacturers, retailers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of cycling. Interbike (www.interbike.com) gathers more than 1,100 cycling-related brands and close to 23,000 total attendees annually.
# # #
Aug
30
U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer to Speak at Opening Day Press Conference
Filed Under Advocacy, Attendee News, Cycling, Events, Exhibitor News, Industry News, Interbike | Comments Off
In case you haven’t seen the news yet, we’re pretty excited to have cycling’s biggest advocate and ally on Capitol Hill coming to Interbike this year to speak and visit with the industry. The focus of his talk will be on the future of cycling related legislation, especially important now that the next transportation bill is being worked on.
If you’ll be at the show, you should really come down to see this. It’s before the show floor opens and we’ll be serving coffee. Think of this as bringing a small slice of the National Bike Summit to you.
Here’s the full press release:
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. – Interbike today announced that it will open its 2010 International Bicycle Expo in Las Vegas with a special press conference featuring keynote speaker U.S. Representative and Congressional Bike Caucus founder Earl Blumenauer of Oregon. Interbike Show Director Andy Tompkins and Bikes Belong Coalition (BBC) President Tim Blumenthal will introduce the congressman and make a few brief remarks.
The purpose of the press conference is to welcome the industry to Interbike 2010, share information about the industry’s show and its future direction, and hear from Blumenauer and Blumenthal on the state of cycling legislation and future government activity on behalf of bicycling.
Blumenauer’s visit comes at a critical time as the U.S. government continues to work on the next transportation bill, which will set the tone for cycling infrastructure investments during the next six years. The Congressman will outline where bicycling stands, and where it’s going. He will pinpoint what the industry can do to support the cause. Following the press conference, Blumenauer will spend the day at Interbike visiting with the industry.
The press conference will be held Wednesday, September 22, 8:00 a.m. in Casanova Room 603, which is on Level One of the Venetian Las Vegas. All show attendees are invited to attend.
Blumenauer will also be the guest of honor at the BikesPAC fundraising reception hosted by Bikes Belong on Tuesday, September 21, the night before the press conference.
Blumenauer was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, where he quickly established a unique role as a leading proponent of Livable Communities–places where people are safe, healthy, active and economically secure. He continues to lead the Congressional Bike Caucus and he makes most of his daily trips in Washington by bicycle.
Before moving to Washington, Blumenauer was the Commissioner of Public Works in Portland, Ore., and helped the city earn an international reputation as one of America’s most livable and cycling-friendly cities.
Aug
17
2010 BMX Rail Jam Rider List Posted
Filed Under Attendee News, Events, Industry News, Interbike | Comments Off
Yeah, the post title’s a little redundant. Like there’s other types of rail jams, right?
Well, the sponsors of the rail jam at Interbike (S&M Bikes, DC Shoes and the Shadow Conspiracy) just announced the final rider list for the event. It’s by invite only, so you can expect to see some top riders at the show.
Check it out:
Jun
29
Increased interest from international and returning exhibitors results in demand for more booth space
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. – June 28, 2010 – With just under three months until Interbike’s International Bicycle Expo 2010, Interbike today announced net-sold, square-feet exhibit space at the Sands Convention and Expo Center has surpassed the 2009 show, with only limited amount of exhibit space still available.
Exhibitors from Europe, China and Taiwan have shown increased interest in Interbike’s marketplace necessitating the expansion of all of the show’s international pavilions for 2010. In addition, the show is welcoming the return of several significant domestic brands to the expo.
“As with any trade event, Interbike has been part of the normal ebb and flow of the bike industry’s business needs, marketing plans and the economy,” said Andy Tompkins, Interbike show director. “As this year’s floorplan suggests, Interbike continues to be an important business destination on the industry calendar, and has only become a stronger venue for domestic and international brands and retailers to gather.”
All of the International Pavilions have increased their booths for Interbike 2010. The China, Italy, Japan and Taiwan areas will each have a larger presence on the show floor, featuring more international manufacturers from their respective countries.
Additionally, the rapidly diminishing available booth space at Interbike 2010 is in part due to key manufacturers, including Advanced Sports, Shimano, Specialized and SRAM, upsizing their displays.
Several brands such as Santa Cruz, Swobo, and Castelli are returning to Interbike in 2010 following time away from the show to propel their marketing and sales objectives into 2011.
“While we are still huge fans of the OutDoor Demo, indoors is really the best venue for the social part of the business,” said Scott Turner of Santa Cruz Bicycles. “What we missed while being away from the indoor Interbike for the last few years is the ability to see all our dealers, industry partners and media friends in one place at one time. We’re excited to have the three extra days in a more relaxed atmosphere to talk about bikes. We are also bringing Swobo brand along with us this year, so there’s a lot to talk about!”
In addition to its comprehensive exhibitor list, Interbike continues to meet the needs of the industry by providing open lounges, fashion shows, indoor electric bike demo track, a variety of seminars and a highly effective venue for conducting business in the bike industry.
“The convenience of convening the industry at one time and in one place is unbeatable,” Tompkins said. “Interbike will always be a cost effective and straightforward business solution for the industry.”
For more information on procuring a booth at Interbike 2010, please contact sales manager Andria Klinger at 949.226.5745 or andria.klinger@nielsen.com.
About Interbike
Interbike (a business unit of Nielsen Expositions, the parent company of the Outdoor Retailer (OR), Action Sports Retailer (ASR), Health+Fitness Business, and Fly Fishing Retailer trade shows) is a full-service trade show company that creates, markets and produces high-quality expos and educational conferences. Producers of the OutDoor Demo and Interbike International Bicycle Expo, Interbike is the leading bicycle industry business-to-business event management company, bringing together top manufacturers, retailers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of cycling. Interbike (www.interbike.com) gathers more than 1,100 cycling-related brands and close to 23,000 total attendees annually.
The Interbike 2010 trade-only events begin with OutDoor Demo (September 20-21, 2010 in Boulder City), followed by the Interbike Expo, September 22-24 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Jun
28
Taiwan Bike Industry Makes 3 Year Commitment to Bikes Belong
Filed Under Advocacy, Cycling, Industry News, Interbike | 1 Comment
Just a quick post today resulting from some the good news I just received from Bikes Belong concerning Taiwan’s bicycle Industry announcing today that they have made a three year financial commitment to support BBC’s efforts to grow cycling in the US. Good for society and good for business.
The Taiwan Bicycle Exporters Association (TBEA) has committed $50,000 per year for three years to the Bikes Belong Foundation. The investment will go toward Bikes Belong’s Bicycling Design Best Practices Project, which works to increase bicycle use in America by adapting and implementing state-of-the art international best practices in infrastructure and urban design to make bicycling safer, more comfortable and more appealing. The SRAM Cycling Fund has matched this $50,000 contribution for 2010.
Read the rest of the news release here.