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 | Leave a Comment
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 | Leave a Comment
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:
Aug
11
SoBi – The Social Bike System Wireless Bike Share Program
Filed Under Advocacy, Cycling, Green Efforts, Interbike, Video | Leave a Comment
According to an article I read today on social media news site Mashable, a new bike sharing program – the Social Bike System (SoBi for short) – is set to debut in New York City this Fall. What’s unique about this bike share program is that the system uses a wireless Android or iPhone-based mobile phone app to find and unlock the bikes. The finding part is not new, though, since I remember playing around with the app from the French Velib bike share system when I first got my iPhone almost two years ago. I always chuckled when it would inform me that the nearest available bike was located just 5,767 miles away in a neighborhood in Paris.
The wireless unlocking part – or how you access the bikes themselves – is interesting and, allegedly, cheaper and easier to manage than other existing systems.
Watch founder Ryan Rzepecki explain the system in the video below and read more about the program in the original article here. SoBi themselves can be found at www.socialbicycles.com
If you like what you see, you can vote for them in the Pepsi Refresh Competition.
The Social Bicycle System from Ryan Rzepecki on Vimeo.
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.
Jun
2
You know, when we launched the Urban Legend fashion show at the 2008 show, we really tried to create a different kind of fashion show. The focus of the show would be on urban and utilitarian cycling wear, emphasizing the growing community of designers of cycling apparel that deliberately didn’t look like traditional technical cycling clothes. This was apparel designed so that the wearer would not draw a second glance from others when not astride a bike. With the growing use of bikes for everyday transportation in recent years, we endeavored to give members of the industry a glimpse at a trend that was largely being created outside of the mainstream bike industry.
While the concept of models dancing on a stage in bike wear seems to work in Europe, we didn’t believe that the format was ideal for the US market and the style of apparel we were looking to feature. In search of the right format to showcase this apparel at the show, I came across a video of Momentum Magazine’s small fashion show that they had put on in an art gallery in Vancouver the previous year. The concept of the models actually showing the outfits while riding bikes on a small bike path throughout the audience was genius. A quick phone call to Mia at Momentum got the ball rolling and we’ve had two great fashion shows so far that have really struck a cord with the industry and cycling community.
But while the dancing-models-on-a-stage concept might not have worked for Urban Legend in the late 2000’s (aughts? ’00’s?), it obviously has worked at Interbikes past. Take a look at this scan that I took from the 1984 Interbike event guide.
In 1984, Interbike was in Las Vegas and the Rams were still based in Los Angeles. For those not in North America, the Rams – now based in St. Louis – are a professional gridiron football team. I can’t think of a choice of models more diametrically opposed in both appearance and spirit to those we’ve used in Urban Legend than pro football cheerleaders. Though judging by the number of ads in the magazine for super shiny bright skin-tight Lycra jerseys and shorts, I suppose they were an appropriate choice for the styles popular at the time.
There are some choice quotes from the text to enjoy along with the mental image that the thought of mid ’80’s cheerleaders conjures, too:
Star attractions of the show will be the L.A. Rams Cheerleaders, fresh from an appearance on the George Burns television special.
I’d bet that they’d also been featured in an episode of the Love Boat.
While she wouldn’t reveal specifics prior to curtain time, she hinted at some truly memorable moments–including a slow-motion triathlon…
Now that’s a coincidence. I performed a slow-motion triathlon once, too. But unfortunately, it was at the Cape Cod Sprint Triathlon back in ‘93.
Not surprisingly, it was my one and only tri.
I’m clearly having some fun at the expense of my predecessors here at Interbike who worked hard to bring you this show. But lest you think that I have something against cheerleaders, here’s a photo of me at the Tour of Palm Springs a few years back with the Xavier Prep School Saints cheerleaders who were enthusiastically welcoming all riders into one of the rest stops.
May
17
It’s (the official) Bike to Work Week! I know a few cities and areas have already held their own BTW days, but according to the League of American Bicyclists, this week is the real deal. As long as we’re talking official, Bike to Work Day is this Friday the 21st of May.
For most Americans, it’s time to break out the 10-speed or the old mountain bike for their annual bike commute effort. For most readers of this blog, though, I would assume either an existing regular or occasional bike commute or, as is the case with me, the kick-off event to “bike commute season.” My bike commuting is not so much weather influenced (San Diego/Orange County weather anyone?) as it is by the distance and kids’ schedules. School summer vacation schedules typically make my 44.8 mile (according to Google’s biking directions) each way commute possible. I throw in a Metrolink train between Oceanside and San Juan Capistrano to trim some time off Google’s estimated 4 hour and 8 minute ride to work (and actually enjoy the ride up the coast with views of the Pacific and the surfers and dolphins playing in it).
Speaking of Google biking directions, below is Google’s widget that you’re able to embed on your website. In the spirit of Bike To Work Week, I have it pre-populated with our office’s address in case you happen to be coming down to visit us and can use a bike. The widget’s also there to motivate/assist my co-workers planning to ride to work this week who don’t normally do so and help us do well in the Specialized Commuter Cup challenge. You can do it team!
May
14
NBC’s Today Show Commuter Challenge Video
Filed Under Advocacy, Cycling, Green Efforts, Interbike, Video | 5 Comments
I think we all know who wins all the annual “commuter challenges” put on by various media companies. Here’s NBC’s Today Show’s “Ditch the car for a healthy commute” challenge for this year with Al Roker turning the pedals (on a folding bike!), Matt Lauer taking the subway and a bus and Meredith Vieira braving the New York City streets in a car.
It’s a decent show of the common sense aspect of using a bike to get to work. They even have an “expert” on who highlighted some important stats such as how most Americans live within 5 miles of work. The focus is more on the health benefits, but I’ll take whatever positive mention of cycling the mainstream media give us.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Self Magazine, featured in the video, has a “Biking Guide” up on their site with tips and product suggestions for new cyclists.
Also interesting to note that near the beginning, Roker says it’s time to “break out the Schwinn” when referring to bikes. I wonder if “break out the Trek (or Specialized) would mean more to people under 40?
May
13
Video: IMBA Public Lands Initiative launch at the BLC
Filed Under Advocacy, Cycling, Industry News, Interbike, Video | 3 Comments
Been working on this one a while. Gosh, the BLC took place almost a month ago at this point. But for those of you who have dabbled in video editing and posting online, it’s a few orders of magnitude more time and effort than just writing a blog post. Add in some still unresolved (and very frustrating) technical issues that prevented me from uploading this video in any format from any of three different computers at work (both Mac and Windows) and you have a video that’s a little past its prime in the timeliness category.
BUT, the content more than makes up for it. I’d heard going into the this morning session at the annual spring gathering of the bike industry’s leaders that there was going to be an announcement made by one of the advocacy groups. When I saw Tim Blumenthal of Bikes Belong, Jenn Dice of IMBA and then the CEO’s of the two largest US bike companies, Mike Sinyard of Specialized and John Burke of Trek, walk up onto the stage, I had a feeling it would be something big. I reached for my little Sony point-and-click digital camera that also shoots video and captured the proceedings. Who knew it would be so compelling?
If you didn’t read the coverage or were not fortunate enough to be present, here’s the background. The BLC this year hosted about 200 “heads of state” of most of the major bike manufacturers and suppliers in the United States. Pretty much a who’s who of the industry including the presidents, CEO’s, general managers, owners and/or marketing directors of companies like the two listed already, plus Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo, Raleigh, Dorel, Performance, Scott USA, Ritchey, Giant, Haro, Crank Brothers, SIDI… you get the idea. They all gather to network, improve the business climate, discuss the state of the industry and work on areas to improve conditions for cyclists and ultimately grow sales of bikes. It’s really an amazing event and, as is the case with many conferences, the time during the meals and breaks in between sessions are some of the most beneficial and gratifying. I make it a point to find a table during the meals with no one I know to force myself to make new acquaintances and contacts. With essentially everyone in the room being a client of ours in some way, you can understand the value in attending for us.
So, apparently, in the weeks leading up the BLC, Jenn Dice from IMBA had been discussing with John Burke about some serious new challenges that they were facing on access issues. John asked what IMBA needed to mount an effective defense and he in turn committed to supporting it. He also told her to reach out to “Mike over at Specialized.” With that base of initial support from the two big guns in the industry, they decided to formally announce the new Public Lands Initiative at the BLC and to take advantage of all the assembled people with enough authority to write big checks on behalf of their corporations to try to reach the funding goals for the program.
Following the introductions and speeches by Dice, Burke and Sinyard, was an amazing sign of industry solidarity, belief in the role of advocacy in growing the industry and more than a little peer pressure. While many companies committed right there on the spot, many more joined in throughout the rest of the day and the conference (after a quick call to their CFO back home, perhaps?), and the $300,000 first year goal was surpassed and approached the two-year $600,000 goal finishing up at $587,000. Pretty amazing.
The quality of the video is not great as a result of the device and the indoor lighting and sound, but the spirit is inspiring. I caught a number of companies making their on-the-spot pledges of support and tried to note them all during the video. I added the complete list of 38 companies (including us, of course!) at the end. And remember, it’s not too late to email Jenn and make a pledge if your company hasn’t already. Retailers: note in the video that your peers at Wheel & Sprocket and Performance join in with support in the video so don’t feel like this is only a supplier issue!
Here’s a link to IMBA’s official news release about the initiative.
Apr
12
Show director’s thoughts on Taipei Cycle Show trip
Filed Under Deep Thoughts, Industry News, Interbike | 2 Comments
I’m still getting back into the swing of things after my first business trip to Asia, specifically to visit Taipei Cycle Show (March 17-19, 2010). I was very impressed by the hospitality and efficiency of the Taiwanese, and can clearly see why they have become such a major part of the bicycle industry.
And while I was there I felt like a celebrity – because the subject of Interbike came up a few times. As a matter of fact, the Interbike show was referenced specifically by Taiwan Bicycle Exporters Association (TBEA) Chairman Ying-Ming Yang who declared Taipei Cycle was set to take overtake Interbike as the world’s number two show (Link to release).
A few people have asked ‘is this true?’ or ‘how do you feel about that?’ so I wanted to take a few moments to examine this statement.
My first reaction is of course is to congratulate TAITRA and Mr. Yang on a well-run, dynamic show and for attracting record attendance. That is no small feat given the economic environment we are all facing. Looking through all of TAITRA’s releases and post show statements, I’m not sure which specific metric, other than pure booth and exhibitor numbers, Taipei is citing to make claims on its world ranking. A show’s size doesn’t necessarily dictate its ultimate power, importance and strength.
As Bicycle Retailer and Industry News stated in its show wrap-up coverage, it’s hard to judge which numbers a trade show is citing when it talks about growth – total attendance, retail, consumer, or buying power. All of these factors play into what determines a healthy and successful show for the industry and the markets it serves.
More to the point, both Taipei and Interbike are both unique parts of a very efficient global trade show cycle, which also includes Eurobike and many other shows, and are designed to serve the production, buying and selling needs of an entire planet. Very few markets can boast they have arrived at such an efficient model.
Interbike is the predominant show servicing the North and South American markets. While these economic centers have been hard hit by the recent downturn, they are emerging from this period stronger and the cycling markets stand to benefit as a result of increased economic activity. These markets represent significant potential for growth in the next five to ten years as more consumers look toward to cycling as a means to facilitate transportation, lifestyle and recreation. Interbike will continue to serve as the primary means to interact and influence these key buying sectors.
In the trade show season cycle, the Taipei Cycle Show is predominately a product managers and importers/distributors’ show. Bicycle product and purchase managers attend the show to see what’s new from Taiwanese component and frame manufacturers to make their spec’ing decisions for the next model year’s product lines. After they have nailed down their product lines the next step is for them to show their new products to retailers, and that’s where the next phase of the trade show season/buying cycle kicks in with Interbike, Eurobike and other national or regional shows.
The success of the 2010 Taipei Cycle means that bike exports are on the rise, which will ultimately benefit the North / South American market which Interbike serves. As many U.S. managers and I discussed, we hope a good deal of the 4.3 million units shipped from Taiwan for an average price point of $290.54 in 2009 (which is expected to grow by double digits in 2010) will ultimately translate to strong sales and margins on sales floors all across North and South America.
So once again, congratulations to TAITRA on an amazing Taipei Cycle. We should all be excited that the first trade show leg of 2010 was a huge success, because that momentum should carry over to the industry as a whole. Regardless of the trade show, the goal is to provide the best show experience and the best business opportunity for exhibitors, retailers, bicycle advocates and the media. At the end of the day Interbike, big, small or somewhere in between, will provide a unique and powerful buying opportunity for the markets it serves.
Andy Tompkins is the VP/Show director of Interbike.