Bentonville, Arkansas - The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) is thrilled to announce the resounding success of its Retailer Summit, held May 24th- 25th, 2023, in the bicycle destination city of Bentonville, Arkansas. The event brought together key industry leaders, bicycle retailers, and enthusiasts from across the country to explore the latest trends, strategies, and innovations in the bicycle retail sector. “Tremendous! The breadth and depth of the topics discussed at the Retailer Summit were absolutely worth the trip and time. The ideas shared by the presenters and fellow attendees were all immediately actionable and not just lip service, sales pitches, or posturing; There was no fluff!” raved an attendee of 2023 NBDA Retailer Summit.
The NBDA Retailer Summit, in its inaugural year, served as a pivotal platform for industry professionals to network, exchange ideas, and foster collaborative partnerships. This year's Summit delivered an exceptional experience for all attendees who gathered at the centrally located 21c Museum Hotel.
The Summit commenced with a captivating keynote address delivered by CABDA Show Director and retailer advocate, Mr. James Kersten. Mr. Kersten’s thought-provoking insights into the future of bicycle retail and the importance of the IBD being “independent but never alone” set the stage for the enlightening discussions that unfolded throughout the event.
Heather Mason, NBDA President, presents to the attendees of the 2023 NBDA Retailer Summit.
Distinguished panelists, including prominent industry leaders from SRAM and ALTA, seasoned industry experts from UL and HPS and innovative emerging leaders from Citrus Lime and Two Octobers, engaged in dynamic sessions covering a wide range of topics relevant to the evolving landscape of bicycle retail. The interactive panel discussions, workshops, and breakout sessions delved into critical subjects such as e-commerce strategies, sustainable business practices, emerging technologies, and the power of community engagement in driving growth.
From left to right: Mike Fritz, Chief Technology Officer at Human Powered Solutions, Alessandro Pregel, Partnerships Manager at Upway, and Dr. Robert Slone, Senior Vice President & Chief Scientist at UL Solutions
“The information received was just what I needed at an unstable time in the industry. The Summit gave me fresh tangible actions to take back to the shop. Inspiring and motivating speakers with ways to make the industry better. I'm looking forward to next year's Retailer Summit. A definite don't miss opportunity for retailers and brands to come together on how we can all be better and work together as an industry to get more people on bikes!” commented a NBDA Retailer Summit 2023 attendee.
Some of the Summit's highlights included optional tours to Bentonville-based Allied Cycle Works and Northwest Arkansas Community College’s state-of-the-art Bike Lab. Each day concluded with group rides led by notable groups such as Women of Oz and All Bodies on Bikes Co-Founder Marley Blonsky.
Additionally, the Summit featured an area for sponsors to showcase products, services, and technology. This provided a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with vendors, explore new products, and gain valuable insights into the latest market trends.
Strider bikes booth at the 2023 NBDA Retailer Summit
"We are absolutely delighted with the success of the NBDA Retailer Summit," said Heather Mason, President of NBDA. "The event exceeded our expectations, bringing together a diverse group of industry leaders who are driving innovation and inspiring change in the bicycle retail sector. The stimulating discussions, invaluable networking opportunities, and collective brainstorming for growth in all areas left all in attendance inspired”.
The NBDA extends its heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors, partners, and attendees whose support and participation contributed to the success of the summit. Their commitment to advancing the bicycle retail industry is commendable and underscores the collaborative spirit within the cycling community.
Additional feedback from attendees included “The people I met and the conversations we are continuing to have are immediately impacting the future of the industry thanks to the Retailer Summit,'' and “I loved being able to be in one place with so many other industry experts! Everyone was so helpful and knowledgeable.”
As the NBDA looks toward the future, plans are already underway for the next Retailer Summit, scheduled to take place in 2024. With the continued support and enthusiasm of the industry, the NBDA is confident that the event will continue to serve as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and collaboration within the dynamic world of bicycle retail.
For more information about the NBDA and upcoming events, please visit www.nbda.com.
About the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA)
The National Bicycle Dealers Association is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of specialty bicycle retailers in North America. The NBDA provides education, advocacy, and networking opportunities for its members, and works to promote the benefits of cycling to the wider public.
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Heather Mason, NBDA President, presents to the attendees of the 2023 NBDA Retailer Summit.
