Irvine CA, March 4th, 2026- The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) will host the 2026 NBDA Retailer Summit West March 16–17, convening Specialty Bicycle Retailers, suppliers, advocates, and industry leaders for two days of candid conversation, forward-looking strategy, and practical insight at a defining moment for the bicycle business.
As retailers continue to navigate the aftershocks of unprecedented market swings, shifting consumer behavior, margin pressure, inventory recalibration, and the rapid evolution of e-bikes and service expectations, the Summit arrives with a clear purpose: to reset, refocus, and equip Specialty Retailers for the road ahead.
"This summit is about clarity and confidence," said Heather Mason, Executive Director of the NBDA. "The last five years tested every assumption our industry held. Retailer Summit West is where we slow things down, learn from what just happened, and focus on what Specialty Bicycle Retailers need to do next to build durable, profitable businesses."
The Retailer Summit West main-stage agenda brings together some of the most respected voices in bicycle retail, supply, data, and industry analysis, each addressing a critical piece of the modern retail puzzle.
Retail Whiplash: What the Last Five Years Taught Us About the Next Five
Keynote | Donny Perry
Author, speaker, and retail leader Donny Perry opens the Summit by unpacking the extreme swings from 2020–2025- from famine, to feast, to hangover- and what they revealed about consumer behavior, inventory risk, capital management, and operating models. His session focuses on how smart retailers are positioning themselves for 2026–2030 with discipline, flexibility, and sharper decision-making.
Why Transparency Wins in Modern Bike Retail
Keynote | Brett Lang, CEO, Ikeono
Drawing lessons from Domino's Pizza's transformation, Brett Lang explores how transparency, expectation-setting, and proactive communication can radically improve trust, reduce friction, and elevate the customer experience in bike sales, fulfillment, and service.
Take the Lane
Keynote | Bill Schouman, VP, QBP Industry veteran
Bill Schouman shares perspective on leadership, resilience, and the role specialty retailers play in shaping the future of the bicycle category.
E-Bikes Reimagined: Global Data, Used Market Insights, and the Road Ahead
Keynote | Alessandro Pregel, Sourcing Lead, Upway
What happens after the first owner rides away? Alessandro Pregel delivers rare insight into the global used e-bike market, drawing from Upway's international data to highlight resale trends, product longevity, accessibility, and what the secondary market means for future growth and pricing.
The Power Struggle: A Brief History of Supplier/Retailer Relationships
Keynote | Rick Vosper Longtime industry analyst and columnist
Rick Vosper traces the evolution of supplier–retailer dynamics, from Schwinn's original dealer agreements to today's complex ecosystem, offering critical historical context for modern challenges.
Building Trust in Your Relationships
Keynote | Robert Margevicius, Senior Advisor, Specialized Bicycles
In a volatile global environment, Robert Margevicius reframes trust as a strategic advantage, outlining six operational pillars that turn honesty, reliability, and cooperation into resilient, anti-fragile supply chains.
The Summit also features two forward-looking panel discussions designed to bring retailers directly into the conversation:
State of the Industry: Where We Are, Where We're Headed, and What's Next
A candid discussion on supply conditions, retailer health, inventory levels, and 2026 opportunities, followed by live audience Q&A. Panelists include Bill Schouman (QBP), Michael Potter, Rob Kaplan, David Devine, and Spencer Hennigan.
Powering the Future: The State of E-Bikes, Safety, and Rider Education
An open discussion on e-bike definitions, e-moto concerns, safety, retailer guidance, and rider education, featuring Mike Fritz, Jay Townley, Michael Pasquali, Clint Sandusky, and Beth Black.
Bikeflights-sponsored networking breaks, vendor expo, and open mic Q&A sessions are woven throughout the agenda to encourage meaningful peer connection, supplier dialogue, and real-world problem solving.
"The Summit isn't about predictions from the sidelines," Mason added. "It's about Specialty Retailers learning from each other, hearing unfiltered insight from partners, and leaving with a clearer plan for how to operate, invest, and lead in the next chapter of this industry."
Registration for the 2026 NBDA Retailer Summit West remains open, with space limited. For full agenda details and registration information, visit the NBDA.
Any questions about partnership opportunities or involvement with the Retailer Summit should be directed to NBDA Executive Director, Heather Mason, at heather@nbda.com.
###
About the National Bicycle Dealers Association
The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) is a non-profit organization that represents independent bicycle retailers across the United States. The NBDA provides a variety of resources and programs to support the growth and success of independent bicycle retailers, including advocacy, education, and networking opportunities.
