WHISTLER, BC — May 2026 — The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) today announced the release of the full agenda for the NBDA Retailer Summit Canada, taking place July 29–30, 2026, at the Maury Young Arts Centre in Whistler, British Columbia. In a landmark decision that underscores its commitment to specialty retail, the NBDA has made admission completely free for all Speciality Bicycle Retailers, member and non-member alike, removing every barrier to participation.
The two-day summit brings together retailers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives, and industry advocates from coast to coast for a program built around one mission: unite, learn, and grow together. Running concurrently with Crankworx Whistler, one of the most celebrated mountain biking festivals in the world, the event gives attendees the rare opportunity to be at the center of two landmark industry experiences in the same week.
"Whistler is the perfect backdrop for this historic gathering- a world-class destination that embodies the spirit of cycling, community, and adventure that defines our industry. We set out to create something extraordinary for Canadian retailers, and this agenda delivers exactly that: two days of powerful keynotes, hands-on workshops, and real conversations with peers and partners who are navigating the same challenges and opportunities. Most importantly, making this event free for retailers isn't just a gesture- it's a declaration that the NBDA stands firmly behind the Specialty Bicycle Retailer. We want every shop owner in Canada to be in that room, because the future of our industry is built together."
— Heather Mason, Executive Director, National Bicycle Dealers Association
Day One: Wednesday, July 29
The summit opens with a morning of high-energy keynotes designed to set the tone for everything ahead. NBDA Executive Director Heather Mason takes the
main stage first with an opening address titled "2026- The Year of the Specialty Bicycle Retailer," challenging the industry to move beyond incremental change
and commit to real, lasting progress. She is followed by a welcome from Crankworx Founder Darren Kinnaird, whose remarks will connect the energy of the festival with the spirit of the summit.
Jim Kersten of CABDA Expo then delivers what promises to be one of the morning's most talked-about sessions: "The Cavalry Isn't Coming: Building Our
Own Future in Bicycle Retail." With his trademark passion and honesty, Kersten will challenge retailers to stop waiting for rescue and start building their own path
forward through community, collaboration, and bold action.
The morning continues with Samuel Benoit, Executive Director of Vélo Canada Bikes, presenting "The Movement for a Bicycle-Friendly Canada: Why Advocacy is the Key to Future Growth"- a forward-looking case for why unified advocacy is essential to the long-term health of Canadian cycling retail. Donny Perry follows
with "Retail Whiplash," a candid breakdown of what the volatile 2020–2025 market cycle revealed about consumer behavior, inventory, and risk- and how
smart retailers are positioning themselves for the years ahead. Rounding out the morning, marketing strategist Derrick Boatwright explores why getting found by
customers has never been more complex, and what retailers can do about it.
After lunch, the afternoon opens with a "State of the Industry" panel featuring leading voices from across the supply chain, offering a candid, forward-looking
conversation on market conditions, retailer health as well as the opportunities and headwinds defining 2026. Attendees will have the chance to ask their own
questions in a live Q&A format.
Day One concludes with the afternoon Flow Sessions- three simultaneous tracks running across the main stage, multipurpose room, and boardroom. Retailers can attend a deep-dive into the NBDA Market Intelligence Program powered by TrackFly, take part in hands-on NBDA Retailer University workshops covering financial fundamentals and inventory management, or join informal "Meet the Speaker" conversations with Donny Perry and Derrick Boatwright. The day closes with an inspiring keynote from NBDA Membership Coordinator Melanie Fry, before an optional group ride led by Heather Mason and a casual evening at High Mountain Brewing Co.
Day Two: Thursday, July 30
Day Two opens with Heather Mason's keynote "United for Success," a forward-looking call for collaboration and accountability as the industry turns summit
energy into real-world results. From there, David McKnight of UL Standards & Engagement addresses one of the most pressing issues facing Canadian retailers: e-bike safety, lithium-ion battery standards, and the evolving regulatory landscape shaping the industry on both sides of the border.
Brett Lang, CEO of Ikeono, then takes the stage with a session built around a compelling analogy - what Domino's Pizza's radical transparency transformation
can teach bicycle retailers about customer communication, trust, and service. It's followed by a session from Workstand that makes the case for why showing your inventory online has become the single highest-ROI move available to an independent dealer today. Michael Potter of Bikeflights closes the morning keynote block with a practical look at how shipping has evolved from a logistics afterthought into a major driver of customer satisfaction, margin, and operational
efficiency. The afternoon features a panel on the future of bicycle mechanics and certifications, exploring how shops are recruiting, training, and retaining technicians in an increasingly technical service environment- with live audience Q&A shaping the conversation.
The afternoon Flow Sessions then run across three tracks: a second TrackFly market intelligence session on the main stage, an NBDA Retailer University workshop on service center profitability, a hands-on "Wrenching Forward" workforce development session led by Zoe Kruchten, and Meet the Speaker breakouts with Samuel Benoit and Brett Lang.
The summit closes with Heather Mason's final keynote, "Accountability in Action," a powerful send-off that challenges every attendee to carry their summit insights back home and turn them into measurable progress. A second optional group ride and evening at High Mountain Brewing close out the two days.
Free for Retailers: A Statement of Purpose
The NBDA's decision to offer free admission to Specialty Bicycle Retailers reflects the organization's core belief that access to education, peer connection, and
industry leadership should not be a barrier for any shop. Whether you run a single-location shop in rural Saskatchewan or a multi-door operation in Vancouver, this summit was built for you, and the NBDA is removing the cost to prove it.
Registration is now open for the 2026 NBDA Retailer Summit Canada. Retailers and supplier partners can register online here.
Special Thanks to Supporting Partners
The NBDA Retailer Summit Canada is made possible through the extraordinary generosity of partners who believe in the future of independent bicycle retail. The
NBDA extends its deepest gratitude to each of them.
TrackFly serves as the Premier Sponsor of the event. Presenting Sponsors include UL Standards and Engagement, CABDA, and Ikeono. At the Platinum level, the NBDA thanks Bikeflights, Citrus Lime, and Urtopia for their support.
UL Standards & Engagement is proud to partner with the NBDA to help advance e-mobility safety," said David McKnight, head of partnerships at UL Standards & Engagement. "As the industry evolves, so must the standards and education that guide it. Together, we're empowering retailers with the tools they need to
promote safer products and a more trusted riding experience."
Silver Sponsors include Workstand, Niner, Batch, United Wheels, HLC, eBikes International, HUB, Risse Racing, and Letrigo. Supporting Sponsors Aurora
Payments, Bicycle Broker and Whistler Adventure School round out an exceptional group of partners whose investment in this event reflects their
commitment to the independent retail channel.
Brands and distributors interested in partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact heather@nbda.com for sponsorship details and available packages.
About the NBDA:
The National Bicycle Dealers Association serves as the voice of specialty bicycle retailers, providing education, advocacy, and community to support the success of Speciality Bicycle Retail businesses across North America.
About the Crankworx World Tour:
Crankworx is the ultimate experience in mountain biking. Born in Whistler, B.C. in 2004, Crankworx has evolved into a multi-stop international festival series. The
Crankworx World Tour brings together the best mountain bike athletes to compete in elite-level competitions in a variety of disciplines. Crankworx World
Tour festivals also host races for amateurs, CWNEXT categories for next-gen athletes, Kidsworx contests for young riders, participatory events, and
celebrations of mountain bike culture, all while showcasing amazing destinations. For additional information, visit crankworx.com.
ABOUT UL STANDARDS & ENGAGEMENT
UL Standards & Engagement is a nonprofit organization that translates safety science into action through standards development, partnerships, and advocacy.
Since 1903, we have developed nearly 1,700 standards and guidance documents for products ranging from fire doors to autonomous vehicles. ULSE enables
innovation and grows trust by convening experts and informing policymakers and regulators as we work toward a safer, more secure, and sustainable future. Visit ULSE.org for more information.
