FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — Eurobike, originally scheduled for Sept. 2-5, has been moved to the late November dates that organizers previously announced as a backup.
The event will be Nov. 24-26 at the Messe Friedrichshafen; all three days will be trade-only. There will be no consumer day this year. The closing day of the event is Thanksgiving in the U.S., which could be a problem for some U.S. exhibitors.
Organizers noted that Germany has banned major events until Aug. 29, making it difficult to plan the event for the original dates.
"We are providing the first, unique opportunity for the bike industry to meet in this challenging year to maintain retail contacts and help drive new impetus," said Klaus Wellmann, the CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen.
Stefan Reisinger, the head of Eurobike, said, "Suppliers, brands and retailers are all starting the 2020 bike season facing very difficult conditions and will hopefully benefit from recovery effects over time. One thing is certain, all industry players will have to adapt to the postponed development of the season compared to previous years. The later Eurobike date gives the whole bike industry an opportunity to make plans at the end of the 2020 season for the coming sales and production season. As such, it also offers a unique chance to meet up, to exchange ideas, and to work and network this year."
Besides canceling the usual consumer day, organizers also are canceling the Eurobike Party and the event will not include bike test and demo areas.
"It is not inconceivable that we will still all be following the social distancing regulations in November," said Eurobike's project manager, Dirk Heidrich. The show will offer reduced booth prices because of the reduced schedule. They said the November dates will make it easier to find lodging in Friedrichshafen and the surrounding area.
The original Eurobike dates will be used for the "Bike Biz Revolution - Conference for Visionaries," a digital conference which will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
The digital conference will include the Eurobike Awards, Eurobike Travel Talk and Start Up Day.
FAQs for exhibitors: eurobike.com/en/meta/exhibitor/exhibitor-service/faqs-exhibitors/
FAQ's for trade visitors: eurobike.com/en/your-visit/the-eurobike/faqs-for-visitors/
