SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA (BRAIN)—Interbike recently announced that this year's OutDoor Demo and International Bicycle Expo is on schedule to exceed last year's show in record net-sold booth space, and pre-registration numbers indicate solid attendance.
"After a record 25th Anniversary show last year, we've worked hard to make sure this year's show is even better," said Lance Camisasca, Interbike's show director.
The first two days of the industry-only bicycle show, September 24-25, start with a greatly improved expo area at the OutDoor Demo in Bootleg Canyon, Nevada, where bicycle retailers and members of the media will be able to test road and mountain bike products from more than 120 bicycle and accessory manufacturers. The 2007 OutDoor Demo exhibit footprint is 59,800 net-sold, square-feet and still continues to grow as some exhibitors increase their space and others return to the event.
The indoor portion of the show, the International Bicycle Expo, which runs from September 26-28, boasts 309,565 net-sold, square-feet of exhibit space. The figure equates to 3,096 individual 10-x 10-foot booths.
Companies such as Easton Bell Sports, BH Bikes/Pivot Cycles, Cervelo, Kona, Full Speed Ahead, Giant Bicycle, Seattle Bike Supply and Thule increased their booth spaces significantly, and two notable additions to the show are Tour De France/Worldwide Cycle Supply and Gatorade.
Last year's show was the largest footprint in Interbike's history and this year's show will exceed that record. In addition, close to 30 countries will be represented ranging from Andorra to the United Kingdom.
"We considered doing a dealer event separate from Interbike," said Don Palermini, brand manager for Bell Sports. "But, ultimately we came to the conclusion that our dealer's time is a valuable commodity and that they are best served by the Interbike format where they can visit all of their suppliers in one trip. It works for the dealers and it works for us, so we've actually increased both our presence on the show floor as well as at OutDoor Demo."
Besides booth space, another indication of the health of the industry and the show is pre-registration numbers, which currently show a 6 percent increase in individual retail stores as well as a 4 percent increase in individual buyer attendance.
"As with last year, Industry manufactures continue to create dynamic products to address market opportunities, such as high fuel prices, global warming, child obesity, etc.," Camisasca said. "This year we're providing great venues for product exhibitions, product testing, media activity, retail education and bicycle advocacy.
"We have also partnered with several industry members to provide new and interesting networking opportunities for making new friends and catching up with old ones. Whatever their reason for attending, our goal is to make sure everyone has a successful show and a strong return for their investment," he added.
For more information about exhibiting at Interbike and other events and marketing opportunities surrounding the show visit www.interbike.com
