GREENVILLE, SC (BRAIN)—Blue Competition Cycles, Hincapie Sportswear and SRAM are hosting the first annual Q-Fest tomorrow at SRAM's Chicago headquarters.
Q-Fest 2007 combines a Blue Competition Cycles dealer meeting and product showcase with a Hincapie Sportswear fashion show to give Chicago-area retailers an up close and personal look at the new products for the coming season. Attendees will also be introduced to the new products in SRAM's 2008 product line.
The Q-Fest is the brainchild of independent sales rep Ted Schweitzer. Schweitzer is a resident of Chicago who covers the states of Illinois and Wisconsin for the companies involved.
"Basically, I thought that this would be a fun and effective way to show a couple of my lines to dealers who have either not seen the lines in depth or who were not,
able to attend Interbike," said Schweitzer. "I also thought that this could be a great opportunity for dealers to meet some of the folks behind the Blue and Hincapie Brands."
The event is being coordinated by SRAM's dealer marketing rep Tony Francione and North American market rep Ed Nasjleti, both of whom are providing organizational and marketing support in addition to attending the meeting.
"SRAM regularly opens its doors to local sales reps and dealers in an effort to improve the communication process," said Nasjlite. "We thought Ted's idea was fairly unique, so we wanted to participate."
Hincapie retail market manager Nicole Bossie said, "Apparel can be difficult to promote without seeing it on an actual cyclist, so this fashion show is a great way for us to showcase our new line to customers. Ted has been growing our business in his territory through hard work and great ideas like Q-Fest. I'm excited to be there to talk to our customers and feel the excitement in person."
The fashion show will feature real cyclists wearing Hincapie's stylish and functional winter and summer apparel.
Georgia-based Blue Competition Cycles will have former pro racer and product development manager Chris Pic in attendance to cover the '08 line and provide insight into the design of world class carbon fiber racing bicycles.
"At Blue Competition Cycles our motto is 'Built to Win' and
that really is our attitude in regards to designing and building our bicycles as well as the level of service we provide our dealers," Pic said. "The Illinois and Wisconsin areas are some of the most cycling friendly parts of the country and we are 100 percent dedicated to maintaining healthy dealer relationships in these markets. Let's face it, with my wife winning five national titles in Downers Grove, the area seems like a second home."
Q-Fest is scheduled for 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
