DEER VALLEY, UT (BRAIN)—A mid-afternoon thunderstorm Thursday drenched exhibitors as they unhooked trailers, set up tents and assembled bikes in preparation for this morning’s kick off of DealerCamp.
Preston Martin, one of BTI’s co-founders, standing under rain-soaked tent, said if he can meet with 50 dealers during DealerCamp’s two-day run starting today, he’ll be pleased with his decision to come to this Utah mountain resort.
“When SRAM and Shimano said they would be here, I made the decision to come. That sort of legitimized the event for me,” he said.
BTI, a Santa Fe, New Mexico, distributor, hopes to boost dealer interest in its Commencal, Voodoo, Cinelli and Charge bicycle lines. BTI is the U.S. distributor for these niche brands.
QBP’s Todd Cravens voiced the same hope. The Minnesota company has 12 staff members on site to show off its Civia, Salsa and Ridley line of bikes as well as Lazer helmets and Fulcrum rims. NuVinci and QBP will also host separate receptions at the Park City Marriott tonight for all attendees.
And Scott USA, a major event supporter, has dozens of its bikes under a tent at the exhibit site, a parking lot across from the Silver Barron Lodge, plus an indoors display with almost every product in its extensive line for dealers to preview.
Scott Montgomery, Scott’s CEO, said he and his staff have encouraged dozens of dealers, particularly in the Western United States, to come to DealerCamp. “We have almost everything here,” he said.
A reception Thursday night brought in more than 350 people including both retailers and exhibitors. And an auction to benefit the U.S. Cycling Hall of Fame brought in more than $3,600. Lance Camisasca said the auction was to benefit the museum and its restoration projects. “They have thousands of items that need to be restored and they need raise awareness in the industry,” Camisasca said.
(PHOTO: Attendees bid on items for the U.S. Cycling Hall of Fame at a late evening reception at DealerCamp).
—Marc Sani
msani@bicycleretailer.com
