LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA (BRAIN)—Following the successful inaugural DealerCamp in July, Lifeboat Events has announced some positive changes for the event in 2011, including lower pricing, more subsidized retailers, and the addition of a VIP consumer access program.
The 2011 outdoor demo and expo event will take place July 26-28 at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah.
To improve the value proposition for exhibitors, Lifeboat Events has simplified booth sizes into six options and lowered the pricing for key booth sizes. Early-bird discounts offer substantial savings for companies that commit soon.
“For a first-time event, the Lifeboat Events team hit the ball out of the park this year,” said David Zimberoff, global marketing director for SRAM and a member of the DealerCamp advisory board. “Now they are taking the time to talk to exhibitors and find out how to create an even better event. The new pricing makes DealerCamp an outstanding value—frankly, it’s a no-brainer for us.”
Another critical component to DealerCamp is attracting the right number and quality of retailers. In 2011, Lifeboat Events plans to subsidize 25 percent more retailers—a total of 125 retail businesses. In addition, Lifeboat Events is simplifying the subsidy program, offering increased subsidy amounts and allowing retailers to arrange their own lodging.
“I think that DealerCamp is a great idea. The subsidy is awesome—it really helped us make it a reality,” said Davis Carver, owner of Bath Cycle and Ski in Maine. “The feel of the venue was such that we could actually sit down and talk business.”
Lifeboat Events selects subsidized retailers from target lists that exhibitors provide.
“It’s an excellent process,” said Lance Camisasca, president of Lifeboat Events. “The exhibitors tell us who they want to nominate. Then we merge the lists and invite retailers to receive a travel stipend of up to $800 per business. Retailers told us they are thrilled to go to a cycling playground and test hot new products from top suppliers.”
All other qualified retailers are welcome to attend at their own expense.
Another way DealerCamp will stoke the engine of the bicycle industry in 2011 is with a consumer component. In this VIP program, each subsidized retailer can handpick a select few consumers to receive All Access Passes to DealerCamp. This will give top customers a chance to voice their opinions on store product selection.
This is the first time in recent history that a major U.S. bicycle trade event will have a consumer component, according to a press release. Details of the program will be announced later this fall.
Other enhancements to DealerCamp include expanded exhibit space options and meeting rooms—all within walking distance. Lifeboat Events also plans to improve event amenities, adding trail mapping and route options, a wi-fi lounge in the expo area, on-site concessions and group rides led by cycling celebrities.
For more information, including details about exhibitor pricing and the Retailer Subsidy Program, visit bikedealercamp.com (click on link).
