SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA—Interbike flipflopped its decision late today to move the industry's tradeshow to Anahaim in early August, saying instead it would return to Las Vegas.
The 2011 indoor show will be Sept. 14-16 at the Sands Convention Center, preceded by Outdoor Demo at Bootleg Canyon on Sept. 12-13.
"The announcement that we were moving the show dates and location elicited a very real response that surveys and discussions alone couldn't accomplish," said Andy Tompkins, Interbike show director. "Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to this year's show and the countless conversations we've personally had with exhibitors and retailers regarding the future dates and location of Interbike, we are reversing our earlier decision to move the 2011 show to Anaheim in August. We are hearing loud and clear that, at this time, the industry prefers September dates and the convenience of Las Vegas."
The 2012 show also will be held at the Sands in Las Vegas September 19-21 with the Demo September 17-18.
The attention brought by news of moving the show to August allowed the entire industry to examine how it utilizes Interbike, what the show means to the marketplace, and helped solicit real and frank opinions from every sector of the industry. Based on this feedback and the success of Interbike 2010, the show will move back to September in Las Vegas.
"Interbike has always been and will continue to be the industry's show," Tompkins said. "We have heard the market's passion and commitment to this event and we want you to know that we are listening. We believe the new direction will best serve the current needs of the marketplace."
Check back on www.bicycleretailer.com tomorrow for an updated story.
—Nicole Formosa
nformosa@bicycleretailer.com
