OAK PARK, IL (BRAIN)—Bob Lickton is heading up efforts to form an association to represent the interests of brands that exhibit at Interbike.
Lickton, owner of Lickton Supply Corporation, sent out a letter yesterday asking companies to join the North American Bicycle Exhibitors Association, which would offer a platform for members to discuss and potentially influence show direction, future dates and location.
“In lieu of the recent fiasco surrounding the 2011 Anaheim show, we have realized that exhibitors need to have both a solid influence in the industry and an organization to express its best wishes,” Lickton said in the letter.
About 60 exhibitors have requested to join the association so far, according to Lickton.
In the same letter, Lickton asked exhibitors whether they’re happy with the established Sept. 12-16 dates or if they think October presents a better time. Though Interbike has set its show dates for Sept. 12-16 in 2011, Lickton said the week of Oct. 17-21 is still open at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas.
“Not only are the early September dates only two weeks after Eurobike, making it hard for exhibitors showing at both shows, for us in the Midwest we are still in our high sales season,” said Lickton, who takes up a booth at the annual trade show to display his Air Caddy bicycle shipping containers.
“From what I know, Interbike can still change to the later dates without a penalty. So I sent out more than 940 faxes and emails to other exhibitors to see what their preference is,” Lickton said.
Interbike show director Andy Tompkins said he was aware of the survey Lickton is circulating but emphasized that Interbike is committed to the September 12-16 dates next year.
“We haven’t had any formal contact with him about his plans. Since his letter references Nielsen Expositions, we want to reassure exhibitors that we are not involved with his efforts and reconfirm that the dates for the 2011 Interbike are set,” Tompkins said.
—Matt Wiebe
mwiebe@bicycleretailer.com
