MONTEREY, CA (BRAIN)—Organizers have finalized the agenda for the 2011 Bicycle Leadership Conference to be held this April.
"The industry is challenged today in a number of areas: margin maintenance with parts and accessories, how to respond to the Internet evolution, and how we're being depicted with doping in professional cycling, amongst others," said John Nedeau, president of the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association which sponsors the conference.
An advisory group led by Nedeau reviewed poll data to help determine the topics deemed most relevant for the industry leaders that attend the event, according to a press release.
"We received a very strong response to a rather exhaustive survey. The industry is clearly engaged in evaluating the challenges and opportunities the future holds for our sport," said Frank Yohannan, who organizes the conference held April 12-14 in tandem with the Sea Otter Classic, promoted April 14-17 at the nearby Laguna Seca Recreation Area.
Other advisers on the development of the agenda included Ray Keener, marketing director for the BPSA; Marc Sani, publisher of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News; Megan Tompkins, editor of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News, and Richard Fries, director of the 2011 Bicycle Leadership Conference.
The agenda will include:
Federal Investment in Cycling: Has It Paid Off?
It's About the Kids, Stupid: Getting Youth Back on Bikes
Our Customer, Now and Then: A Five-Year Forecast
The 99 Percent We DON"T Reach: What Keeps Them Away?
The Economy: How to Thrive in Chaos
The Internet: A S.W.O.T. Analysis (Strengths, Weakness,Opportunities, and Threats)
Social Networking: What Makes it Work for Business?
Parts and Accessories: Innovation, Diversity, Profitability
Doping: How Should the Industry Respond?
Online registration is currently open for the 2011 Bicycle Leadership Conference. Visit www.bicycleconference.com (click on above link) for information on registration, evening activities, and lodging.
Presented by the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association, the Bicycle Leadership Conference will be held April 12 – 14, 2011. The event includes the BRAINy Awards, recognizing top achievements within the bicycle industry. The BLC will be held at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, located on historic Cannery Row. The region offers fantastic scenery, golf, hiking, wineries, marine adventures, and, of course, cycling. The conference concludes with a reception and dinner at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.
