SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike is planning its first industry awards gala, to be held during its Las Vegas expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center this September.
The Interbike Awards will honor achievements from the 2014 product year (July 2013 through June 2014). Nominees and winners will be selected from categories including Product Innovation, Athletic Achievement, Dealer Excellence, Supplier Performance and Advocacy Efforts.
The gala will be held Thursday, Sept. 11, from 6:30-9:00 p.m.
"At its heart, Interbike has always been about celebrating the bike industry," said Pat Hus, vice president of Interbike. "Whether it's building new business relationships, introducing incredible product innovation, or just connecting with old friends over a beer, this event has long been the hub of the sport we all love. For years, we have wanted to expand on that ethos with an event to honor and highlight the achievements across our category. This year we have been able to move forward with that vision in large part because a host of strong industry brands that have partnered with us. We could not be more excited to unveil the first annual event, and I have no doubt it'll be a night to remember."
The Interbike team has tapped Verde Brand Communications to produce the Interbike Awards. Verde performs public relations and marketing services for several bike industry clients and is experienced in event planning and execution, including the annual Wolverine Industry Party at the Outdoor Retailer trade show.
Interbike has partnered with multiple media organizations and other industry organizations to curate the award categories, select nominees and choose the winners:
- Product Innovation: Hi Torque Publications (Mountain Bike Action, Road Bike Action, BMX Plus!, Electric Bike Action)
- Athletic Achievement: Competitor Group (Velo, Triathlete)
- Best-In-Triathlon: Triathlon Business International
- Dealer Excellence: Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
- Supplier Performance: National Bicycle Dealers Association
- Advocacy Efforts: PeopleForBikes
Interbike and its partners will designate multiple awards within each category, which will be announced June 1 with nominees to follow.
Tickets for the Interbike Awards can be purchased during the Interbike registration process. Advanced ticket pricing for the event is $75 per person, and includes drinks, a sit-down dinner, awards show entertainment and complimentary access to the annual Sinclair Party. Advanced ticket pricing will end Aug. 8, and prices will increase to $120.
A limited number of fully-sponsored tables and other sponsorship opportunities are available and can be purchased directly through Interbike. Contact sales director Andria Klinger, at (949) 226-5745 or andria.klinger@emeraldexpo.com for more information.
More information: interbike.com/awards.
