PARK CITY, USA – Last weekend the North American bicycle industry gathered at Deer Valley Resort for the 1st edition of DealerCamp. This innovative outdoor demo and expo event attracted retailers from
120 shops in 31 states and one Canadian province. A total of 220 shop representatives attended, previewing 2011 product from 53 bicycle industry brands. Both retailers and exhibitors were positive about the event’s location, timing and format.
“I had time to talk to vendors and to demo bikes, which was great,” said Tracy Player, buyer for Cambria Bicycle Outfitter in Cambria, California. “I didn’t feel like I was competing for face time. And the business cards I pocketed were from the heads of companies. If you want to talk to leaders, you have a better chance of doing it here than at a big trade show.”
“We created DealerCamp to provide an intimate opportunity for bicycle suppliers and retailers to conduct business in a bike-friendly setting that has outstanding road and off-road demo terrain” said Lance Camisasca, president of organizer Lifeboat Events, “The event’s mid-summer timing optimizes the industry’s evolving product and buying cycles.”
Pat Cunnane, president and CEO of Advanced Sports International, said, “We were able to save time and money by holding our national sales meeting right before this event. This allowed us to get some big orders confirmed during DealerCamp.”
Lifeboat Events also held a DealerCamp advisory board meeting during the event. Industry leaders from Advanced Sports International, BH/Pivot, BionX/Magna Marque, Ibis Cycles, Marin Bikes, Quality Bicycle Products, SCOTT USA, Shimano, SRAM and WTB serve on the board to provide feedback on DealerCamp’s format and timing.
Lance Camisasca, president of Lifeboat Events, said DealerCamp met all of its goals. “We set out to create an event that focuses on quality, not quantity. Seventy percent of the attending retailers were shop owners, managers or buyers. Our exhibitors recognize the value of interactions with these key decision makers. And retailers appreciate the opportunity to test and order new product in person at the right time in the buying cycle.”
DealerCamp will return to Deer Valley next year. Lifeboat Events plans to announce 2011 dates later this month.
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