IFMA To Enter Into Discussions With Eurobike

COLOGNE, Germany (November 15) - The IFMA has accepted Eurobike's offer to enter into discussions about an alternating show schedule. Bike Europe reported about Eurobike's offer to IFMA in its October edition and on this website. After this publication Bike Europe contacted IFMA organizer Dr. Regine Kalka from the Cologne Messe to record her reactions on Eurobike's offer. Interpreting these reactions, there seems to be some shifting in the rock solid positions so far. Because like Eurobike manager Erich Reiss, IFMA organizer Regine Kalka also expresses her wish to enter into discussions about an alternating schedule. Regine Kalka became involved with the IFMA in February 2000. The International Bike Show is one of a number of shows that she manages within the Housing, Gardening and Leisure division of the Cologne Messe. When she stepped in as the new IFMA manager, she learned about the problems the Cologne bike show was facing and developed a new concept for the IFMA. Next to that, she also reflected on the concept of the alternating schedule. And she even discussed this with Messe Friedrichshafen. However, discussions ended in a rejection by Eurobike, says Kalka. Despite her surprise by the recent offer from Messe Friedrichshafen, Regine Kalka is prepared to talk again. Latest news: an Eurobike - IFMA meeting scheduled for November 20 was postponed by IFMA today. A new date for a meeting still has to be set. More about IFMA reactions on the Eurobike offer to discuss an alternating show schedule, is in Bike Europe's November edition which will be mailed next week. (JO)