Doubts on Interbike's Switch to August 2011

LAS VEGAS, USA – The new schedule for 2011 was much discussed on the Interbike show floor which closed its doors last Friday. Although the 2011 dates were announced just before the start of Interbike, exhibitors and visitors were clear in their opinions ranging from negative to doubtful. For next year Interbike has been scheduled from August 8-12 in Anaheim, California, USA.

“August is peak season for bicycle retailers in the US and many of them they will have no time anymore to attend this show”, said Barry Schmitt of Quality Bicycle Products. “Besides peak season, a lot of retailers are also visiting the private shows of brands like Trek, Giant and Specialized late June up to early August.”

Others were more indifferent about the new schedule. “Regardless if the show takes place in August, we will be here”, said Valentino Campagnolo. “The timing is no problem for us regarding new products.” He admitted August is holiday season in Italy making it more difficult to recruit staff for the booth, “but we follow the market and if the market wants us here in August, we will be here.”

“We admit the new schedule raises a lot of questions and we also realise that we have a difficult job convincing people that the second week of August is the best timing for Interbike next year”, said Interbike show manager Andy Tompkins. “Any change in the show’s timetable and location will meet with difficulties as people have to adopt and get used to it.”

Tompkins continues: “The decision was taken after extensive discussions with retailers, manufacturers, distributors and our key partners, the associations that represent them - the National Bicycle Dealer Association (NBDA), Bikes Belong Coalition and the Bicycle Product Supplier Association (BPSA). The consensus suggests that migrating show dates to early August is in the best long-term interest of the industry.”

Interbike said goodbye to Las Vegas with a successful edition. Most exhibitors were satisfied with the number of visitors and positive on their order intake. According to the official preliminary statistics just over 24,000 people visited Interbike, up 3% on 2009. The total number of retailers/stores remained the same as in 2009 at just over 4,000.