COLOGNE, Germany – Just before Christmas Georg Honkomp (photo), chairman of the powerful German bicycle buyers group ZEG, sent out a letter to his dealer members. Attached was a page headlined “Trade show 2009” that stated:
“We inform you in advance that ZEG in all likelihood will exhibit at a planned bicycle show in Munich that will open its doors from 23 to 26 July 2009. Please reserve this trade show date starting from Wednesday 22 July 2009 (general meeting).”
"We had a talk, but that's all"
This statement sparked immediate but short-lived confusion to the German bicycle industry. Messe Munich Head of Business Area Tobias Gröber responded of course the Messe is interested in new show possibilities – as any trade show organizer would be. But as far as a bike show goes, there is nothing to get excited about. He said that at present there is no decision on the subject. “We had a talk with ZEG, but that’s all.”
Taking this into account the chance of a new bike show especially in 2009 is low. Several national bike industry figures said they are not keen on a new show. Some industry observers also question if the powerful ZEG group would be able to act as the driving force behind a new show beyond the group’s headquarters in Cologne.
It's widely held in the trade show world that ZEG was part of the problem which forced the traditional IFMA fair to close its doors in 2008. Show organizers such as Messe München are also aware of this.
On the other hand there are a huge number of dealer members behind this leading bicycle buyers group. If ZEG could convince some suppliers to also exhibit in Munich, it could become interesting for show organizer Messe München.
But at the present time – and due to a last minute questionnaire on 12 January - the industry has other topics to deal besides another bike show in direct competition with Eurobike. The next step to be heavily discussed would be the stated July timing. Final conclusion: There won’t be a bike show in Munich – at least not in 2009.
- For related items on ZEG, click here
- For related items on Eurobike, click here
- For related items on Georg Honkomp, click here
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