News
Biggest-ever Interbike had best-ever Outdoor Demo attendance
Carlton Reid Oct 9 2006, 9:30pm
The five day trade show which ended September 29th in Las Vegas was the largest in Interbike's 25-year history.
The 2006 edition of OutDoor Demo had 61,400 square feet of outdoor exhibit space filled with 130 bicycle and accessory manufacturers. 6000 IBD staffers, journalists and other visitors tested bicycles and accessories on cross country mountain bike trails, downhill-specific courses, a BMX track and a closed road course.
“The industry is made up of enthusiasts who like to ride,” said Lance Camisasca, Interbike’s group show director.
“But on the business side, the OutDoor Demo gives retailers the opportunity to ride products they are interested in purchasing for their stores, along with products their competitor down the street will carry. The OutDoor Demo is a confirming period which gives retailers the chance to make an intelligent decision and then go to the indoor portion of the show and seal the deal with their chosen vendors.”
The indoor portion of Interbike consisted of displays from 735 individual bicycle and accessory manufacturers representing more than 1,000 brands covering approximately 15 acres of the Sands Expo and Convention Center. With a total of 310,000 square-feet of occupied exhibit space, this year’s event had the largest footprint in Interbike’s history.
Total attendance was close to 22,000 individual exhibitors, manufacturers representatives, buyers and members of the media, which represents a 12 percent increase over 2005. Buyer attendance was close to 10,400, which equates to a six percent increase versus 2005.
“Each year I hear people telling me how Interbike is no big deal,” said Skip Hess, president of Giant USA. “Well, when the doors opened this year, it was an invasion. High energy, massive crowds and lots of enthusiasm. We were packed solid, our people felt special, the retailers felt special, heck it was a special event.”
The dates for next year’s Interbike events are September 24-25 for the OutDoor Demo, once again in Bootleg Canyon, and September 26-28 for the International Bicycle Expo in Las Vegas.
“We had a great year celebrating our 25th anniversary,” Camisasca said. “Given the positive feeling at this year’s show and economic conditions favoring the positive impact bicycles can have by helping reduce gas usage and helping people live healthier lives, 2007 will be a great year for bicycle retailers and manufacturers. We look forward to getting everyone together for next year’s show.”
