Hardly think that many people will be contacting the editor, seems like everyone has pulled out, I have been in the USA for the last 7 days and everyone is sayng what a none event it will be

The visit of Steve Fenton is a non-event? Really? Say it's not so.

I can assure you many people have pulled out, siting reasons of it is too expensive, they dont get sales from it as everyone has already seen the new stuffI, dealers dont want to travel there, and also the old one of " if so and so is not going " I am just finishing today a 10 day trip in the USA and have asked the question may times.THe answers are clear, hence we pulled out as well and will use the money to go direct to customers we have here

I am sorry to hear that so many people are planning to stay away from the show. As a small company whose product must be sampled, Interbike is THE most cost-effective way for me to get our product into the hands of retailers. I see this non-attendance as a downside to the "Big Boys" who bring their accounts to a private show without the "noise" of the little guys. Of course, none of these companies would have grown to the size they are without starting at Interbike (or in the old days, BIO, CABDA, or the New York Show). I know as I used to work for one of the "Big Boys" when they did every show.

I understand that if a dealer only plans to carry nothing but one or two major lines of bicycles and that company's attendant accessories, there's no reason to go to Vegas. However, if they are interested in more cutting edge products (Exo-grid anyone?) and developing trends, then Interbike is the place to see it, touch it or taste it.

Hoping you'll be there,
Mark Ritz
General Manager/Roaster
Kinetic Koffee
www.kinetic-koffee.com

Hey, Mark, I'll seek you out. I bought the Aeropress after watching the demo with Rich Kelly at Sea Otter!

Oh, and don't fret about Steve Fenton's views, he's talking about small vendors, not the big boys. There's still lots happening at Interbike, including launches not seen at Eurobike. The UK market is heavily dependent on the US and Interbike is still a key show to attend.

UK market influenced by Interbike ???? how much influence does Taipei have compared to Interbike I wonder. I would guess in terms of what happens in UK the influence is Taipei #1 Eurobike # 2 and Interbike # 3. I was not talking about small vendors, I was clearly saying that the big boys have pulled out and hence the reason other are cancelling. I do recall Carlton saying that Taipei has no influence on UK market, but I bet the top 10 suppliers to the UK market would say otherwise in terms of business done, but what influences an editoral person obviously depends on what the show organisers shove up the editorial peoples noses to make them write about their shows.

I think trade shows are key for exposure, but its definitely very tough for the small brands to afford to go year after year.

I realized that its not like the fashion industry which has a lot of business actually being done... its more of a meet and greet and lets take a chance to hang out with a bunch of people who have the same interests... which is fine, but I would have rather written a lot more orders too.

Sea Otter is way more effective for exposure to the public which is a great way to establish a brand for less dollars... at least if you are local to Monterey, CA.

Suffice to say Evomo will not have a booth this year, but rather I have set up meetings with people who are serious about business and marketing opportunities... maybe I will see you on the floor Carlton... either way I do enjoy a few days off, buffets, shows and even a few rides... which I am proud to say I will be joining the Wounded Warrior Project for the Solider Ride on Thursday. A very worthy cause!