After two years of considering alternatives, the management of the Interbike bicycle trade show announced that the annual industry event will remain in Las Vegas through 2012.
"The decision to keep the Interbike show in Vegas comes after years of research and communication with our retailer attendees, exhibiting manufacturers and important industry partners," said Lance Camisasca, Interbike's industry consultant. "The data and communication we have collected, along with industry recommendations from organizations like the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) and Bikes Belong, confirm our decision to keep the show in Las Vegas."
The panel had considered its options as it reviewed the show's contract with the Sands Convention Center, which expires after the 2009 show.
Among other things, members of the industry were interested in seeing the show support a more cycling-friendly city, while maintaining the best return on investment for exhibitors and retail buyers.
In identifying possible locations for the show, Interbike selected key market criteria it considered mandatory for a host venue. Interbike's top venue requirements include:
● Contiguous exhibit space of at least 700,000 gross square-feet and ample meeting room space;
● An event location where retailer and manufacturer attendance can be maximized;
● A large and diverse selection of hotels, restaurants and entertainment options conveniently located to the events;
● An international airport located within close proximity to the event with many flight options, numerous carriers and low airfare rates;
● Relaxed labor union regulations and high quality services;
● An OutDoor Demo site with great weather, extensive cross country/downhill trails and a closed road loop, and;
● An event market that is recognized as a cycling culture destination.
After determining the requirements for a potential host city, Interbike gathered research and data concerning hotel room availability, transportation costs, labor rates and convention centers in cities such as Anaheim, Calif., Denver, and Salt Lake City.
At the 2007 and 2008 Bicycle Leadership Conferences (BLC), Interbike presented to the industry host city suggestions and led roundtable discussions to assess the needs of exhibiting manufacturers.
Manufacturer feedback included keeping exhibitor costs down, continuing to attract a strong audience of quality buyers and attending media, and strengthening the OutDoor Demo events, regardless of the show'slocation.
As part of its annual post-show retailer survey, Interbike asked specific questions about retailer satisfaction with the show, its locations and potential host cities. Retailer responses included
● 96 percent of retailers surveyed were very satisfied or satisfied with their overall show experience;
● The number one and two reasons retailers attended the show were to see new products and take in a variety of product segments;
● As of the April 2008, 88 percent of retailers are planning on attending Interbike this year.
When asked which city would best suite their business needs:
● 45 percent said Las Vegas;
● 36 percent said Denver, and;
● 19 percent said Anaheim.
"While no one city is a completely perfect fit for the show, we are confident that Las Vegas continues to be the city of choice for the majority of our members," said Fred Clements, executive director of the National Bicycle Dealers Association. "After numerous communications with our members and board and reviewing the annual survey results, the proof is in the numbers. In addition to what shop owners and managers say to us and what they put in a survey, retailers' loudest vote has been with their feet by attending the show."
