Interbike reports that attendance for this year's event in Las Vegas saw a 4% increase over last year to nearly 23,000 members of the bicycle industry walking the aisles in Las Vages last week. A breakdown of the numbers indicates the show had slightly more than 11,000 buyers, which is a 6.5% increase compared to last year's show and a record for the show's 26-year history. In addition, unique retail businesses attending the show increased by 17% representing close to 3,800 unique retail businesses.
Thanks to exhibitors, attendees and other event organizers surrounding the Interbike show, the annual gathering was deemed a great success with such events as the Interbike OutDoor Demo, Tour of Lake Mead, Interbike Expo, advocacy summits, National Bicycle Dealer Association Super Seminars, manufacturer technical seminars, Interbike Media Center, the Excel Sports CrossVegas cyclo-cross race, the World Championship Sports Network (WCSN) USA Crits Finals and product launches by bicycle and accessory manufacturers.
Exhibition space for Monday and Tuesday's Interbike OutDoor Demo at Boulder City's Bootleg Canyon (Sept. 24-25) included 65,000 net-sold, square-feet of exhibit space, an increase of more than six percent versus last year's totals. Additionally, the Interbike Expo, Wednesday through Friday's indoor portion of the trade event, held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, had more than 313,000 net-sold, square-feet of exhibit space, not including thousands of square given to industry non-profit and advocacy organizations. Filling the square footage were more than 1,000 individual bicycle and accessory brands.
“Interbike continues to be the ultimate gathering for our industry,” said An Le, Giant Bicycle's global marketing manager. “Our booth was buzzing, and it was great to connect with our retail partners, showcase our 2008 product and sneak-peek future products like our hybrid power bicycles. And, events like this year's cyclo-cross and crit races gave us great reasons to leave the casinos and experience our sport.”
“As usual, the Interbike Outdoor Demo and indoor Expo gave us some great merchandising ideas and left us with difficult buying decisions,” said Bill Kegel, store manager for Wheel and Sprocket. “Each year I come to the show with a game plan for what I know I need, but without fail, exhibitors tempt me with new and innovative 'eye candy' for me to consider. This year's Interbike was another busy and productive show.”
In an effort to further promote cycling culture during the show, Interbike partnered with and promoted both the WCSN USA Crits Finals and the Excel Sports CrossVegas – two separately produced outside competitive cycling events that coincided with the show.
Wednesday night (Sept. 26), just six miles from the Strip at the Desert Breeze Soccer Complex, the Excel Sports CrossVegas race gathered more than 5,000 spectators who watched top United States and Europe-based cyclo-cross racers compete. The cycle-cross event took place on a fully-lit course that featured grassy slopes and combined high-speed riding and off-the-bike running for an exciting and fast-paced event.
The WCSN USA Crits Finals, held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Thursday night (Sept. 27), included criterium races for professional men and women, Wounded Warrior Project members, children, and the highly anticipated Industry Cup. The Industry cup featured many industry heavyweights, including a surprise entry by famed retired sprinter, Mario Cipollini. The night's event boasted more than 10,000 local and industry attendees.
“Both the Crits and the CrossVegas coincided with this year's Interbike trade show,” said Lance Camisasca, Interbike show director. “We know folks want a chance to ride and enjoy cycling while they attend the show. These events were an ideal way to boost industry visibility, camaraderie and just enjoy the sport of cycling after a long day of working the show floor. We will continue to partner with the various industry events surrounding the show to guarantee another successful show next year.”
