From mayors to mass merchants to minority markets, organizers of the 2012 Bicycle Leadership Conference (BLC) are including these topics in the agenda for the April 17-19, 2012 conference.


“Last year's in-depth sessions on demographics and what's driving growth in our industry, and the discussions that went along with them, were a big hit,” said Chris Speyer, president of the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (BPSA), presenting sponsor of the annual conference. “Based on great attendee feedback and subsequent conversations, BLC 2012 will drill deeper into fewer topics, such as how to work with city government, learning from what mass retailers do, and how to find hidden markets.”


The conference will also include BPSA sessions examining industry and consumer data, as well as the Monterey Bay Aquarium dinner, Light & Motion reception, BRAINy Awards dinner, more networking time and two group rides.


“We want to let the discussions – both the formal presentations in the conference room and the informal talks in the hallways, at the dinner table, and on the bike rides – percolate through the conference,” said Frank Yohannan, president and CEO of the Sea Otter Classic, BLC host. “Cycling's top leadership attends the BLC. It's important that we leverage their experience to identify new opportunities to grow the industry. We're confident the topics and the speakers we're recruiting will do just that.”


The complete agenda for the April 17-19, 2012 conference will be unveiled at the upcoming Interbike show. Registration for the 2012 BLC will open during Interbike. For more information, stop by the BLC's booth in the upper lobby at Interbike (booth L25a), or visit  www.bicycleconference.com.


The Bicycle Leadership Conference (BLC) is the gathering place for companies from the well established to the just launched, from the current leaders to the future leaders to network, discuss industry challenges and opportunities, and share ideas on how to collectively grow the industry. Presented by the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (BPSA) and hosted by the Sea Otter Classic, the 2012 edition of the conference will be held April 17-19, 2012 at The Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa. For more information, visit www.bicycleconference.com .