DealerCamp drew more than 1700 bicycle retailer and industry members to Park City, UT for three days of meetings and riding during which participants discussed, placed or took orders for more than 200 brands for SS 2012, according to show promoter Lifeboat Events. The July 26-28 event drew 648 individual retail buyers from 352 unique stores. Vendors had 740 staff on hand.
DealerCamp returns to Deer Valley Resort in 2012 on the 22-24 of July, with a continuing mission to offer both retailers and manufacturers the opportunity to take advantage of a critical mass of brands and participate in the new timeframe when the retailer buying dollars are being divided up.
We essentially tripled our retail buyer and unique store attendance in only our second year,” said Lance Camisasca, president of Lifeboat Events. “Further, the exhibiting brand count quadrupled. For 2012 the bulk of our focus will be on retail buyer attendance and event enhancements. Wed like to see the retailer number grow. In large part it is a communication project in letting retailers know that they dont need an invitation, just come. Everyone is invited.”
Retailers and vendors said they liked the intimate format of the event.
DealerCamp was an awesome experience for me,” added Donnie Arnoult of Maui Cyclery in Hawaii. “The location was really nice, and I had some amazing road and mountain bike rides. It was a productive and enjoyable time for me at the event. Met some new people and got some preseason orders done. I have and will continue to recommend vendors and dealers attend your show. It was a nice change from Interbike. Im looking forward to returning again next year.”
DealerCamp newcomer Chris Speyer of Raleigh USA offered these final comments: DealerCamp was an excellent experience to connect with both dealers and vendors in a venue that is beautiful and conducive to enjoying time on the bike. At Raleigh we see it as truly important to support events that encourage our industry to come together in one place to share ideas and inspiration, and from our perspective, this has become a meaningful event to participate in. Wed encourage our dealers and vendors to mark the 2012 event on their calendars now.
