In an effort to meet the changing needs of attendees and exhibitors, Health+Fitness Business Expo & Conference (HFB) said will hold its annual trade show in Las Vegas Sands Convention Center September 22-23, 2010, adjacent to and during the 2010 Interbike International Bicycle Expo. Both events are run by Nielsen Expositions.
Interbike is one of the leading international bicycle trade shows and will be held September 20-24 at the same location. Health+Fitness Business Expo & Conference (HFB) was scheduled to be held on August 6 and 7 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.
According to organizers, HFB exhibitors will be in an expanded ballroom adjacent to the Interbike Expo, allowing Interbike and HFB attendees to move easily between the two shows. According to a recent survey conducted by HFB, 27% of Interbike buyer attendees sell bike and fitness equipment, adding nearly 3,200 potential buyers to the 300-plus fitness-specific buyers expected to attend 2010 HFB.
“Hosting Interbike and HFB at the same time and the same venue will make fitness retailers trip to Vegas more effective and valuable across the board,” said Andy Tompkins, HFB and Interbike show director. “The industries that HFB and Interbike serve have very complementary missions of selling innovative products and services that promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle. This natural synergy should provide both markets crossover buying audiences, and new professional networking and educational opportunities that will only make the respective shows stronger and more cost effective for all.”
Organizers noted that the fitness industry has struggled with market consolidation with fewer specialty stores serving that market. HFB is changing with the industry’s landscape with the new location and dates, as well as programming designed to address the concerns and wishes of industry stakeholders.
Octane Fitness, a confirmed exhibitor for 2010 HFB, strongly feels that the HFB show provides critical value to the fitness industry and is changing to meet the industry’s needs.
“The investment and commitment to attend the show allows manufactures and retailers critical face time to test and experience new products as well as develop a strategic plan,” said Ryan Pertile, Octane Fitness marketing manager. “In our industry, new and innovative products need to be experienced first hand, and I think the co-location with Interbike will allow more retailers that experience.”
With the new HFB format, HFB exhibitors and Interbike exhibitors and will be exposed to broader range of retail buyers.
“Fitness equipment has been an offset for our seasonal bike business for a number of years,” said Chris Kegel, owner of Wisconsin-based retailer Wheel & Sprocket. “However, due to scheduling conflicts and timing, we havent made it to many HFB shows over the years. Combining the two shows will be more convenient and an efficient use of our time.”
As a result of the co-location, HFB attendees will also benefit from the extensive retail business educational programming presented by Interbike. After-hours events will also give attendees and exhibitors opportunities to network in a more dynamic industry setting.
“It’s a new era for the show and were excited for the change,” said Dai Manuel, chief operating officer of Canada-based retailer Fitness Town. “I was disappointed with exhibitors commitment to last year’s show and am hoping this move will result in more buy-in from manufacturers. Well be there- I liked Denver, but who doesnt want to be in Vegas?”
