Interbike said the number of retail stores that sent representatives to the show last week increased 4 percent over last year, although overall retailer attendance declined slightly as each store sent fewer people on average.

Interbike expected a minor dip in retailer attendance after eliminating the Health+Fitness Business Expo this year – a show that attracted buyers from both cycling and retail fitness stores in North America. The reduction in the number of attendees per store reflects a trend across many tradeshows.

However, as show producers are fond of saying, it is the quality of the retailers attending a show rather than the number that matters to exhibitors and many exhibitors left the show impressed.

“This was the busiest and most productive Interbike we’ve had in years,” said Bernie Doering, SVP Global Sales for BRG Sports. “Our sales and product staff were busy with dealer showings from the opening bell, and our booth was filled with retailers from open to close. A fantastic show overall for all of the BRG brands.”
 
“Outstanding show! Leaving Vegas with a briefcase of orders,” said Kevin Wren of Wren Sports via Facebook.
 
The overall footprint at Interbike was approximately 328,000 net square feet, representing the largest show to date. Friday’s Customer Appreciation Day netted almost the exact same attendance as the 2014 edition, but an increase in retailer attendance for that day boosted overall traffic.

Interbike will provide a more detailed dive into attendance makeup in the Post Show Report, which it expects to  distribute by Mid-October.
 
“As Interbike continues to evolve as a show, I’m so grateful for the support our industry showed this year, as the passion and excitement from our tribe was stronger than ever,” said Pat Hus, Vice President of Interbike. “When racks are empty at OutDoor Demo and booths are packed during Interbike, I know the magic of the show (the connection and interaction between retailer and exhibitor) is happening. The fact that we were able to increase the number of stores that attended this year gives me confidence that we are on the right track. We also heard from some non-participating brands that plan to be back at the show for next year based on what they saw and heard in the aisles – this is great news,” Hus added.

Interbike returns to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center beginning with OutDoor Demo in Boulder City, Nev., September 19-20, 2016, followed by the Interbike Expo September 21-23, 2016.

Established in 1982, the show gathers more than 1,200 cycling-related brands, over 25,000 total attendees annually and is considered one of the most important global trade events for the bicycle industry.

Interbike is one of 90 premier trade events owned and operated by Emerald Expositions, a leading producer of large business-to-business tradeshows, including Outdoor Retailer.