Interbike announced pre-show numbers for the indoor portion of the industry’s annual gathering, the International Bicycle Expo, are expected to match or exceed the numbers from last year’s show.


The 2008 International Bicycle Expo already includes close to 312,000 of net-sold, square-feet of exhibit space, not including the thousands of square-feet given to industry non-profit and advocacy organizations. As of the release date, the reported figure represents close to 800 exhibiting companies and more than 1,100 brands.


The final net-sold, square-foot figure is expected to be close to or higher than last year’s record show. The trade-only event will be held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, September 24-26.


More than 13,000 individual buyers, representing close to 3,000 storefronts plan on attending the Interbike International Bicycle Expo, an increase of 21 percent for both figures, compared to the same time last year.


The first two days of the industry only bicycle and accessory trade show start with the OutDoor Demo in Bootleg Canyon, Nevada, September 22-23, where bicycle retailers and members of the media will be able to test products from close to 140 bicycle and accessory manufacturers and counting. Immediately following the OutDoor Demo will be the indoor portion of the show, the Interbike International Bicycle Expo, September 24-26.