Interbike's five-day 2006 OutDoor Demo and International Bicycle Expo, which ended September 29th in Las Vegas, Nevada, was the largest in its 25-year history. Square footage for both events included more than 370,000 square-feet of occupied exhibit space with total attendance close to 22,000 individual international bicycle and accessory buyers and exhibitors.

Interbike actually consists of two events: the two-day OutDoor Demo, held this year in Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City, Nevada, and the three-day International Bicycle Expo held at the Sands Convention Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.

The 2006 edition of OutDoor Demo occurred September 25-26, equating to 61,400 square feet of outdoor exhibit space filled with more than 130 bicycle and accessory manufacturers. Three thousand five hundred individual buyers and journalists tested bicycles and accessories on cross country mountain bike trails, downhill-specific courses, a professionally built BMX track and a closed road course. Total overall attendance for the two- day demo was more than 6,000 individuals. In terms of square footage and attendance, it was the largest OutDoor Demo since the pre-indoor expo was started 11 years ago.

“The industry is made up of enthusiasts who like to ride,” said Lance Camisasca, Interbike’s group show director. “But on the business side, the OutDoor Demo gives retailers the opportunity to ride products they are interested in purchasing for their stores, along with products their competitor down the street will carry. The OutDoor Demo is a confirming period which gives retailers the chance to make an intelligent decision and then go to the indoor portion of the show and seal the deal with their chosen vendors.”

The indoor portion of Interbike, the International Bicycle Expo, ran September 27-29 and consisted of displays from 735 individual bicycle and accessory manufacturers representing more than 1,000 brands covering approximately 15 acres of the Sands Expo and Convention Center. With a total of 310,000 square-feet of occupied exhibit space, this year’s event had the largest footprint in Interbike’s history.

Total attendance was close to 22,000 individual exhibitors, manufacturers representatives, buyers and members of the media, which represents a 12% increase versus 2005 attendance. Buyer attendance was close to 10,400 individuals, which equates to a six percent increase versus 2005, and represents a little more than 3,100 stores.

According to Camisasca, this year’s International Bicycle Expo had a noticeable feeling of excitement and energy compared to recent shows. Aisles and booths were noticeably more crowded with attendees abuzz about the latest product offerings from companies such as Giant, Giro, Scott and Shimano to name a few.

“Each year I hear people telling me how Interbike is no big deal,” said Skip Hess, president of Giant USA. “Well, when the doors opened this year, it was an invasion. High energy, massive crowds and lots of enthusiasm. We were packed solid, our people felt special, the retailers felt special, heck it was a special event.”

“As usual the show was large,” said Tony Evans, owner of Chesterton Bicycle Station in Chesterton, Indiana. “I like attending Interbike because it gives me an opportunity to see my suppliers outside of the shop. I also use the show to look for design and merchandising ideas for my store.”

Leading component manufacturers SRAM and Shimano both expressed positive experiences at this year’s Interbike.

“We had large exhibits at both the OutDoor Demo and the Expo,” said David Zimberoff, SRAM’s director of global marketing communications. “Interbike is the best place for us to reach thousands of retailers and expose them to our products.”

“The show was great for Shimano as a whole,” said Shannon Bryant, Shimano’s Coasting Girl responsible for marketing communications for its new Coasting bicycle components, which are equipped on Giant, Raleigh and Trek bicycles. “I was really excited to see the enthusiasm and interest attending retailers have for bringing new customers, beyond the current core enthusiast, to their stores.”

Looking forward to 2007, the dates for next year’s Interbike events are September 24-25 for the OutDoor Demo, once again in Bootleg Canyon, and September 26-28 for the International Bicycle Expo in Las Vegas.

“We had a great year celebrating our 25th anniversary,” Camisasca said. “Given the positive feeling at this year’s show and economic conditions favoring the positive impact bicycles can have by helping reduce gas usage and helping people live healthier lives, 2007 will be a great year for bicycle retailers and manufacturers. We look forward to getting everyone together for next year’s show.”