Andy Tompkins (Interbikes show director) said that we received great support from the exhibitors and strong attendance from east-coast retailers when hosting our first regional demo-style event. No matter if I was there to check out the trails, visit a seminar or chat with exhibitors at the expo, the attendees were happy to see that OutDoor Demo East had the same energy, festival-type quality, and bottom-line value as the OutDoor Demo in Nevada.
SRAM and Jamis Bicycles presented Interbike OutDoor Demo East. There was strong participation from New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Tennessee retailers, along with those from Georgia, Michigan and Ohio. There were also retailers from California, Florida, and Oregon.
Lee Rogers, the owner of Philadelphia-based Bicycle Therapy, stated that it was expensive and time-consuming to take a whole staff to Vegas to see Interbike. The staff had the opportunity to try out product and then met up to exchange feedback. Interbike created a package that allowed my entire team to participate, combining clinics, demos, and an industry party.
Brad Hill, the owner and president at Goodales Bike Shop, New Hampshire, stated that his employees returned from OutDoor Demo East to rave reviews.
Hill was unable to join three of his colleagues at the 2008 Interbike Expo in Las Vegas and OutDoor Demo East, but he was able send 16 of his employees.
Hill stated that without a local demo event on the east coast, many of my employees wouldn’t be able attend a trade show.
According to preliminary figures, close to 700 retailers attended this inaugural event. More than 60 exhibitors had booths, product displays and demo products on display in Roger Williams Park.
Steve Thomas, Jamis Bicycles’ national sales manager, stated that we saw many dealers we hadnt seen out west. It was a good thing to have dealers from the Mid-Atlantic and New England under our bikes. These dealers are a key market and offer a wider range of bikes than the western United States. OutDoor Demo East was also attended by our marketing and product development personnel. This allowed them to get feedback from dealers. We were able to enjoy the event and it was well worth it.
Cannondale, Fox Racing and Fox Racing were all present. Specialized, Specialized, Specialized, Specialized, and Felt Bicycles were also on hand.
Fred Clements (executive director of NBDAs), said that the East Coast Super Seminars were held in conjunction with Interbikes OutDoor Demo East. It was a huge success. The dealer participation was strong, with standing room only at all seminars. We were thrilled that Interbike and participating suppliers brought the Demo to east-coast dealers. We look forward to working with Interbike next season.
During the two-day event, NBDA seminars were not only offered by Fox Racing Shox, Mavic, and SRAM. They also provided technical product clinics for packed audiences.
Tompkins said that despite the cold temperatures on the last day, retailers and suppliers seemed very happy with the event. We must return to the office to discuss ways to improve the event. Based on the feedback, the event is needed by the industry so it will be on next year’s calendar.
Visit www.interbike.com for more information on Interbike.
About OutDoor Demo EastThe Interbike OutDoor Demo East is held in conjunction the Interbike International Bicycle Exposition in Las Vegas. Roger Williams Park, Providence, R.I. is the venue. It features a road loop sponsored by Mavic for road and commuter bicycle testing, and two off-road trails, The Bowl and The Lakeside Trail for mountain and cross bike testing. This event will serve retailers who cannot attend or additional staff members who are unable to participate in the Interbike Interbike International Expo and OutDoor demo.
