Emerald Expositions, owner of Interbike and the Outdoor Retailer shows, has announced that they are cancelling the 2019 show. The full press release is below, and Bicycle Retailer (also owned by Emerald) has a great story on it, but the gist of it is this: The industry is changing, costs have sky rocketed, and the utility retailers would get out of a major tradeshow has diminished.
In order to remain relevant, we think they’ll have to reformulate to better engage with the brands, make it more affordable to attend, and give retailers a reason to visit. Or, perhaps, make it a media focused event like PressCamp was. Personally, we (Bikerumor) think there’s a big hole left from PressCamp’s closure, and recreating that experience, potentially with multiple regional shows that add retailer/consumer demo days on the tail end, could provide a lot of value. For now, here’s Interbike’s explanation:
PRESS RELEASE: Interbike owner, Emerald Expositions, announced today that the Interbike tradeshow will not take place in September 2019 in Reno as previously scheduled. Instead, the company will research alternative plans for 2020 and beyond, including the opportunity to launch events featuring bicycling and bike-related components within or alongside its various successful, multi-sport trade show franchises.
“The past four years have been difficult for the U.S. bicycle market,” said Darrell Denny, Executive Vice President of Emerald Expositions’ Sports Group. “The substantial increase in tariffs on bike related imports during 2018, and announced for 2019, is compounding these challenges. As a result, we are rethinking how to best serve the cycling industry and will conduct a review of the possible timing, locations and formats with dealers, brands, distributors, reps, designers and media over the coming months. Our goal is to develop and deliver thoughtful solutions which provide strong returns on investment for all industry participants.”
As a result of this decision, Justin Gottlieb, Show Director, Andria Klinger, Sales Director, Andy Buckner, Art Director and Jack Morrissey, Marketing Manager, will be leaving the company, effective December 31, 2018.
“Justin, Andria, Andy and Jack have dedicated themselves to the cycling space and worked long and hard,” Denny said. “We will miss them greatly and wish them the best on their future endeavors.”
Photo credit: Interbike.
