Interbike celebrates record figures

Interbike has announced that its five-day 2006 OutDoor Demo and International Bicycle Expo, which ended September 29 in Las Vegas, Nevada, were 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.

This represents a 12 percent 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.

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 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.

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," said Lance Camisasca, Interbike’s group show director. "Given the positive feeling at this year’s show and economic conditions favouring 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."