Interbike responds to competing Eurobike show

Eurobike announced earlier this week that it would launch a bicycle trade show to be held in Portland, Oregon, in the fall of 2007. Exact dates are not yet known, but the show is intended to compete with Interbike, the current industry standard US trade show. Eurobike selected Portland for its reputation as a bike-friendly, major city.

The 25th annual Interbike Outdoor Demo and International Bicycle Expo were held during the last week of September 2006. Interbike boasted that this year's edition occupied the largest exhibit footprint in its history and an attendance increase of twelve percent to 22,000 compared to 2005.

Responding to Eurobike's announcement, Interbike's Lance Camisasca said, “I was interested to hear the news of Eurobike’s proposed show. We welcome competition, as it will help us do a better job. However, we are also greatly concerned about the dividing effect Eurobike’s announcement may have on the industry. Many will remember the time when the industry suffered through multiple shows resulting in additional expense and heartache."

“We understand the Interbike show may not be perfect, but we have always tried to listen to retailers, exhibitors, and advocacy groups to improve the show and to help the industry grow," said Camisasca, who then promised to do "everything we can to make Interbike the best show for the North American market.”

Cyclingnews' covered Interbike and Eurobike in 2006. Next year's Interbike is scheduled for September 24-28, 2007.