Just Riding Along

Wi-fi at Interbike

Just noticed this story at BicycleRetailer.com.  Looks like the Sands will be wi-fi at Interbike.  Great news for all us techno-geeks:

“It is something we’ve been working really hard to get. It didn’t come cheap,” said Lance Camisasca, Interbike show director.

Big thanks and cheers to Lance Camisasca for making this happen.

Interbike: I'm on the list

I just heard from Donna Tocci - head of PR for Kryptonite and a regular JRA reader - that I'm on the offical "working media" list for the upcoming Interbike show.

Then someone else emailed me and said:  "So, how will you be 'working'?"  Good question.

I'll be doing what I always do.  That is, talking with diverse range of folks about the industry and their business.  I'll gain new perspectives by chatting with everyone from magazine editors to garage innovators.  The "work" this year will be in stepping back and trying to see the larger picture and reporting back here with new insights, news, and opinions.  Hopefully the result will be a continued discussion here at JRA for everyone that wasn't at the show, or that I didn't get a chance to meet.

Interbike blogger meet-up

I wanted to have a blogging/tech panel discussion at this year's Interbike trade show...but they were booked up a long time ago.  So instead, I'd like to invite all bike industry bloggers to an informal meet-up in Vegas.  I'm not sure how structured it will be, but at the very least it will be a chance to put a face to a name, share a drink (or two), exchange ideas, and perhaps hatch our plans to take over the industry ;-).

I'd also like to extend the invitation to anyone who'd like to learn more about blogs.  If you're on the fence about this whole blogging thing, we'll help you get down on the right side.  Bring your questions, curiousities, and concerns and feel free to pick our brains clean. 

If you're interested, just stay tuned to this space for updates and more details.  Any questions or feedback, just leave a comment or drop me an email.

The Interbike Question

Since my first trip to Interbike back in 1997 I have always looked forward to the Big Show.  I have been as a manufacturer's rep (with Chris King), as a marketing director (with Old Man Mountain) and most recently as a consultant.  My fondest memories in this industry are still from standing on my feet all day and talking with dealers, the media and anyone that cared to listen about products and ideas I believe in.

To me, there's just something special about the all the best and brightest bicycle minds all under one roof at the same time.  To me, it's an essential place for our industry to come together once a year.   

But maybe I'm lost in some idealized version of bicycle solidarity utopia that simply doesn't exist.  The reality is that there are some companies who choose not to attend at all.  Notably absent from this year's show is Trek Bicycle Corp; they've decided on a "dealer-only" event at their HQ in Wisconsin instead.

Trek's decision makes me wonder about the future of the show...

• Do well-known suppliers with an established dealer networks still need Interbike?
• Will more suppliers start doing their own, dealer-only events?
• If suppliers aren't happy with the show, who's to blame?  Is it the Sands Convention Center and those crazy unions and fees?  Or is it the folks that run Interbike?
• A perfect trade show will never exist, but are there some fundamental changes that could make the show better for everyone?

I think Trek (and other suppliers) will regret not showing up in force to Vegas.  I understand all about taking care of existing dealers and saving the cash, but I think the branding, PR and networking opportunities are too important to ignore. 

What do you think? 

Trek's dealer show

Veteran blogger and shop employee "Guitar Ted," is blogging about how Trek could have done a better job communicating the cost of admission to their upcoming dealer show.

"Our buyer at work noticed a short blurb buried down the list on the front page of Dexter, (Trek's dealer website) stating that for the Trek show, only TWO PEOPLE would be allowed admittance for free from each dealer. More than that would incur a $200.00 per head price tag!...I couldn't believe it...It's true unfortunately...If you're reading this, and planning on going to the Trek dealer only show, you'd better let your boss or manager know about this, as virtually no advance warning was given by Trek. It wasn't on the registration form, and it wasn't communicated to us by our rep, although he confirmed it when our buyer called him on it."

Blogging Interbike

Just received my first, "I'll see you at Interbike" in an email.  I know it's hard to believe, but people are already starting to talk about The Big Show.

I've been to the show as an exhibitor rep several times, but this year I decided to send in my application for a "Working Media" badge and see what happens.  According to their requirements it looks like it should be no problem...but I'm still curious what their response will be.  I think it's interesting that the requirements didn't even mention the word "blog".  As far as I know, they've never granted a media pass to a blogger. 

I submitted the application (PDF) to the PR firm handling the show last week.   I'll let you know when/if the badge shows up.

New Interbike site

    Blue Collar MTB, part of the fledgling "Crooked Cog Network" of blogs, has this not so friendly review of Interbike's re-designed website.

I couldn't agree more.  I just wish VNU would put some time and money into making Bicycleretailer.com more of a resource for the industry.