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March 28, 2024

Cycling trade show Interbike will roll north after this year

Interbike Convention

Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau

Attendees do business during the annual Interbike International Bicycle Exposition, the largest industry show in North America, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Updated Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017 | 3:02 p.m.

Interbike Convention

Attendees talk while others take advantage of a demo track to try out different rides during the annual Interbike International Bicycle Exposition, the largest industry show in North America, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Launch slideshow »

Interbike, one of the largest consumer cycling trade shows in the U.S. and a presence in Las Vegas since 1998, is riding up north starting next year.

Interbike will host its annual trade show at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center starting in 2018, with plans to host it there until at least 2022, the show’s organizers announced Thursday.

Pat Hus, vice president of Interbike, said there are several reasons why they are excited for the change of venue next year.

“For the first time in a very long time, we’ve been able to hit the reset button on Interbike and OutDoor Demo and give the industry something new and fresh that we couldn’t do in our previous locations,” Hus said.

“With the support and investment from the city of Reno. we are going to be able to truly create a one-of-a-kind, weeklong celebration and experience around cycling,” Hus said. “We also recognize that this is a critical time in our industry and that we need to provide a more cost-effective approach to exhibiting at the show, and we are now able to provide that.”

Founded in Las Vegas in 1982, the show was held in several cities, including Reno, Philadelphia, and Anaheim and Long Beach, Calif, before being held annually in Las Vegas since 1998.

This year’s event will be Sept. 20-22 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

“Las Vegas has enjoyed a successful relationship with Interbike since it was founded more than three decades ago, and we’re appreciative of the many years spent in the destination,” said Jeremy Handel, senior director of communications for the Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority. “While we would certainly consider any opportunity to welcome the show back to Southern Nevada in the future, we wish Interbike well in its new destination and thank them for their contributions to Las Vegas over the years.”

With Interbike drawing more than 25,000 attendees and 1,200 cycling-related brands annually, Reno officials are excited to bring the show to the area next year.

“Combining the accessibility and natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe, this region is ideal for this industry event — the premier cycling trade show in the Western Hemisphere,” said Phil DeLone, president and chief executive officer of the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority.

“Our resorts, convention center and other venues are well-poised to deliver a memorable and rewarding experience for exhibitors and retailers alike. We can’t wait to welcome Interbike and its attendees to our destination next September,” DeLone said.

Various factors played a role in the decision to move Interbike and OutDoor Demo to the Reno-Tahoe area, including cheaper accommodations, cooler weather and a larger impact on the community. The show’s organizers also noted that large tech companies such as Tesla, Google and Apple have opened facilities in the area, along with brands in the cycling industry.

Organizers said the move will allow for more affordable experience for exhibitors. The Reno-Sparks Convention Center is non-union, which allows for more flexibility for exhibitors at the show, on top of cheaper travel, dining and entertainment costs compared to Las Vegas.

Hus noted that cycling will be the center of attention for the Reno-Tahoe area for the entire week. “The Reno-Tahoe experience will be personable, affordable and picturesque for all attendees,” he said.

“Las Vegas has been a great home, and we appreciate their partnership over the years,” Hus said. “However, Reno-Tahoe gives us an unmatched blend of world-class venue for a consumer festival and the OutDoor Demo, state-of-the-art convention center, fantastic hotel choices, robust nightlife and a more intimate environment of welcome and celebration.”

CrossVegas also moving

Along with Interbike moving to Reno, Clif Bar CrossVegas, the largest cyclocross race in the U.S., will relocate. CrossVegas has occurred in conjunction with Interbike in Las Vegas since 2007.

"Although the backdrop will change from the glitzy Vegas Strip to the stunningly beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains, the event will remain the same world-class Clif Bar CrossVegas that racers and spectators have loved for 11 years,” said Brook Watts, owner and organizer of CrossVegas. “CrossVegas will still provide industry bragging rights for the wheelers and dealers, VIP hospitality for sponsors, opportunities for bike industry participation at all levels and top level competition among the pro women and men."

Watts revealed the CrossVegas name would remain the same despite the change of location to the Reno area.

“So many people know that name and the associate it with a great evening of fun that we decided to hang onto it as part of the heritage of the event,” Watts said.

This version of the story is updated the Jeremy Handel's comments.

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