BREAKING: Interbike 2019 cancelled

Emerald Expositions has announced it has cancelled next year’s Interbike trade show, with Show Director Justin Gottlieb and Sales Director Andria Klinger, among others, leaving the company.

Emerald will instead research alternative plans for 2020, where the show is likely to take on a new approach. In a press release, the company said they will now look in to the opportunity of launching events featuring bicycling and bike-related components within or alongside its various multi-sport franchises.

Darrell Denny, Executive Vice President of Emerald Expositions Sports Group, said: “The past four years have been difficult for the US bicycle market. 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.”

Since this year’s show, the company has been surveying retailers and suppliers, concluding that Interbike would need to be more affordable for all, if it is to have a future.

Along with Gottlieb and Klinger, Art Director Andy Buckner and Marketing Manager Jack Morrissey will also be leaving the company, effective 31 December.

Denny said: “Justin, Andria, Andy and Jack have dedicated themselves to the cycling space and worked long and hard. We will miss them greatly and wish them the best on their future endeavours.”