CABDA to head for west coast with San Diego trade show
The CABDA trade show format will be replicated in San Diego from January 2019, the organisers have revealed.
Having proven successful in Chicago, show director Jim Kersten says that the organisers have long scouted the US for an ideal location, settling on the Del Mar Racetrack, found about 20 minutes north of San Diego. This has good connections, found adjacent to Interstate 5, close to mass transit, and is 25 minutes form the San Diego Airport.
“We looked at more than 20 cities, more than 50 venues, and spoke to over a hundred industry members from across the country,” said Kersten.
While the event will be directed at dealers in Southern California, Kersten expects shops from neighboring states to attend as well. “Just like at our show in Chicago, we get quite a bit of attendance from folks within driving distance”, Kersten said.
CABDA organisers plan to replicate the same low-cost formula that has made their Midwest show successful. Furthermore, exhibitors will be able to hand carry their booth supplies in. Registrations for space begin in June.
The San Diego location also allows for outdoor events, including demos and group rides that are not possible in a colder climate. CABDA will continue its partnership with the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association (PBMA) to offer a full battery of technical clinics, product workshops, and general shop operation seminars.
“James Stanfill and the folks PBMA are a tremendous part of CABDA’s continued growth and success.” Kersten said. “The seminars and clinics that dealers attend at the shows will pay enormous dividends throughout the year.”
The CABDA Expos are trade-only events that run January 16&17, 2019 in San Diego and February 14&15, 2019 in Chicago. The 2018 Expo in Chicago attracted almost 2,300 attendees from over 550 shops across 27 states.
