Eurobike 2020 confirms delay for pared down show with no Demo or Public day
Eurobike 2020’s September dates have been officially called off due to continued Covid-19 related disruption, which has made the original dates “practically impossible”.
The organisers are now planning for the already mooted ‘plan B’ dates of 24-26 November, but there will be a switch up in terms of the usual format, dispensing with many of the usual features like the Test and Demo Areas and Party. Pitched as a one-off ‘Eurobike Special’, the event will be purely B2B as a working trade fair with intensive expert and professional exchange.
“We are providing the first, unique opportunity for the bike industry to meet in this challenging year to maintain retail contacts and help drive new impetus,” said Klaus Wellmann, CEO Messe Friedrichshafen.
Stefan Reisinger, Head of Eurobike, added: “Suppliers, brands and retailers are all starting the 2020 bike season facing very difficult conditions and will hopefully benefit from recovery effects over time. One thing is certain, all industry players will have to adapt to the postponed development of the season compared to previous years. The later Eurobike date gives the whole bike industry an opportunity to make plans at the end of the 2020 season for the coming sales and production season. As such, it also offers a unique chance to meet up, to exchange ideas, and to work and network this year.”
The concept for this year’s Eurobike working trade fair will not include popular events, such as the Public Day, Eurobike Party, Test and Demo Areas and other elements from the supporting programme.
Should social distancing still be in action even in November, Eurobike will cut out a number of elements including the Public Day, Eurobike Party, Test and Demo Areas and other elements from the supporting programme.
“It is not inconceivable that we will still all be following the social distancing regulations in November,” said Eurobike Project Manager, Dirk Heidrich.
The shorter duration and lower concentration means that exhibitors will be offered cost benefits in the form of reduced booth prices and the Retail First ticketing programme will still be available.
Eurobike’s original planned date of 1 September will now see a digital-only conference – “Bike Biz Revolution – Conference for Visionaries” will be held on Tuesday, 1 September 2020. The organisers are also planning to extend the digital offer to include formats for the Eurobike Award, Eurobike Travel Talk and Start Up Day.
