Interbike and Outdoor Retailer reject Utah as future show host

Interbike will not proceed with Utah as a venue consideration for future editions of the show, the organisers have revealed.

Following a conference call with Utah Governor Gary Herbert, Interbike’s vice president Pat Hus confirmed that the show remained on course to determine the show’s future venue in the coming months.

“We will continue with the RFP process in the other locations that we’ve been in contact with for Interbike,” said Pat Hus, Vice President of Interbike. “Other than removing Utah from the process, nothing has changed from our standpoint. Interbike is committed to finding the best location for the cycling community, and we hope to have a more definitive direction in approximately 60 days.”

An ongoing debate over the issue of public land use is said to have been a sticking point in the discussions, which drew in representatives from the Outdoor Industry Association, The North Face, Patagonia and REI.

Darrell Denny, EVP Emerald Expositions, further commented: “Emerald Expositions will also not extend the request for proposal to Utah for relocating the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow.”

It is believed that from a retailer point of view that Denver is a preferred destination, should organisers Emerald Expositions choose to leave Las Vegas. The organisers remain in discussion with other territories, including Salt Lake City.

New to the trade and wondering which are the key trade shows on which to focus your attention? Read our round up of the global calendar here.