Wow. Check this out…
From Bicycle Retailer & Industry News:
“The organizers of Eurobike, Germany’s premier trade show, will launch a competing event in Portland, Oregon, next September challenging Interbike’s long dominance as the only show in the U.S. market. Messe Friedrichshafen, Eurobike’s owners, have met with Portland officials who will support efforts to bring retailers and exhibitors to the West Coast city.
Erich Reiss, a long-time consultant for the Messe who lives part-time in nearby Hood River, is the driving force behind the Messe’s board of directors’ decision to launch a competing show. “We will offer absolute quality,” said Reiss, a 24-year veteran who led the launch of Eurobike……Dates for the new trade show have yet to be set, but it will be held sometime in mid-September. Reiss also has yet to hire a U.S. team to manage the show but hopes to make an announcement soon.”
Full story on BicycleRetailer.com
I just read this and immediately called Jennifer Nolfi, the cycling industry liaison with the Portland Development Commission. Jennifer said she was not surprised to hear about this because she recalled staffers from the Portland Oregon Visitors Association asking her to set up meetings with Eurobike staff at the recent Interbike show. They said their reason for meeting was confidential.
Now we know the big secret.
I’ve also spoken to Bike Gallery owner and bike industry insider Jay Graves. He was aware of this but did not think the story was ready for public consumption…until he read it online.
This is huge news for Portland. Stay tuned for developments.