BOULDER, COLO. (Jan. 11, 2022) — PeopleForBikes' Bicycle Leadership Conference returns with an in-person gathering in March, providing industry leaders a forum for deep-dive conversations around the global supply chain, welcoming new riders, the future of hybrid work, micromobility and tech and brands leading the way on sustainability and inclusion.
The three-day conference is scheduled for March 21-23 in Dana Point, CA, and is designed by and for bicycle industry C-suite leaders and brands, as well as venture and private equity investors, chief innovation officers, consultants and other leaders seeking a deeper understanding of the current industry and market. Located at the stunning Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa, the conference blends engaging sessions and panels with scenic guided rides, networking opportunities and celebratory cocktail hours and meals.
PeopleForBikes is closely monitoring all local and federal health and safety guidelines regarding COVID-19 and working with hotel and hospitality partners to ensure the event will be as safe as possible. All attendees will be asked to either be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID test within 48 hours of the event. Free, on-site COVID testing will be provided.
"We organize the Bicycle Leadership Conference every year to bring the industry together, collaborate, lead and realize our vision for the best bicycling in America," said PeopleForBikes President and CEO Jenn Dice. "In this time of intense change, we're using the conference to meet the moment. We want to keep all these new riders on their bikes and see nothing but opportunity for more and better bicycling nationwide. BLC — Dana Point funnels all of our industry energy and advocacy momentum in the same direction, aligned under our singular belief in the power of the bicycle to make life great."
Originally hosted by the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (BPSA) since 2008, the Bicycle Leadership Conference came under the stewardship of PeopleForBikes when the advocacy organization and trade association merged in 2019 after five years of jointly hosting the conference.
BLC — Dana Point comes two years after the pandemic-fueled national bike boom welcomed new riders to the industry but also ignited global supply chain challenges. Since then, bicycles have played an increasingly important role in national transportation and infrastructure debates as cities, states and the federal government look for innovative, climate-friendly solutions. From booming sales to innovative tax credits, bikes are poised to take center stage in local and national conversations around transportation and recreation.
"We stand on the cusp of an incredible transformation for bicycles in the United States," said Dice. "Never before has there been a more important and exciting time for leaders in our sector to come together, roll up our sleeves and dig into the opportunities and challenges we face as an industry. This conference is designed to do just that."
The conference agenda includes keynote addresses from Guy Raz, host of NPR's "How I Built This" and Polly LaBarre, co-author of the best-selling book "Mavericks at Work: Why the Most Original Minds in Business Win":
- How He Built Simplehuman — A Conversation With Founder Frank Yang, Hosted by Guy Raz of NPR's "How I Built This" and "TED Radio Hour"
- Creative Companies and Courageous Leaders — Turning Culture Into Competitive Advantage With Best-Selling Author Polly LaBarre
The agenda also includes these can't-miss sessions:
- The Great Resignation Meets the Hybrid Future of Work
- Brands Leading the Conversation on Sustainability and Inclusion
- Global Supply: Can It Be Fixed?
- Welcoming Diverse Participation: The Changing Face of Ridership
- Change Agents: Rapid Industry Consolidation and Outside Investor Growth
- Say Hello to Your New Customers
- Regulations and Risk: Is That Bike an Electric Bicycle?
- Micromobility and Tech: Why CES Had More Bikes Than Ever Before
More details, as well as ongoing additions to the agenda, are available via bicycleleadershipconference.org. Registration costs $1,299 for PeopleForBikes members and $1,499 for non-members. To inquire about group rates or scholarships, please contact Ashley Seaward at ashley@peopleforbikes.org. To reserve your spot, visit bicycleleadershipconference.org.
PeopleForBikes would like to thank the following sponsors:
- Trek: Title Sponsor
- Shimano: Gold Sponsor
- Spoke USA: Gold Sponsor
- SRAM: Gold Sponsor
- Best Payment Solutions: Silver Sponsor
- Bosch: Silver Sponsor
- Bike Flights: Supporting Sponsor and Official Bike Shipping Service
- SmartEtailing: Supporting Sponsor and Official Data Provider
About PeopleForBikes
PeopleForBikes is making biking better for everyone by uniting millions of Americans, thousands of businesses and hundreds of communities to make every bike ride safer, more accessible and more fun. The PeopleForBikes Coalition has more than 290 supplier members, 1,100 Ride Spot retailer members and 1.4 million supporters in its grassroots network. When people ride bikes, great things happen. Join us at PeopleForBikes.org.
