PeopleForBikes’ 2024 Bicycle Leadership Conference (BLC) is just around the corner, taking place March 26-29 in Tucson, Arizona. Tailored toward C-suite, senior leaders, and key decision-makers at bicycle industry organizations, this year’s conference agenda features the BLC’s deepest and most diverse bench of speakers yet, with 50 leading experts from within and beyond the bike industry.
Kicking off night one of the conference, PeopleForBikes President and CEO Jenn Dice will be joined by U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Trek Bicycle President John Burke, and former PeopleForBikes President Tim Blumenthal. Burke and Blumenthal will reflect on a quarter century of getting more people on bikes more often as PeopleForBikes celebrates its 25th anniversary. Rep. Blumenauer, founder of the Congressional Bike Caucus, will speak on his decades-long work as bicycling’s biggest ally on Capitol Hill.
“We’re a few weeks away from what is shaping up to be our best BLC yet,” said Jenn Dice. “The bicycle industry faced real economic challenges in recent years and continues to do so today. Amid supply chain disruptions and fluctuating demand, we still recognize opportunities for growth and innovation. With more people riding bikes than ever before and more government funding for bike infrastructure, we need to be bold and capitalize on this moment. This year's conference lineup reflects our commitment to tackling complex issues head on while taking the time to celebrate our collective wins.”
Attendees can expect actionable lessons from our counterparts in Europe and adjacent industries, best practices from industry-leading CEOs, and meaningful discussions on the biggest challenges facing bicycling and the bike business. Numerous opportunities to network with peers, guided group rides, and a best of Tucson culinary experience round out the 2024 BLC agenda.
“Despite the turbulent headwinds we’re currently facing, it’s encouraging to see leaders from across the industry prioritizing progress and shaping a better tomorrow by being a part of the BLC,” said PeopleForBikes Vice President of Business Network Ravi Rajcoomar. The conference sells out every year, and I urge those on the fence about attending to register today and secure their seat at the table alongside their peers as we move our industry forward.”
Here’s who you can expect to learn from at the 2024 Bicycle Leadership Conference:
Kevin Mayne, CEO of Cycling Industries Europe, dives into the dynamic landscape of European cycling and the imminent industry transformation set to redefine the global market. Between an ambitious initiative to get 50 million more Europeans riding bikes to innovations in sustainability, digitalization, and more, Europe is blazing the trail for the future of bicycling worldwide.
Former senior staffer on Capitol Hill and long-time lobbyist Charles Cooper walks through the current federal policy issues that will have real, bottom-line repercussions for our industry. Learn how your business can get involved and help the bike industry achieve a higher level of effectiveness and clout similar to our peers in other industries.
Explore the transformative world of generative AI with New York Times best-selling author Charlene Li. Learn how to integrate this emerging technology with your organization's core mission, enhancing competitive advantage and driving long-term growth.
Vipe Desai, executive director of the Surf Industry Members Association, shares lessons the bike industry can learn from the surfing community, including the value of creating welcoming spaces, embracing diversity, the power of inclusivity initiatives, and the importance of representation in marketing to grow participation.
Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting industry supply chains in China and Taiwan, Erin Murphy, senior fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Asia Program, discusses the most urgent issues, including security threats (both real and imagined), shifts in manufacturing, rhetoric from Washington, D.C, and other policy and business considerations that will significantly impact our industry.
See full session descriptions, explore top industry brands attending the 2024 BLC, and register for the conference today at bicycleleadershipconference.org.
About PeopleForBikes
PeopleForBikes is the U.S. bicycle industry’s trade association and a national advocacy nonprofit representing 325 bicycle industry supplier members and 1.4 million individuals. Through our three areas of influence — infrastructure, policy, and participation — we accelerate the construction of safe, fun, and connected places to bike; advance pro-bike and pro-bike-business legislation; and reduce barriers to access and welcome more people to the joys of bicycling. Our goal: Become the best place in the world to ride a bike. Join us at peopleforbikes.org.
