SAN DIEGO (BRAIN) — The National Bicycle Tourism Conference begins a three-day series of seminars Thursday that takes a look at the growing interest in bicycle tourism and organized event rides.
Tim Blumenthal, executive director for People For Bikes, kicks off the conference at San Diego's seaside resort, the Bahia Hotel, with a keynote speech on Bicycling 20/20: Increasing Rider Engagement and Growing Our Business.
Several hundred members of the bicycle tourism industry, including members from the Bicycle Ride Directors' Association, RAGBRAI, IMBA, Adventure Cycling, League of American Bicyclists and others will examine issues ranging from attracting more women to how beer and bicycles contribute to the cycling tourism industry.
Rich Cook, IMBA's membership and development director, will offer suggestions on how to work with federal land managers to find new opportunities for trail development and travel on mountain bikes.
Pat Cunnane, president of Advanced Sports International, is Friday's keynote speaker. Cunnane will offer his perspective on bicycle tourism and its relationship to the industry.
Later that morning, Ray Keener, executive director of the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association, will moderate a panel discussion on how event organizers can work with suppliers and retailers. Dave Edwards, president and CEO of Primal Wear, Fred Clements, executive director of the National Bicycle Dealers Association and Nicole Preston, executive director of the Tour de Cure, will the issues raised when marketing event rides to industry suppliers and retailers.
Andy Clarke, the LAB's president, will close out the tourism summit at the closing reception Friday night.
