Laguna Beach, CA (June 26, 2002) -- "All good things should be celebrated," say the organizers of the 2002 Interbike International Bicycle Expo, who for the next few months will be eagerly preparing for this year's expo, and subsequently, the parties and good times that surround it.

This year, Interbike proudly announces 2 headlining shindigs that will not only commemorate the camaraderie of the industry as a whole, but will also acknowledge the outstanding achievements of cycling's top retailers, suppliers, advocates, athletes, and more. Deemed the Interbike Attendee Reception and the Bicycle Industry Awards Celebration, these two events guarantee to be some of the best bets in Vegas, combining fun times and friendly industry faces.

"While setting the stage for 20,000 people to see, try, and buy the latest in cycling equipment is definitely the largest part of the preparation process, organizing the after-expo events like the Awards Celebration is very rewarding," said Lance Camisasca, Interbike Show Director.

Considered the ultimate industry gathering, Interbike1s Awards Celebration gets a jolt this year as the function moves to The Joint in the HardRock Hotel and Casino on the evening of October 7th. Presented in conjunction with Bicycle Retailer & Industry News and the National Bicycle Dealers Association, the dinner and awards ceremony acknowledges those who have made the most significant contributions to the industry over the past year. Admission for the Awards Celebration is limited and attendance is by ticket purchase only, with the $100 per plate proceeds benefiting various advocacy groups endorsing the Safe Routes to School program.

"Last year's Awards Celebration was a great coming together of retailers, manufacturers, distributors, athletes and advocates to honor the very best that the industry has to offer," said Marc Sani, Publisher of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.

"Taking it a step further, this year we've pooled our resources to hire an outside research firm to conduct the Annual Suppliers Survey, a random 2-page mailing that will ask 1200 retailers to rank their industry partners. The results of the survey will name the business category winners and the proud recipients of the illustrious BRAINy Award," Sani added.

"We're happy to partner with Interbike and Bicycle Retailer on the Awards Celebration," said Fred Clements, Executive Director of the National Bicycle Dealers Association. "Since the retailers are the customers, impacted by manufacturer availability, assembly, quality, and value, the survey will allow them to rate the manufacturers, with the best companies rising to the top. The Awards Celebration is a great benchmark, giving the suppliers the feedback necessary to do better business," Clements added.

Additionally, various industry groups like VeloNews and the Bicycle Products Suppliers Association (BPSA) will choose other award category nominees.

The Annual Interbike Industry Reception, scheduled for October 6th, has become the renowned event opener providing a refreshing end to Day One and the perfect place to catch up with industry friends. This year's reception, carrying a season-appropriate Oktoberfest theme, also see a change and resumes its popular block party format and returns to the outdoor venue adjacent to the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino. With live music, free beer, stunt shows, demonstrations, and Oktoberfest cuisine the Industry Reception is a great way to kick off the show.

Tickets for the Bicycle Industry Awards Celebration can be purchased in advance of the event for $100 per plate or $1000 for a table of ten and are available by contacting Andrea Nielson at Interbike. Andrea can be contacted through anielson@vnuexpo.com or 949.376.6266.

Held once a year, Interbike is North America1s largest cycling trade show, attracting over 20,000 attendees from around the world. Prior to the show, Interbike hosts a one-day Outdoor Demo allowing buyers and media a chance to test the latest in bikes and cycling equipment. Interbike is produced by VNU Expositions, a full service event management company. The next chance to see the future of the bicycle industry will be at Interbike in Las Vegas, Nevada October 6 - 8, 2002. The Outdoor Demo will be held October 5th in Blue Diamond, Nevada.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff