Outdoor Retailer and Interbike Partner to Launch Technology Focused Media Event

Top e-bike and portable technology brands to be tested by consumer journalists

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif., May 1, 2014 -- Interbike and Outdoor Retailer, two of the largest retail sports trade shows in the world, announced today that their new experiential media event, Charged Up, is set to take place May 14-15, 2014. Charged Up will bring the latest in electric bike innovation and active outdoor technology to the attention of the consumer and technology print, broadcast and online media.

Journalists will be invited to test leading brands product in the outdoors and on the trail, for a true hands-on experience with the advancements and functionality of e-bikes, portable power, safety, and fitness gear along with innovations in wearable technology. 

While North America trails China and Europe with regard to sales of e-bikes (50,000 units domestically vs. more than 30 million in China and Europe), the category is beginning to get traction on US soil. E-bike brands are targeting the more than 77 million baby boomers who can benefit from the pedal assist features of e-bikes, and the 78 million Millennials who have fewer drivers licenses, own fewer cars and are seeking alternative forms of transportation. 

The growing trend in portable and outdoor technology was evident at the recent 2014 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. The post show report showed a 28% increase in buyers year-over-year that identified themselves as technology buyers. This show statistic supports the predicted five-fold growth in wearable electronics in the next decade. IDTechEx research reports the wearable electronics business will grow from a $14 billion industry today to over $70 billion in 2024. The Outdoor Industry Association reports that Millennials will drive the growth. By 2017 they are estimated to have more spending power than any other previous generation.

Top brands will have their latest products available for journalists to experience at the Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, NJ, just outside New York City. Brands that will be participating include: BionX, Prodeco, Pete's Electric Bikes, Currie Technologies (izip, eflow, Haibike, Lapierre), Leatherman, LedLensor, Ascent Solar Technologies/EnerPlex, GoalZero, D.Light Designs, Celliant and more.

"A departure from the traditional trade show format, this event will highlight the growing trend in applied technology and provide brands the opportunity to be included in a larger consumer conversation about technology," said Liz Crawford, Senior Marketing Director, Outdoor Retailer. 

"Technology continues to be an interesting and exciting media storyline, and we are happy to bring products from the bike and outdoor industry that traditionally would have been considered niche to a larger audience, which ultimately helps make the outdoors more appealing to the general consumer."

Charged Up is supported by PeopleForBikes, the Outdoor Industry Association and Bicycle Retailer & Industry News. PeopleForBikes and the Outdoor Industry Association will present detailed content at the event, outlining trend data as it relates to the e-bike and outdoor technology categories.

About Interbike and Outdoor Retailer

Interbike is the largest bicycle trade event in North America, bringing together manufacturers, retailers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of cycling. Established in 1982, the show gathers more than 1,200 cycling-related brands, over 25,000 total attendees annually and is considered one of the most important global trade events for the bicycle industry.

Outdoor Retailer (OR) brings together retailers, manufacturers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of outdoor recreation through tradeshows, product demo events and web based business solutions. OR also provides and promotes retailer education, advocacy, responsibility and critical face-to-face business initiatives within the outdoor industry. Consistently named among Trade Show News Network's 25 fastest-growing tradeshows by attendance, Outdoor Retailer connects approximately 50,000 attendees on a semi-annual basis for its Summer and Winter Market shows, and thousands more through its year-round online resources and platforms.

Interbike and Outdoor Retailer are two of 90 premier trade events owned and operated by Emerald Expositions, a leading producer of large business-to-business tradeshows. Emerald Expositions, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA produces shows and conference events globally that connect more than 525,000 buyers and sellers across nine diversified end-markets. Markets covered include general merchandise, sports, hospitality and retail design, jewelry, photography, decorated apparel, building, healthcare and military.

More information about Interbike and Outdoor Retailer can be found at www.interbike.com and www.outdoorretailer.com.

SOURCE Interbike and Outdoor Retailer