interbike tips?

[jc031699]

Hi all,

I actually got an Interbike pass this year for the first time ever.
!!!
Planning to fly in for the day (consumer day)
Any tips for getting the most out of the experience?
As you can tell from my consumer status, I am very involved with cycling as a home mechanic and rider but non-industry...
No real insider connections to speak of!

Thanks-
Jonathan

[oldpotatoe]

Hi all,

I actually got an Interbike pass this year for the first time ever.
!!!
Planning to fly in for the day (consumer day)
Any tips for getting the most out of the experience?
As you can tell from my consumer status, I am very involved with cycling as a home mechanic and rider but non-industry...
No real insider connections to speak of!

Thanks-
Jonathan

Get the floor map..circle the places/manufacturers you want to visit..have a plan otherwise you will just wander around..it can be confusing.

Find the places that have free beer and go there in the afternoon. Bring $, as the food places are expensive..but it's Vegas!!

[Gummee]

Wear comfortable walking shoes/hiking boots

Bring a bag to stick schwag in. ...just be careful who you get schwag from cause after a while it gets heavy!

M

[whall006]

I agree with everything said above. There will be a daily guide that is published and distributed at the entrance to the show. Theses are golden as they contain the full schedule of happy hours. The map is also very important as the show is massive and you will need to have a plan of attack.

[jr59]

Wear comfortable walking shoes/hiking boots

Bring a bag to stick schwag in. ...just be careful who you get schwag from cause after a while it gets heavy!

M


This

[cookietom]

Just have fun,,,,enjoy by looking at the new bikes. Too bad they will not allow a Costco shopping cart.....Just dont get lost....

[carpediemracing]

A day at Interbike is like cramming for finals in one day. You don't want to leave with the feeling that you left half of the show on the table. A quarter, maybe, but not half or more.

Bring some hand sanitizer. Use it often.

Study the map. I mean study it. Even when I know I should study it I sort of study it and then I realize I have no clue when I get there. Circle what you want to see and try and think of a route to get around.

Put aside some time for new weird stuff. Maybe a $250 power meter or 25 gram pedals or some other crazy stuff.

Small backpack for schwag, esp if you have a bad back. Larger than a camel bak but not an aluminum frame zombie apocalypse backpack either. Poster tube for posters, which either attaches to your backpack or you carry with you. Bring one at least 2 feet long, 3 feet is better. Shoulder bags and hand held bags just don't cut it. Sometimes the aisles get as crowded as a subway so you don't want to be turning around quickly and knocking someone off their feet with your backpack.

Not sure if they check for water/food/etc but bring some "ride food", like a gel or something, empty bottle for water. You can snack on samples inside but they may not be what you want. Stick some snacks in your pocket, high calorie protein (peanuts, protein bar, etc). There's food but go in like you won't have time to buy food because you won't.

Some places might sell stuff (DVDs for example). Bring some cash and a credit card. Some people may not want to pack up their stuff and may sell it to you. I haven't bought anything off the floor like that in 10 years so I don't know how much of that happens anymore.

Get there early, like 30 minutes before the doors open. The consumer day is the last day so the booths start getting broken down early. Earlier in the day the people working the booths will be a bit fresher than late in the day.

Not sure of policy on cameras and such but I can't imagine they're controlling them like they did a few years ago. If you have a smartphone with a good camera bring that, make sure the memory is clear before you get there.

Be nice to the booth people. Ask if you can take a sticker from the pile of stickers, don't just grab. Ask if you can take a picture. Etc.

Have fun, you'll have a blast.

I've worked in front, behind, and next to booths. I much preferred working next to them (i.e. not as a vendor, not as a store/shop buyer/employee, but indirectly for Interbike). Working with a vendor was really tough, long hours before, during, and after the show, lost my voice one year, etc. So be nice to the vendors, please.

[oldpotatoe]

Also take the time to go to the lower floor, corners, the teeny booths, the obscure. Some are great, great ideas, some of downright weird.

[pdmtong]

While have not been to interbike, I have attended many many large tradeshows both as a vendor and as a customer. Been to NAHBS a few times. So putting those two in combination, I think carpediem nails it.

- you got to have a plan. this is no place for those with ADD

- time is short. you wont see everything. accept that.

- be comfortable: shoes. clothing. food. water.

- backpack is critical. be deliberate about the freebies you take or stuff you buy. the last thing you need is to leave the hall with a bag of crap and wonder why did I take all this stuff I am now about to throw out?

- if you are going to ask questions make them count. here's a chance to talk directly to the source without a marketing layer or customer service layer in between. dont waste your time or their time with drivel. you dont have time for idle conversation

- if some famous person is there (eddie), go do that first - the lines will only get longer as the day progresses.

- charge your phone and camera.

and lastly, when a super hot woman starts chatting you up in the elevator at 7am remember you are in Vegas

[jc031699]

Awesome advice guys, thanks so much-
Keep em coming! I certainly am no stranger to cramming for all kinds of tests in one night... back in the day.
Your descriptions bring to mind some scientific meetings that span the ENTIRE New Orleans or San Diego convention center from end to end. Maybe that experience will finally pay off here.

[Repack Rider]

Plan to visit the Breezer booth between 2 and 4 p.m. on Thursday, the second day of the show.

I'll be there with Joe Breeze signing copies of my book, Fat Tire Flyer (http://www.velopress.com/books/fat-tire-flyer/), which shipped from the printer yesterday. It goes on sale to the public on September 17, but the first 200 copies sold will go to Interbike attendees.

[dustyrider]

Having been a few times, you're missing the best part, the outdoor demo days, but the concentration of everything bike in one place is not to be missed. You're sure to have a good time no matter what.

Having been there for employment reasons, I suggest operating under the golden rule! I also try to bring something without the expectation of getting something: cold drinks, shareable food goods or something from a vendor, local schwag(stickers for stickers, etc.), it's always nice to find that guy with a bottle of spirits. Much like life, what you put into it is what you get out. Have fun!

[Joachim]

your descriptions bring to mind some scientific meetings that span the entire new orleans or san diego convention center from end to end. Maybe that experience will finally pay off here.

sfn?

[mudhead]

Try

http://www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-el-gordo-las-vegas-2

Best cheap eats near the strip

[jc031699]

sfn?
Yes!

Talk about planning ahead! Interbike sounds like that kind of scene-

[jc031699]

Try

http://www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-el-gordo-las-vegas-2

Best cheap eats near the strip

Thanks- looks amazing. I'm staying at the Trump, will check it out for sure.

[oldpotatoe]

Thanks- looks amazing. I'm staying at the Trump, will check it out for sure.

Too bad it's at the Manadalay now..when at the Venetian..lots of good people watching, restaurants, etc...around the 'canal' but...if ya watch PawnStars, and yep, I do, that rare book store featured is worth a look...

http://www.baumanrarebooks.com/about-us/locations/las-vegas-nv.aspx

[rab]

Depending on how you got the pass/who from, may want to be conservative or flat out avoid letting anyone scan your badge. Your benefactor may not be too pleased with the amount of follow up/information they get otherwise.

Good free stuff seems to go quickly so recommend if that is your thing you hunt that out first day.
Last day can be a bit of a giveaway, exhibitors dumping stuff they don't want to take back, and can find some really good deals. So as mentioned, bring some fun money.

It can be a lot of fun, meet a ton of cool people and see a LOT of stuff. Take time and enjoy it and as mentioned, really go over the exhibitor map and be sure to ID the ones you really want to see. Even then you will get home and probably find a half dozen things you meant to do and missed...

Some other personal experience that might translate into good advice - don't stay up for 22+hours the first day there, drinking intermittently, then try to start the next day by fueling up at the Hooters breakfast buffet. Not good.

Hope you have a good time!

[carpediemracing]

Thanks- looks amazing. I'm staying at the Trump, will check it out for sure.

I hope you're driving, willing to take the bus (I don't remember when they start running), or you have a bike. The Trump is pretty far from Mandalay. I stayed there the last time I was there and there's not really much in that immediate spot, at least for someone on foot. No real food choices like the casinos have, many Interbike attendees stayed closer to the show (it was at the Sands at the time so Palazzo sp? or whatever is next to that, Venetian maybe, and the pirate place across the street).

In the past Interbike had a bike area for people to store bikes outside of the show. It made for a much nicer "commute" to the show. I haven't been there since they moved to Mandalay so not sure if they have it now. However the bike room was fully utilized.

Although getting to the show in the morning should be reasonable (roads are empty so a taxi would be quick), getting back after the show will be tougher.

[guyintense]

After you've spent all day scrutinizing every booth go online and check out sites like velonews and weightweenies and you'll find photos of all the really cool stuff you missed.

[carpediemracing]

After you've spent all day scrutinizing every booth go online and check out sites like velonews and weightweenies and you'll find photos of all the really cool stuff you missed.

Heh that's so true. Also the people that post pictures usually have nice cameras so unless it's a reference shot, celebrity siting/selfie, or you have a blog I'd avoid taking the time to take pictures.

[jc031699]

I hope you're driving, willing to take the bus (I don't remember when they start running), or you have a bike. The Trump is pretty far from Mandalay. I stayed there the last time I was there and there's not really much in that immediate spot, at least for someone on foot. No real food choices like the casinos have, many Interbike attendees stayed closer to the show (it was at the Sands at the time so Palazzo sp? or whatever is next to that, Venetian maybe, and the pirate place across the street).

In the past Interbike had a bike area for people to store bikes outside of the show. It made for a much nicer "commute" to the show. I haven't been there since they moved to Mandalay so not sure if they have it now. However the bike room was fully utilized.

Although getting to the show in the morning should be reasonable (roads are empty so a taxi would be quick), getting back after the show will be tougher.

Although I really enjoy walking the strip, will probably have to use the monorail some...

[jc031699]

Depending on how you got the pass/who from, may want to be conservative or flat out avoid letting anyone scan your badge. Your benefactor may not be too pleased with the amount of follow up/information they get otherwise.

Good free stuff seems to go quickly so recommend if that is your thing you hunt that out first day.
Last day can be a bit of a giveaway, exhibitors dumping stuff they don't want to take back, and can find some really good deals. So as mentioned, bring some fun money.

It can be a lot of fun, meet a ton of cool people and see a LOT of stuff. Take time and enjoy it and as mentioned, really go over the exhibitor map and be sure to ID the ones you really want to see. Even then you will get home and probably find a half dozen things you meant to do and missed...

Some other personal experience that might translate into good advice - don't stay up for 22+hours the first day there, drinking intermittently, then try to start the next day by fueling up at the Hooters breakfast buffet. Not good.

Hope you have a good time!

Is there any secret handshake or discretion needed to make a purchase, or is it pretty much standard fare?

[rab]

Is there any secret handshake or discretion needed to make a purchase, or is it pretty much standard fare?

Maybe in some cases, but in most cases it was just discussing with the exhibitor to see if they actually wanted to sell and then working out a price if they did. Maybe negotiable, maybe not. A lot of stuff that will be open for sale can be had for decent prices. Lot of people go with cash to burn so not unusual at all. Exhibitors likely will want to keep the merch until end of show, or pretty far into it if it is on display.

Wouldn't say it is a rule and certainly varies but it seems the bigger the item, the more likely the desire to not have to pack up and bring home. Sometimes can cut some decent deals at the end of the show. Some friends picked up complete bikes at very good deals in the past, displays, had them shipped to them after the show from LV.

Just talk with the exhibitors, be cool and feel them out a bit, go from there.
Depending on who you are at the show with can also possibly pull some influence. Lot of people trying to push their goods and if they think flowing something to you might help get them in with new business or publicity, that can definitely open some doors. Not saying to concoct a BS story, but you may be able to work something to your advantage.
I got a bunch of Pro deal cards from a certain clothing manufacturer once, I think it was 60% off, and to this day I am still not sure why they seemed so keen to load me up with them. I wasn't even sniffing for a deal, but was glad to accept! So sometimes, I think you just flat out get lucky.

[Ti Designs]

Is there anyone else here who given a choice, would avoid Interbike?

[oldpotatoe]

Is there anyone else here who given a choice, would avoid Interbike?

Been there a lot, never wish to go again. Yeh, it's nice seeing the guys we talk to frequently on the phone. I imagine it would be keen for a never-been or a consumer but....after about 3 hours and walking to my 4th or 5th appointment..to see things I have already seen..I'm looking for my first beer.

Plus the place stinks...recycled smoke, stale..there are some pretty good restaurants, and fun to have dinner with Antonio, or Bill, or Tom but in general, kinda a PITA..IMHO.

I sat with Eddy once, he was all by himself at the Gita booth having a coke.

I also talked to Mario Cippolini, thru a friend of mine..that was keen.

Went to a watch store in Ceasar's, for a tribute to Eddy...saw an amazing assortment of Rolex's...had some darlin' offer me $5000 for my 30 year old GMT Stainless on trade for a gold and stainless GMT Master...

Memorable moments but in general, pass....

[pdmtong]

All the local shops here are interbike veterans (duh) and as such only go, if they go, with a few specific meetings in mind or specific things to see. I can see that if you were to go every year, it would get old fast.

then again, the OP is a consumer, and whats old to the insiders is mind-blowing ultra-cool to us outsiders.

I get a slice of that every year at sea otter. its great to talk to the reps and see stuff in person. If i could go to interbike I would ... BUT as previously noted, I would have a plan, be ready to walk, and try not to let myself get distracted.

Plus, it is different being purposeful at the show if you are a retailer looking through the lens of what can my shop sell versus as a consumer looking at things as what would I like to personally own or afford...

[dustyrider]

Is there anyone else here who given a choice, would avoid Interbike?

Absolutely. I did enjoy the outdoor demo days. Usually got the dream bike and kept it for the day...

[c-record]

Go to Italy land. The Italian pavilion has most of the cool stuff you'd expect to see and drool all over. Unfortunately, I hear, Campy won't be there this year.

[AustinHorse]

I'm not really sure how the new consumer day will affect interbike's normal rhythm. Friday tends to be a wasted day, perhaps some last minute meetings but probably 2/3 of the show has escaped by noon. Now the big booths will probably force a few more employees to stay til close and speak with the public. What everyone is saying about deals is true, and it is far from down-low; you may even see some advertised. Best bet is going to the smaller companies or the weirder foreign ones, they should be the most motivated sellers.

A couple years ago I collected pens as my Interbike activity- I still have about a hundred, all different from various cycling companies. Last year for some reason hardly any company brought pens though. But keep a lookout, it was fun and useful and a way to see a lot of booths yet keep it moving.

The new place is kind of weird- there is so much more walking now. Getting out of the building might actually be a shortcut.

Get your free socks at the swiftwick booth! Thompson usually has a really cool keychain doo dad as well.

If you drink coffee, buy it ahead of time and bring it in. There are concessions and booths with free coffee but it sucks to wander around for an hour before you stumble upon one.

[oldpotatoe]

Go to Italy land. The Italian pavilion has most of the cool stuff you'd expect to see and drool all over. Unfortunately, I hear, Campy won't be there this year.

At interbike? Pretty sure they are.

http://n2a.goexposoftware.com/events/ib14/goExpo/floorPlan/viewFloorPlan.php?ei=1165&zb=20110

They have never been in the Italian pavilion...

[carpediemracing]

Although I really enjoy walking the strip, will probably have to use the monorail some...

Just walking to the Strip from the Trump is a minute or three, and on a bleary morning that's a long walk (esp if you have dressier shoes on like I did).

When I stayed there the show was at the Sands and I wish I'd stayed at the Palazzo instead.

For a day it should be fine. It's when you have to be at the show at some ungodly hour on a Friday after being up early Mon-Thu that walking to the strip seems far.

Early morning I think a taxi would be worth it. Quick, streets are virtually deserted. Save your energy for the show. In the afternoon take your time, sitting on the bus would be fine, even sitting inside a taxi would be nice, or sitting at a table somewhere eating leisurely.

This is a picture I took at the shopping place next to the Trump on the way to the Sands. Each morning I saw the guy driving the cleaning truck thing (like a zamboni for the smooth granite-like sidewalk). If you look at the TV screen in the picture you'll see that there's no one around, just me (the TV screen is showing what the camera in the Blue Man's hand is pointing at, i.e. me). That's the morning. It was 6:30 AM? Maybe?
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPhprUHK9pQ/TnQW1A4rY8I/AAAAAAAADnA/B712ucbF3sA/s800/2011-09-15_07-08-58_109.jpg

[jc031699]

Just walking to the Strip from the Trump is a minute or three, and on a bleary morning that's a long walk (esp if you have dressier shoes on like I did).

When I stayed there the show was at the Sands and I wish I'd stayed at the Palazzo instead.

For a day it should be fine. It's when you have to be at the show at some ungodly hour on a Friday after being up early Mon-Thu that walking to the strip seems far.

Early morning I think a taxi would be worth it. Quick, streets are virtually deserted. Save your energy for the show. In the afternoon take your time, sitting on the bus would be fine, even sitting inside a taxi would be nice, or sitting at a table somewhere eating leisurely.

This is a picture I took at the shopping place next to the Trump on the way to the Sands. Each morning I saw the guy driving the cleaning truck thing (like a zamboni for the smooth granite-like sidewalk). If you look at the TV screen in the picture you'll see that there's no one around, just me (the TV screen is showing what the camera in the Blue Man's hand is pointing at, i.e. me). That's the morning. It was 6:30 AM? Maybe?
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPhprUHK9pQ/TnQW1A4rY8I/AAAAAAAADnA/B712ucbF3sA/s800/2011-09-15_07-08-58_109.jpg

Thanks-. I was wondering whether it was ungodly far. I'll plan to spend all day there, and stop for dinner after. Deserted in the morning, I guess. The rest of the city still passed out!

[pdmtong]

Is this your first time in Vegas as well?

If so, distances are very deceptive. Even the walk from the monorail at the back of the MGM to the front isn't quick since of course they want you to walk thru the casino.

Stand and look down the the strip. you think you can walk to the next casino. except is a mile away and 98d outside. no thanks.

Spend the $15 and take a cab. your feet will thank you.

[c-record]

At interbike? Pretty sure they are.

http://n2a.goexposoftware.com/events/ib14/goExpo/floorPlan/viewFloorPlan.php?ei=1165&zb=20110

They have never been in the Italian pavilion...

That's much better news than them not being there. I always love to see their goodies. The new crank looks better in person than in pictures and I'm warming up to it.