Health & Fitness Business 2010: Interbike merger offers many seminars, SNEWS continues as media sponsor, fitness space nearly sold out

In the first year of its co-location with the massive Interbike show, the Health & Fitness Business show has begun to take shape, according to show management.

The fitness show (Sept. 22-23) will take over a space separated from the Interbike show (Sept. 21-24), but directly across a hall, allowing attendees from both to easily check out exhibits in both segments, as well as access the deep seminar schedule.

“For the first time, HFB will stage in Las Vegas next to its sister show Interbike,” said Andy Tompkins, group show director for Nielsen Expositions, which runs HFB, Outdoor Retailer, Interbike and Action Sports Retailer. “This marquis cycling event attracts over 4,000 retail shops, and our surveys show more than a quarter of these dealers sell fitness equipment with many more indicating they want to get into that area.

“This powerful buying audience, in conjunction with hundreds of dedicated fitness dealers, will provide a broad retail audience with which fitness manufacturers can meet and conduct business,” he added. “Also, not to be forgotten is the ability for fitness attendees to take part in all the seminars hosted by the National Bicycle Dealers Association. Many of these seminars focus on small business needs applicable to all.”

Although the seminar schedule for 2010 was not yet available, the list in 2009 included topics such as marketing, management, staff training, merchandising and community involvement. The schedule should be posted soon at www.interbike.com.

SNEWS onboard

Even with the shift to a co-location with Interbike, SNEWS will still cover the show from A to Z as the exclusive media sponsor with daily news and reports from the show floor. The traditional “Community Hub” in the fitness area on the show floor is the best place for retailers and other attendees to hangout, have coffee, and share ideas, trends and tips with each other and SNEWS.

“HFB is proud to continue its partnership with SNEWS,” Tompkins, “and we look forward to their presence on the HFB show floor and for daily updates from the SNEWS team.”

SNEWS heard in a number of surveys that some fitness industry members were strongly against Las Vegas as a venue, while others were greatly in favor of anything other than Denver. With that, show management said it has found the venue works well with entertainment and meal options.

“After each busy day of retail education and line showings, Las Vegas will offer a wide variety of restaurant and entertainment options to suite any taste,” Tompkins said.

Segment again growing

Marketing director Rich Kelly noted that although it’s still early, signups by manufacturers has been strong, with the space allotted for fitness already nearing its maximum. Signed up already are BH Fitness, Body Solid, Bodyguard, Fitness Master, GoFit, Octane, Power Plate, Spirit, Torque, True, Vectra and Vision, among many others. Not on the fitness floor but on the Interbike floor, but still of interest to fitness retailers, are Nautilus, Saris/CycleOps, as well as nutrition specialists such as Power Bar and Champion, among other hydration and accessory companies.

Show management said it expected a show that may end up being a bit larger than last year’s — not bad in light of the change and the economy, he pointed out.

“We’re excited for a re-energized show experience for the industry in the new setting,” Kelly said, “and we’re glad SNEWS is still a big part of it.”

SNEWS will continue with stories and news regularly as the event approaches to make sure you stay apprised of the latest. Look also for additional news about the kind of reports to look for from SNEWS during the show. Manufacturers, please drop us a note about your upcoming products and debuts or other show news to snewsbox@snewsnet.com. Retailers, if you have any questions or comments, let us know and perhaps we can find the answers and publish the information in an upcoming story.

–Therese Iknoian