The news that German Industry Associations ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad very publicly announced an end to their partnership with Eurobike dominated much of last week’s trade news.
BikeBiz is now able to share with you a statement from the team at Eurobike reflecting the work undertaken behind the scenes, and the progress made, before the events of last week:
“Over the last few months, we have been in close and constructive dialogue with industry players and have received valuable input from across the sector – through industry surveys as well as requirements from the associations themselves in the form of a “10-point plan“ – on how to develop Eurobike further.
“Many of these suggestions were implemented immediately and have already been communicated: Amongst these are the adjustment of the duration of the trade fair, the introduction of multiple options for exhibitors to contribute to the trade fair, as well as the realignment of the congress program.
“Additionally, an advisory board will be established with the involvement of Eurobike’s different target audiences to accompany the further development of the event permanently. Stephan Kurzawski from Messe Frankfurt will serve as its chair. In the interest of the industry and its players, we are also working on further concept development and adaptation measures to ensure the continuous progress of the trade fair.
“In light of this, we are surprised by the decision of the industry associations, as the dialogue between all parties was conducted in an objective and solution-oriented manner.
“It is our goal to work together with the industry and our partners from trade and politics to continuously develop Eurobike and strengthen its standing as the leading trade fair in a national and international context.”
BikeBiz thoughts and considerations
BikeBiz notes that whilst the show is located in Germany, the appeal for most European and International attendees has always been the European and International nature of the show.
Whilst German Industry Associations have their domestic members and home market in focus, the focus of Eurobike is a European and Global cycling industry. The challenge for any trade show, serving global businesses and brands, their regional distribution partners, and collective local customers, is one which all too often represents a thankless task.
Whilst the world around us has changed radically, the need for an industry focal point(s) seems undiminished. Sea Otter Classic attracts UK attendees, travelling some 5,400 miles, and working an eight-hour time difference, all the way to the USA. For elements of the industry that serve the enthusiast market, the show in Monterey is considered a ‘must-attend’ by many.
Eurobike and the new for 2026 Mobifuture, has a wider audience to serve.
European customers are increasingly ‘people, not cyclists’ – riders of bikes for transport and mobility. Serving this dual audience, for trade and for the public, offers new opportunities, as well as creating new challenges. No industry encompassing show, based in Europe, can ignore the diverse needs of these two ‘enthusiast’ and ‘cycling-as-transport’ sectors.
Evolution is the only constant.
A pan-European show with global reach cannot serve just one market. Collective needs have to be considered. Is it possible to keep everyone happy? Of course not. Is it essential to have German Industry Associations at the show? No. Does Eurobike look different without these bodies and the commercial connections in attendance? Yes. Is that a bad thing? I leave that for you to decide.
