Jim Kersten, CABDA’s president and show director, said, “We looked at more than 20 cities, more than 50 venues, and spoke to over a hundred industry members from across the country.”
While the event will be directed at dealers in Southern California, Kersten expects shops from neighboring states to attend as well. “Just like at our show in Chicago, we get quite a bit of attendance from folks within driving distance”, Kersten said. The San Diego venue is located adjacent to Interstate 5, close to mass transit, and 25 minutes form the San Diego Airport.
CABDA organizers plan to replicate the same low-cost formula that has made their Midwest show so successful; Exhibitors will be able to hand carry their booth supplies and event sponsorships will be priced affordably. Booth prices are set at $9.50/Sq Ft for 10×10 booths and $8/Sq Ft for multiple booths. Additionally, the timing of the show will allow exhibitors to forward freight directly to the Chicago show without having to pay round trip shipping twice.
The San Diego location also allows for outdoor events including demos and group rides that are not possible in a colder climate. CABDA will continue their partnership with the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association (PBMA) to offer a full battery of technical clinics, product workshops, and general shop operation seminars. “James Stanfill and the folks PBMA are a tremendous part of CABDA’s continued growth and success.” Kersten said. “The seminars and clinics that dealers attend at the shows will pay enormous dividends throughout the year”
The CABDA Expos are trade-only events that run January 16&17, 2019 in San Diego and February 14&15, 2019 in Chicago. The 2018 Expo in Chicago attracted almost 2300 attendees from over 550 shops across 27 states.
Exhibitor Registration will open for both locations in mid-June.