September 19, 2006 – The Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC) is pleased to announce that ExpoCycle reached new heights in 2006 for attendance and exhibit space. ExpoCycle, Canada’s only trade event for the bicycle industry had over 105 companies participating in the Show at Place Bonaventure in downtown Montreal on September 10-12, pushing total exhibit space to an all time high of 87,700 net-sold square-feet (2,041 square-feet larger than last year).

“With upwards of 800 brands and more products being shown each year we are almost at capacity for exhibit space in Place Bonaventure, we will be maximizing what we have for the 2007 show.” stated Janet O’Connell, BTAC Executive Director. “ExpoCycle is on the ‘must attend’ list for many buyers and retailers across the country.”

2006 ExpoCycle Total Attendance was 2,278* individuals representing 895 Bike Retail Stores from across Canada and the U.S. Attendance from the Western region was strong once again, with 100 Retailers making the trip and totaling 11% of total retailers at the Show. Central Canada was steady, with Quebec companies making up 54% (489) of the total attendees and Ontario 26% (230). These numbers are unchanged from 2005. The Eastern Region was unchanged at 4% (39).

Sunday (Day One) saw a big increase over 2005’s first day, with over 1,366 visitors walking the show floor. When viewing a vendor’s lines takes upward of an hour or more, retailers are often returning to the Show over the three days to see all of their vendors and the new product lines on display. The effects of moving from the weekend dates of last year (2005 Show was Friday-Sunday) back to weekday dates (Sunday-Tuesday) was felt on the last day of the Show with attendance down as retailers wrapped up business and headed home.

Attendance at the pre-Show Outdoor Dirt Demo at Ski Bromont (September 9) was slightly affected by rain, with close to 400 riders putting the latest bikes to the test in the muddiest conditions seen yet at a Demo Day. Exhibitors who took part in the Outdoor Demo Day said despite the rain and mud, the serious buyers and riders were there.

ExpoCycle will return to Montreal for 2007, and is scheduled to take place September 9-11.

*Attendance numbers are reported from an independent registration firm who audit the figures for accuracy. Total attendance represents individuals and does not count returning visitors.