October 23, 2016 (Taichung, Taiwan) – Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) will organize the 2017 Taipei International Cycle Show (TAIPEI CYCLE) from March 22-25, at the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) Nangang Exhibition Hall and Hall 1. As the show heads towards the 30-year milestone, the organizer will launch a series of new programs, as well as introducing new key visual identity and slogan. Registration for the TAIPEI CYCLE in 2017 has closed at the end of September with 1,100 exhibitors planning to participate in the Show, including Giant, Merida, Maxxis, Kenda, Accell Group, Pon Bicycle Group, and Shimano. TAIPEI CYCLE is one of the annual business events attracting most international participation in Taiwan, with nearly 27% of exhibitors coming from abroad. The Show will occupy 65,000 square meters in space (3,340 booths).
The question whether TAIPEI CYCLE should move its dates has received tremendous attention. “TAIPEI CYCLE 2017 will only be held in March as usual. However, in 2018, the show will move to the end of October and early November, as the bicycle industry suggested.” Mr. Peter Huang, the CEO & President of TAITRA, and Mr. Tony Lo, the chairman of Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA), answer in the pre-show press conference today.
At today’s conference, Mr. Huang also unveils the fresh key visual identity and slogan. Red Orange in hue, it boldly signifies that Taiwan cycling industry radiates passion and vitality. With kaleidoscope as the key visual theme, it symbolizes the variety that the Show presents, as well as its connection with Taiwan cycling industry – TAIPEI CYCLE as the trade event for the industry to connect with international markets. The slogan “A New Worldview on Cycling” reinforces the positioning of TAIPEI CYCLE, for staging the latest cycling products, for understanding market trends and the future of the industry, and for stimulating interactions leading to innovative designs.
Beside, three new programs in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Show will be launched. On March 21, one day before the 2017 TAIPEI CYCLE opens, the first-ever Demo Day will be held at a suitable setting nearby the showground, so that buyers and exhibitors will experience the functionalities of bicycles extensively, by test riding on different terrains. In addition to the return of pavilions organized by CONEBI (the Confederation of European Bicycle Industry), Business France and Japan Bicycle Promotion Institute, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Taipei will organized the Spanish Pavilion for the first time, showcasing premium cycling products from Spain within the allotted 90-sqaure-meter space (10 booths).
Furthermore, in order to promote innovation in the cycling industry, and to interlink global research and development strengths, TAITRA and Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA) will jointly organized the 2017 TAIPEI CYCLE design & innovation (d&i) awards, implemented by iF DESIGN ASIA Ltd on behalf of the Organizers. Placing different types of complete bicycles in one category in the past has resulted in fierce competition for awards, so 4 new categories have been established for 2017 awards: racing bikes, mountain bikes, urban bike, and special-purpose bikes. Registration is being accepted until December 30. To commemorate 30 years of TAIPEI CYCLE, TAITRA and TBA will nominate “Taiwan Cycling Person of the Year”. Media dedicated to reporting the cycling industry will then select the person to be accorded with this award. The result will be announced in the opening ceremony of the 2017 Show next March.
Mr. Tony Lo points out that the value of Taiwan complete bicycles export in 2016 so far has dropped 20%, however, the value of parts and accessories export remains stable and continues to grow. As E-bikes become even more popular in North American and European markets, the export value of Taiwan E-bikes reaches 93 million (USD), which doubles comparing with the same period last year. Furthermore, “Bike sharing system has been introduced to eight cities in Taiwan, and we are expecting more cities to install and to encourage cycling,” says Lo.
George Chang from Chuhn Chuan Corp., the TAIPEI CYCLE d&i awards winner, shares his personal experience in participating the competition. He also hopes that more Taiwan products can be discovered in global markets by means of joining such events and exhibitions.
Taiwan has long been regarded as the Cycling Kingdom, and TAIPEI CYCLE serves as the most notable platform for supplying the world with advanced complete bicycles and parts. Also, the 2017 Taipei Sporting Goods Show (TAISPO) will be held at TWTC Hall 1 & 3 during the same time as TAIPEI CYCLE, expanding exhibits on view from bicycles to indoor fitness equipment, as well as outdoors and water sports products all in one stop. Over 10,000 overseas visitors are expected to come to source for all things sports at once.