International Field Will Assemble for IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference
For Immediate Release
05-17-06
Contact: Mark Eller, IMBA Communications Manager
303-545-9011
Early registration for the 2006 IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference (June 20-23 in Whistler, BC) indicates the event will be truly global affair. From Australia to Sri Lanka, a diverse gathering of nearly 300 attendees has signed on for the three-day program, which includes seminars on mountain bike tourism, trail design and other topics related to the high-growth sport of mountain biking.
The Summit/Conference will be jointly hosted by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, and North Vancouver's Shore Events. Nations other than the host country that will be represented at the Summit/Conference include:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Chile
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Switzerland
- Trinidad
- United Kingdom
- United States
Scholarships Program Enhances International Flavor
A competitive application process for scholarships has resulted in financial assistance for 20 qualified attendees to attend the Summit/Conference, including 10 international delegates. Scholarship winners include officers from local mountain bike clubs, land managers and trail advocates.
"We've had a very successful spring, with great scholarship applicants and very good numbers on general registration," says Aaryn Kay, IMBA's events manager. "The list of expert speakers from around the world continues to expand, and we're still adding sessions topics," adds Kay.
The list of 47 featured speakers confirms the event's global appeal. Wales' Dafydd Davis, Canadians Jay 'Hoots' Krantz and Jeff Jackson, and Coloradoan Joey Klein will give presentations: Each is considered an authority on mountain bike issues.
Four Major Themes to be Addressed
The Summit/Conference will offers four major themes for attendees to explore:
- Communication, Collaboration and Clubs: Delegates will gain the skills
needed to raise the level of communication among trail users, government
officials, and land managers, all for the benefit of local trails.
- Planning Successful Trail Communities: Planning trail-based communities
that promote healthy, active, outdoor lifestyles is a global trend. Whether
your community is aiming to promote a healthy lifestyle or an Economic boost
through trail-related tourism, delegates will learn from the experts.
- Managing Risk and Trails: Risk management, renegade trail building,
sensitive ecosystems: managing trails is more than putting good trails on
the ground. Delegates will learn innovative trail management solutions and
how to use trails as a conservation solution.
- Where do we Ride From Here?: Freeriding, cross-country, downhill ... how do we create a cohesive mountain biking community while the sport continues to grow? From family free-ride parks to women's clinics, delegates and experts will discuss emerging trends of the sport.
In addition to seminars and guided discussions, a variety of social events -- including group rides and a gala dinner -- have been planned. Visit www.worldmountainbikeconference.com for additional information.
