Final Day of IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference

For Immediate Release
06-23-06
Contact: Mark Eller, IMBA Communications Manager
markeller@imba.com
303-545-9011

Today was the final day of the IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference, held in Whistler, BC. A plenary session titled "Trails and Communities" focused on the tourism and health initiatives needed to make trails work in urban areas.

Andy Clarke, of the League of American Bicyclists ; Keith Bennett, from the Resort Municipality of Whistler; Chris Laforest of Bruce County Planning and Economic Development and Mountain Trails Foundation's Carol Potter presented strategies fielded delegates' questions.

Concurrent Workshops Tackle Tourism

Enhancing mountain bike tourism and promoting female participation were some of the issues addressed in the afternoon sessions:

Marketing Mountain Biking
Is it preferable to market mountain biking as a sport or a tourism product? Speakers will present marketing strategies, and discuss the economic impact trails can have on a community. Hosted by Barrett Fisher, Tourism Whistler; Chris Hughes, Bruce County Tourism; Mike Fox Tourism Vancouver

Mountain Bike Centres
Regional mountain biking centres are a testament to the power of big-picture planning. They offer a proven model for promoting mountain bike tourism on a large scale. Panelists will discuss the planning, implementation, and funding mechanisms for large-scale projects. Hosted by Eitan Hevroni, Israel's Samson Riders Bicycle Club and Tony Scott of MTB Australia.

Reaching Out to Women Riders
Women present the best opportunity for growth in the mountain bike movement. Learn how to open the door with targeted clinics, products, clubs, races, marketing techniques and more. This workshop is relevant to anyone involved in the mountain biking movement - from industry to tourism to mountain bike advocates. Hosted by Mary Monroe, Trails 2000 ; Candace Shadley, Sugoi Dirt Series; Eron Chorney, Specialized Bikes.

Film Festival Finale

The 2006 Summit/Conference concluded with a film and slideshow night, hosted by rider Ryan Leech. Films include the acclaimed "Roam," and the world premier of the trailer for "Progression Kranked 6." "Defect," an extreme unicycling film, was hosted by Kris Holm. Proceeds from the film night go to Epic Riders and Future Heroes, non-profit organizations that benefit young riders in British Columbia.

High-resolution photos of the IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference are for available for editorial use. E-mail Mark Eller for additional information.