The North American Hand built bicycle show is a concept that
teems with potential and opportunity for the small independent frame builder. Never before has there been a vehicle that
affords the prospect of global awareness for hand built brands, creating
prospective customers outside the normally regional appeal our industry tends
to propagate.
During its tenure, the show has evolved from a small
gathering of fabricators and key suppliers to an assemblage of creative
companies, representing a broad view of the cycling industry. Though some have argued that the show has
lost its focus on the hand built bicycle as it has grown, the key platform and
interest for the individual fabricator has remained steadfast;
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- - a venue that allows for direct interaction with
potential customers, facilitating the start of a business relationship in areas
outside the business’s normal geographic reach
- - Media exposure that bolsters builder recognition
and broadens awareness of hand built bikes
- - Creates opportunities for builders and their
vendors for face to face communication, development of product ideas,
streamlining supply options
- - Integrates ancillary cycling products into the
show, drawing cycling enthusiasts, increases potential reach and exposure for
exhibitors.
- - Provides for an instructional medium within the
seminar framework, encouraging mentorship.
- - Creates a physical sense of community amongst
builders who typically labor in solitude.
It is with these benefits foremost
in mind that I feel supporting the show by consistent attendance should be a
priority in each builders business plan.
Fabricators working at capacity will not realize a Return on Investment
for participation that is tangible.
However, their participation does keep the industry in the eye of the
customer, provides a vehicle for new builders to find an audience, and invests
in the industry that has provided a living wage throughout a career. The show benefits all who engage in the
custom bicycle industry whether they attend or not, is there not a
responsibility to give back?
Much debate has transpired within the small hand built
community regarding the direction and administration of the show by its
Director/Owner, Don Walker. As a
business owner who is engaging in a relationship with Nahbs, I feel it is
important to recognize that in this circumstance, I am not only a customer, but
have an invested interest in the success and longevity of the show. To insure it’s opportunities continue to be
available to industry members, it is my responsibility to give feedback to
create an ever improving environment for positive change. For Nahbs to evolve as the leading marketing
medium for the small fabricator, I would recommend;
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- A renewed focus on Customer Service to builders
that facilitates a sense of ownership/importance of Nahbs in their business
plan.
- - Affordability – Nahbs needs to establish a
financial model that enables attendance for its diverse range of exhibitors as
well as to provide a fiscal foundation for future existence. Tiered pricing that supports the independent
fabricator, as they are the focus of the show, facilitates annual attendance
due to consistent cost expectations.
- - Focus on the hand built fabricator by
centralizing their booth spaces to support each other. Surround the builders by their supply
partners, offering consumers a direct visual correlation of the goods that go
into the finished product. Ring the
event by ancillary vendors that bring the fun and accessories of every day
cycling to the marketing mix.
- - Professional development – many who attend the
show have an interest in someday entering the industry, it should be a goal of
this gathering to provide educational awareness and mentorship opportunities.
- - Equitable show location choices in top tier
cities, throughout the United States, proportionally locating between the
coasts and middle so no one has to travel across the country more than 2 years
in a row. Travel and logistics are the
largest portion of show participation costs, reduce the financial strain by
insuring equality in location choices.
- - Discontinue the Awards structure…encourage
builders to bring product that represents the typical work from their shop and
allow the crowds to provide affirmation through their ultimate choice in who
they wish to work with.
And as a personal note to Don…the strength of a man’s
character is often defined by his ability to let go of past transgressions and
accept people as they are, celebrating their strengths and supporting them when
they are in need. You have assumed the
mantel of an advocate for the custom bicycle fabricator, and subsequently, a
responsibility to lead. Do so with
honesty and respect for those you serve, and they will return it in kind.
In its short life, Nahbs has been responsible for launching
many new careers, fortifying existing business success, and bringing a global
awareness and recognition to the hand built industry. I have been pleased to be part of that
success and choose to continue to support the opportunities it presents.
See ya all in Louisville.
rody
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