2012 IMBA World Summit in Santa Fe
September 15, 2011: The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) will hold its 2012 World Summit in Santa Fe. The announcement came from IMBA during a Thursday morning industry event at Interbike International Bicycle Expo in Las Vegas. The non-profit IMBA is recognized as a leader in low-impact biking advocacy and as an educational force promoting cooperation between varied trail user groups.
The week-long, 400 delegate conference will include a bicycling trade fair made up of leading bicycle parts and accessory manufacturers, a media contingent representing the sport's top publications, organized trail rides to experience the outstanding mountain bike terrain in Santa Fe, and events designed to showcase the city's culture, attractions, and hospitality.
The sales staff at the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau, local businesses including REI and Bicycle Technologies International, the City of Santa Fe's Planning Department, and the Santa Fe Fat Tire Society collaborated to meet IMBA's requirements and exceed their expectations for the conference. Months of work went into the proposal and, in the final days, the location decision was between Santa Fe and North Lake Tahoe.
IMBA Events Manager Terry Breheny visited the city during the summer, scouting the location and meeting with representatives. He said he was impressed with Santa Fe as a compelling destination and recognized a powerful sense of community when diverse constituents came together in support of Santa Fe's bid.
Potential revenues generated from the conference are estimated to be near $1 million. In addition, the attention focused on Santa Fe by affluent mountain bikers-mountain bikes can easily cost $5,000 to $10,000-fits a key demographic targeted by the city's tourism marketing.
Breheny will return in October, 2011 to continue the planning process. While there is much left to do to prepare for next year's conference, Santa Fe can take pride in its united effort to bring the event to the city.
