A premier awards gala for the bicycle industry, the Interbike Awards (IB Awards), is set to return to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center (MBCC) during the Interbike International Expo this autumn/fall. Taking place on Thursday 17 September 2015 in the South Pacific Ballroom of the MBCC, the IB Awards will kick-off with a 18:30 cocktail reception, with the awards presentation to follow.
Interbike returns to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center beginning with OutDoor Demo in Boulder City, Nevada on 14-15 September 2015, followed by the Interbike Expo on 16-18 September 2015.
The IB Awards evening will once again honour achievements from the current product and race year. Nominees and winners will be selected from categories across the bike community, including Best-In-Show, Product Innovation, Athletic Achievement, Retailer Excellence, Supplier Performance and Advocacy Efforts.
“Our 2014 IB Awards night was truly a magical event for our industry,” said Pat Hus, Vice President of Interbike. “This year’s event will be even better with a number of upgrades and surprises from the previous year. Between the laughs, the entertainment, the anticipation of winners, the fantastic meal and the industry comradery, the IB Awards has truly become a must-attend event.”
World Bicycle Relief, a non-profit organization mobilizing people through the power of bicycles, will be the beneficiary partner for this year’s gala. Interbike will be donating US$10 from each ticket sold to support its efforts.
“A big thank you to Interbike for selecting World Bicycle Relief as its non-profit partner for the 2015 awards night,” said FK Day, Founder and President, World Bicycle Relief. “It is from making bicycling a viable choice for sport, fitness, leisure, and basic transportation, that we as an industry together will make the world a better place. World Bicycle Relief salutes the Interbike team for consistently bringing people together around The Power of Bicycles.”
Interbike has secured comedian and former ‘Last Comic Standing’ winner Alonzo Bodden as the master of ceremonies, and he will be joined on stage this year by one of the top female DJ’s in the country, Tina T. Winner of LA Weekly’s first ever DJ Spin Off battle, Tina T has been featured in numerous commercials, is a current finalist in season 3 of VH1’s ‘Master of The Mix’ and has shared the stage with top musical artists from a variety of genres.
The Interbike team has once again partnered with Verde Brand Communications to produce the IB Awards. With years of experience producing high-end celebrations and awards nights, Verde will take the lead on curating all presenters, video content, music and all on-stage programs. A diverse list of new and returning celebrity presenters will be in attendance, including Bob Roll, Greg Herbold, Gary Fisher, Nelson Vails, Shaun Palmer, and Brian Lopes.
Interbike is also partnering with multiple media organizations and key industry colleagues to curate the award categories, select nominees and ultimately to honour the winners:
- Product Innovation: Hi-Torque Publications (Road Bike Action, Mountain Bike Action, BMX Plus! and Electric Bike Action)
- Athletic Achievement: The Competitor Group (Velo)
- Best-in-Triathlon: Triathlon Business International (TBI)
- Dealer Excellence: Bicycle Retailer and Industry News
- Supplier Performance: National Bicycle Dealers Association
- Advocacy Efforts: PeopleForBikes
A complete list of the multiple awards within the categories can be found on the Interbike website. The first round of nominees will be announced in June, with athlete awards to be presented on 1 August. Criteria for the nomination process for each award category can be found on the Official Guide to the 2015 Interbike Awards on the Interbike website.
Tickets for the Gala can be purchased during the Interbike registration process. Special advanced ticket pricing for the event is US$100 per person, and includes the evening reception, beer and wine, a sit-down dinner along with the awards show entertainment. A US$10 donation from every ticket sold will be donated to World Bicycle Relief.
The 2014 IB Awards sold-out in advance of the event – but should tickets still be available on-site, prices will be US$125 at the door. Those interested in attending are encouraged to secure their tickets early.
A limited number of private tables and sponsorship opportunities are available and can be purchased directly through Interbike. Interested parties should contact Andria Klinger, Sales Director at +1 949 226 5745 or andria.klinger[at]emeraldexpo.com for more information.
