Taichung Bike Week 2024 wrapped up on September 27. The Show Daily caught up with Alfred Tsai from Bicycle Cluster to discuss his impressions of this year’s edition.
How did Taichung Bike Week 2024 perform compared to expectations, given the current market conditions?
Alfred Tsai: Despite the challenges, such as inventory clearance not meeting expectations and the market conditions not showing significant improvement, this year’s TBW actually saw an increase in participation. We had 22 more exhibitors compared to last year, which is promising. Among them was DJI, who attracted attention at Eurobike, and several startups. It’s encouraging to see new faces at this globally significant B2B supply chain event, and we look forward to welcoming more in the future.
How was the attendance of buyers and brand representatives at the event?
Alfred Tsai: As anticipated, the number of buyers and brand representatives traveling to Taiwan, particularly from Europe, was lower this year. However, our data shows that during the exhibition period in September, we had over 10,000 online users and more than 100,000 page views on the TBW.com.tw website. The majority of these users were from the U.S. and Germany, followed by countries like France, Japan, and the U.K. Many chose to participate online, and compared to last year, our online traffic doubled. This suggests that more people are becoming accustomed to engaging with us digitally.
How do you see the integration of online and offline participation evolving at TBW?
Alfred Tsai: Based on this year’s online traffic and the registration trends from exhibitors, it’s clear that more participants are becoming comfortable with this hybrid model of both online and offline engagement. We believe that TBW is well-positioned to lead the way in the digitalization of industry events and exhibitions in the future.
What were some of your highlights of this year’s TBW?
Alfred Tsai: Two events stood out: the Executive Forum ‘Venture On,’ which brought together decision makers like the Managing Director of Eurobike Stefan Reisinger. The Battery Service Seminar hosted by SGS was also fully booked, offering diverse insights for both exhibitors and attendees. These events clearly demonstrated the value that Taichung Bike Week provides to the industry.
What insights can you share about the current state of the bicycle industry, particularly in the supply chain?
Alfred Tsai: Insights from the supply chain indicate that the U.S. market is recovering faster, while Europe may need a few more quarters to bounce back. Veterans in Taiwan’s supply chain have gradually adjusted since the pandemic ended, adapting to the economic cycles and market shifts. The atmosphere here is no longer as pessimistic; instead, we are hearing about new development projects and internal restructuring within companies. While the market remains sluggish, those who are prepared will be best positioned to lead when the economy rebounds.
Read our full report on Taichung Bike Week 2024 here