Emerald Expositions has canceled next year’s Interbike International Expo that was scheduled to run Sept. 18-20 in Reno, Nev.

Instead, the company says it will research alternative plans for 2020 and beyond, including the opportunity to launch events featuring bicycling and bike-related components within or alongside its various multi-sport trade show franchises.

“The past four years have been difficult for the U.S. bicycle market,” said Darrell Denny, executive vice president of Emerald Expositions’ Sports Group.

He added, “The substantial increase in tariffs on bike related imports during 2018, and announced for 2019, is compounding these challenges. As a result, we are rethinking how to best serve the cycling industry and will conduct a review of the possible timing, locations and formats with dealers, brands, distributors, reps, designers and media over the coming months. Our goal is to develop and deliver thoughtful solutions which provide strong returns on investment for all industry participants.”

Besides challenges with tariffs, Denny also pointed to considerable consolidation in the market in the past six years and declines in overall margins in the industry.

He added, “Plans we are working on include tapping into interest on a more super-regional basis, evaluating best timing and locations and considering co-location opportunities with some of our other events that offer crossover benefits.”

As a result of this cancellation, Justin Gottlieb, show director; Andria Klinger, sales director; Andy Buckner, art director; and Jack Morrissey, marketing manager, will be leaving the company, effective Dec. 31.

“Justin, Andria, Andy and Jack have dedicated themselves to the cycling space and worked long and hard,” Denny said. “We will miss them greatly and wish them the best on their future endeavors.”

According to an article about the show’s cancellation in Bicycle Retailer & Industry News (which Emerald owns), in an unrelated move, Lori Jenks also is leaving Emerald.

Jenks is senior vice president of Emerald’s trade show operations and works out of the San Juan Capistrano office where Interbike is based.

Established in 1982, Interbike has been the leading bicycle trade event in North America, bringing together manufacturers, retailers, industry advocates, distributors and media to conduct the business of cycling.

Interbike and its events have provided a platform for face-to-face business interaction, product line previews and media launches, sales lead generation, trend setting, networking and retail education.