NBDA and CABDA Announce Fifth Year of Educational Partnership: “The Drive to Thrive” Powers 2026 Expo Series

Fifth consecutive year of collaboration brings expanded programming, hands-on training, and peer-driven learning to specialty bicycle retailers across North America

Irvine, CA – 10/17/25 – The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) and CABDA Expo are proud to announce the continuation and expansion of their strategic partnership for 2026, marking the fifth consecutive year of collaboration. As the Official Education Partner for both the CABDA Midwest and West shows, the NBDA will deliver comprehensive educational programming designed to empower specialty bicycle retailers with the tools, strategies, and connections they need to succeed in an evolving marketplace.

Under the 2026 theme “The Drive to Thrive,” the partnership will deliver focused content across four core pillars: Service, Sales, Fitting, and Operational Excellence. The educational experience combines keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and innovative Masterclass Peer Sessions where retailers collaborate in small groups to tackle real-world challenges and drive profitability.

“The Drive to Thrive isn’t just a clever slogan—it’s a movement toward a stronger, smarter, more sustainable retail future,” said Heather Mason, NBDA Executive Director. “Our five-year partnership with CABDA has created an unparalleled platform for bicycle retailers to learn, grow, and connect. In 2026, we’re taking that commitment even further with expanded programming that puts practical, actionable education directly in the hands of the people who need it most.”

Jim Kersten, CABDA Show Director, added: “CABDA and the NBDA share a fundamental belief: that specialty bicycle retailers are the backbone of our industry, and they deserve world-class educational resources. This partnership has grown stronger each year, and 2026 represents our most ambitious programming yet. Together, we’re not just hosting trade shows—we’re building a community of thriving, forward-thinking retailers.”

2026 Event Schedule and Programming Highlights

CABDA Midwest | February 4–5, 2026
Schaumburg Convention Center, Chicago Area

CABDA West | March 18–19, 2026
Las Vegas, Nevada

Educational Content Built for Results

The 2026 programming at both shows is structured around four content pillars designed to deliver immediate, practical value:

• Service Excellence: Advanced repair techniques, e-bike service certification, efficiency optimization, and workshop management
• Sales Strategies: Customer journey optimization, conversion techniques, digital sales integration, and ethical upselling
• Fitting Mastery: Biomechanics fundamentals, technology-assisted fitting, and customer retention through proper fit
• Operational Excellence: Financial management, inventory optimization, staff development, and strategic marketing

Each pillar is supported by hands-on training, keynote speakers, and the new Masterclass Peer Sessions—small-group, topic-specific discussions where retailers collaborate to solve challenges and share best practices. Both shows will feature dedicated sessions for the NBDA Women in the Bicycle Industry program, fostering connection and professional development for women leaders across the retail sector.

Additional Opportunity CABDA Midwest | February 4–5, 2026

The NBDA will host an expanded two-day P2 Workshop on February 2–3, featuring exclusive sessions at SRAM Headquarters and the Schaumburg Convention Center, limited to 60 attendees. Day one includes a private SRAM facility tour, meet-and-greet with executives, and intensive training on profit strategies, service center performance, and financial optimization. Day two transitions to hands-on sessions covering marketing, customer experience, e-bike growth, and operational excellence—all led by NBDA’s Heather Mason and Bill Miller with participation from industry thought leaders.

Additional Opportunity CABDA West | March 18–19, 2026

The NBDA Retailer Summit West returns for its second year on March 16–17 at The Plaza Hotel, preceding the CABDA West show. This two-day intensive experience delivers the same high-impact education and peer networking that has become the hallmark of NBDA programming.

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Since relaunching in 2015, CABDA has grown from a single event outside Chicago to become North America’s preeminent series of B2B trade shows in the bicycle industry. The partnership with NBDA has been instrumental in that growth, creating educational experiences that celebrate retailers, drive professional development, and strengthen the independent bicycle dealer community.

Registration Now Open

Registration for both CABDA Midwest and CABDA West is now open at www.cabdashow.com. Early registration is free for retailers. 

For more information about the NBDA x CABDA partnership and 2026 programming, visit www.cabdashow.com or www.nbda.com.