NBDA Announces Transformative 2026 Event Lineup: Expanding Reach, Deepening Partnerships, and Uniting the Specialty Bicycle Industry

October 10, 2025 — Irvine, CA — The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) is proud to announce its full 2026 event lineup, designed to unite specialty bicycle retailers, suppliers, and advocates across North America through powerful in-person experiences. With expanded partnerships, immersive education, and dynamic new programming, the NBDA’s 2026 calendar reinforces its mission to elevate and empower the Specialty Bicycle Retail channel.

“Face-to-face connection is where transformation happens,” said Heather Mason, Executive Director of the NBDA. “When retailers and suppliers come together with a shared purpose, ideas become action. Our 2026 events are built to spark collaboration, innovation, and meaningful progress for the entire specialty channel.”

NBDA x CABDA: Partnering for Industry Growth and Retail Excellence

The year kicks off with a continued and expanded partnership between the NBDA and the CABDA Expo Series, with the NBDA once again serving as the Official Education Partner for both 2026 CABDA shows — Midwest and West. Relaunched in 2015, CABDA has grown from a small, single event outside Chicago, to become North America’s preeminent series of B2B Events in the Bicycle Industry. Together, the organizations are creating robust educational experiences designed to empower retailers with the tools they need to grow, adapt, and thrive in a changing marketplace. The educational theme for 2026 is “The Drive to Thrive” with education sessions led by thought leaders or workshopped with peers around the pillars of sales, service, operational excellence and fitting. Dedicated sessions at each show will also be scheduled for in person gatherings of the NBDA Women in the Bicycle Industry program. 

The CABDA Midwest Show takes place February 4–5, 2026, at the Schaumburg Convention Center near Chicago. Preceding the show, the NBDA will host an expanded two-day P2 Workshop on February 2–3, featuring exclusive sessions at SRAM Headquarters and the convention center. Retailers will take part in an immersive mix of keynotes, interactive workshops, and peer discussions led by NBDA’s Heather Mason and Bill Miller, with guest participation from SRAM executives.

Day one at SRAM HQ includes a private facility tour, meet-and-greet, and focused training on profit strategies, service center performance, and financial optimization. Day two transitions to the convention center with sessions on marketing, customer experience, e-bike growth, and operational excellence. Meals, networking breaks, and happy hours round out this fully loaded professional development experience — limited to 60 attendees.

Following the Midwest experience, the NBDA heads west to Las Vegas, Nevada, for the CABDA West Show (March 18–19, 2026), preceded by the 2nd Annual NBDA Retailer Summit West, held March 16–17 at The Plaza Hotel.

Industry Unite: The 2nd Annual NBDA Retailer Summit West

The 2026 NBDA Retailer Summit West is where innovation and collaboration take center stage. Over two transformative days, retailers and suppliers gather for a mix of Main Stage Power Sessions, led by the industry’s most successful leaders, and Interactive Flow Sessions, which foster collaborative problem-solving around the most pressing challenges in bicycle retail.

Key themes include expanding ridership, elevating customer experiences, mastering service revenue, optimizing inventory strategies, embracing e-mobility, and unlocking the potential of used bike programs.

The summit experience is rounded out by meaningful networking opportunities designed to strengthen relationships and build lasting partnerships. Coinciding with CABDA West, the event creates a full week of learning, discovery, and growth for forward-thinking retailers and suppliers.

Advocacy Meets Profitability: NBDA P2 Workshop at the League of American Bicyclists Summit

On March 24, 2026, the NBDA will bring its expertise in community engagement and profitability to Washington, D.C., with a dedicated P2 Workshop during the League of American Bicyclists’ National Bike Summit.

Titled “From Advocacy to Revenue: Building Profitable Community Partnerships,” this half-day interactive session reveals how bicycle retailers can transform advocacy and local partnerships into measurable business success. Facilitated by Heather Mason and Bill Miller, the workshop offers actionable strategies to connect with new riders, enhance brand loyalty, and establish shops as vital community resources.

The 4th Annual NBDA Retailer Summit Central: In Partnership with Bentonville Bike Fest

In June 2026, the NBDA returns to Bentonville, Arkansas, for its flagship event — the 4th Annual Retailer Summit Central, taking place June 9–11, 2026.

Set in the heart of America’s cycling capital, the Summit Central combines powerful education with the energy of Bentonville’s world-class trail network. Attendees will engage in three days of main stage sessions, workshops, and rides that connect them with industry leaders and fellow retailers who share a commitment to building a stronger, more profitable specialty channel.

A highlight of this year’s summit is the continued partnership with Bentonville Bike Fest, which hosts the event’s third-day E-Mobility Deep Dive — a full-day exploration into the electric revolution reshaping the industry. Participants will connect with e-bike brands, test cutting-edge equipment, and learn strategies for driving sales in one of retail’s fastest-growing segments.

“The partnership with Bentonville Bike Fest gives our summit an unmatched energy,” said Mason. “We combine world-class riding with world-class education — it’s where inspiration meets implementation.”

NBDA Retailer Summit Canada: A New Frontier for 2026

In July 2026, the NBDA plans to expand its reach northward with the debut of the NBDA Retailer Summit Canada — the organization’s first-ever event dedicated to uniting Canadian retailers and suppliers. The summit, held in partnership with Crankworx, will focus on advancing profitability, partnership, and performance within the Canadian specialty bicycle market. Full details, including location and registration, will be announced late 2025.

Opportunities to Partner, Present, and Participate

Across all 2026 events, the NBDA invites suppliers, brands, retailers, and thought leaders to participate in shaping the future of bicycle retail. Tickets can be secured now on the NBDA Event Calendar. Partnership opportunities are available for all summits, offering brands unique ways to connect authentically with Speciality Retailers and demonstrate their commitment to the channel.

The NBDA is also soliciting speakers and presenters for main stage sessions at all events. Retailers, innovators, and advocates interested in sharing insights are encouraged to submit their intent through the Speaker Interest Form.