MONTGOMERYVILLE, Pa. - Oct. 10, 2008 - The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (BPSA) today announced a preliminary agenda for its 2009 Bicycle Leadership Conference (BLC) to be held in conjunction with the Sea Otter Classic, April 15-17, 2009, at the Embassy Suites in Seaside, Calif.

"As we nail down the specific topics and agenda items for the BLC, we all have our 'ears to the ground,' so to speak , to be sure we are addressing the most pressing concerns of the industry," said John Nedeau, president of the BPSA and vice president of global sales for SRAM. "At a time when manufacturing costs continue to increase, we want to help the industry grow as a whole whether it's working with local and national lawmakers for more bicycle-friendly legislation, replicating successful bike share programs or supporting the growing number of advocacy groups."

The preliminary agenda/topics for each day are listed below:

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

• Golf Tournament at the award winning Bayonet Golf Course, Seaside, Calif.

• Organized rides with industry peers through the Monterey Peninsula

• Registration/Cocktail reception and presentations, Embassy Suites, Seaside, Calif.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

• Major cities adopting BIKE SHARING programs with explosive growth, how do we consistently and uniformly address main stream media attention?

• CPSC Legislation - Do your products comply? Learn how the BPSA is representing the bike industry to that regulatory group

• BPSA, Bikes Belong, IMBA, LAB, etc. - Which of these organizations are working together and who are we supposed to support?

• 2009 Brain'y Awards Dinner presentation

Friday, April 17, 2009

• The U.S. Political Situation - How will a new administration affect our industry? Updates on DC advocacy efforts

• Group bike ride to the Sea Otter Classic - Ride finishes in a BLC/BPSA attendee and member tent for refreshments

• BLC at Embassy Suites is completed, but planned BLC attendee networking opportunities live on through the Sea Otter Classic

This year's conference topics will also further expand on 2008 BPSA Research Project - "Opportunities and Challenges in the Bicycle Industry - Strategic Growth, Retail Execution, and Collaboration"- specifically focusing on opportunities to improve industry awareness, distribution and product portfolios.

In addition to research results, panel discussions, breakout groups and networking opportunities, the conference will offer improved bike rides and the industry's most prestigious golf tournament. The BLC will again host the BRAINy awards dinner presentation.

Lifeboat Solutions, an event management, sales and marketing firm focused on the outdoor recreation market, will be managing the registration, logistics and marketing for the conference. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, event agenda or registration for the 2009 Bicycle Leadership Conference, please contact Conference Director Lance Camisasca at lance@lifeboatsolutions.com.

www.bicycleconference.org.