April 9/09 10:44 am - World Mountain Bike Conference Rescheduled

Posted by on 04/9/09
 

The current global economic crisis has resulted in the 2009 World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability to be rescheduled to next year.

The event, targeted at business delegates, was to be held in Dumfries (Scotland) between May 12-15 but the Board of Directors of the Scottish Company formed to stage the event has had to take the decision to postpone the conference to 2010 when economic conditions might be more favourable.

Spokesman for the conference, Dan London said:

“Unfortunately the international financial crises which attracted the leaders of the “G-20” nations to the United Kingdom last week has also impacted our attempts to stage the 2009 World Mountain Bike Confere nce.“

This global situation has caused many organizations to reduce budgets and curtail travel, which has resulted in an unanticipated low level of confirmed delegates such that the staging of the WMBC this year is not financially viable,” he added.

The feedback to the Board from prospective delegates has continued to be positive with a real wish to participate in the event when circumstances allow. The Board of Directors and organising committee, while extremely disappointed at this necessary change, are dedicated to ensuring that the conference in 2010 will include the same level of content, inspiration and networking opportunities as were planned for this year.

The World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability is the event for discussion and sharing of best practice, but participation is key. Listening to our market (land, trail and resort managers and tourism businesses, primarily) has shown that, with many unable to attend the conference this year, the benefits to everyone would be diluted.

The Original Bicycle Festival, offering a range of exciting and high profile events for local peopleand visitors, between 9-24th May across Dumfries and Galloway, will continue as planned.

Yours sincerely

Dan London
On Behalf of the WMBC Board of Directors