Scottish Mountain Bike Conference - Innovation Edition - launched!

22nd July 2016

Early-bird tickets are now available for the Scottish Mountain Bike Conference - Innovation Edition to be held in Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park on 17th - 19th November 2016.

The conference will be themed around innovation in the VisitScotland Year of Innovation, Architecture, and Design and the conference will be supported through the VisitScotland National Conference Bid Fund and the European Regional Development Fund.

Scott Armstrong, VisitScotland Regional Director for the Highlands said: "It is really exciting that the International Mountain Bike Conference is coming to the Highlands this autumn and especially apt as this region is so well known and thought of as a popular destination for the sport. The three day ‘Innovation Edition' looks set to start some interesting conversations in the biking world and fits perfectly into Scotland's Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016.

"Mountain biking provides a tremendous boost for Scotland's visitor economy with riders from around the world coming to experience our beautiful landscapes on two wheels. The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Fort William this year was the busiest yet and I hope lots of bike enthusiasts not only sign up for this conference but also take some time to explore Scotland’s bike trails - which are some of the most breath-taking and exciting in the world. "

The MacDonald Highland Resort in Aviemore, has been chosen to host the 2016 Scottish Mountain Bike Conference. The venue set in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, is a sprawling resort with 4 hotels and lodges and is a 5-minute walk from Scotrail trains and the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, and is only 1.9 miles from the A9. The hotel will offer all delegates the highest level of amenities, facilities and customer service.

Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) will be the lead organiser of the event. Using their experience of delivering successful international conferences, particularly their last conference in 2014 which attracted 230 delegates from 13 different countries, they are confident of delivering a very successful event.

DMBinS will be in working partnership with VisitScotland, Highland Council, Cairngorms National Park Authority and the Cairngorm Business Partnership to deliver an exceptional conference which will take place at the Resort from 17th to 19th November.

Vice Convenor of The Highland Council and Badenoch and Strathspey ward Councillor, Bill Lobban said: "The Highland area is recognised as one of the premiere destinations for mountain biking in Scotland with such a wide variety of natural and well-constructed, purpose built mountain bike trails. Many of these trails are in areas recognised as being amongst the most scenic in the UK. We also cater for all levels of experience from easy family rides such as those along the Caledonian Canal or the Old Logging Way near Aviemore, to dedicated downhill and multi day wilderness rides for advanced riders. With the area’s combination of attractions, its mountain biking credentials and the level of support available from partners, we are confident that the Highlands will deliver an exceptional conference."

Grant Moir Chief Executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “The Cairngorms National Park is the largest in the UK. It is a fantastic place to explore on bike. Twice the size of the Lake District, the Cairngorms National Park has more mountains, forest paths, wildlife hotspots and friendly villages than you can possibly imagine, as well as being home to Laggan Wolftrax and Glenlivet mountain bike trail centres. As the access authority for the Cairngorms National Park, CNPA are excited to be part of the discussions regarding mountain biking in Scotland and its contribution and effect on social and economic development in not only the Highlands but nationally too. We are interested to see and hear about new innovations across the activity and how they may develop and encourage the sport to grow nationally and internationally’.

Titled ‘The Innovation Edition’ the 3 day conference will promote and highlight innovations in mountain biking and how they will help mountain biking progress both in Scotland and internationally. It will be an integral part of promoting Scotland in the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design.

Graeme McLean, project manager of DMBinS, said “We are excited to be holding the conference in Aviemore and working in partnership with VisitScotland, Highland Council and the Cairngorms National Park Authority. Aviemore is a fantastic location and the Macdonald Highland Resort will be the perfect setting for this year’s event. With fantastic facilities for all we are delighted to be working with them to deliver the 2016 conference.

In this year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, the speakers and workshops will focus on recent innovations in mountain biking and highlight how they will help mountain biking progress not only in Scotland, but internationally as well."

The conference will also showcase and discuss the contribution of mountain biking in Scotland to social and environmental objectives and sustainable economic development.

A full programme is being developed and will be announced over the next couple of months.

An early bird rate for the conference will be available till 9th September - to book now & find out more information visit – www.DMBinS.com/conference.

Facts
35% growth in Scottish Cycling’s membership since 2012 (London Olympics)
11 % growth in Scottish Cycling’s membership between 2013 – 2014
34% increase in racing licencing holders since 2012
23% increase in the number of competitive events since 2012
35% increase in the number of females participating in cycling events throughout Scotland from 2013 – 2014
8% increase in female Scottish licence holders from 2013 – 2014
Over 178 affiliated clubs and associations in Scotland
Over 650 events promoted annually