Outdoor Retailer vs. Interbike

OR # attendees (2008): 6,300 buyers + 12,560 exhibitors + "other" = 22,000
Ibike # attendees: 11,368 buyers + 11,606 exhibitors = 22,974

OR # exhibiting companies: 1,020
Ibike # exhibiting companies: 735

Subjectively, there's a noticeable difference in the personality of the shows. Interbike has always had a slightly sinister undercurrent to me, as if most attendees are trying to take advantage of you or get away with something. Perhaps this is due to the show's location in Sin City?

Outdoor Retailer is all smiles and tans and people dressed like normal people. The conversations with attendees are longer, more relaxed.

Interbike is more contrived, with tattoos, cycling "fashion", hair dye and chains. Conversations are shorter, more confrontational, more competitive. Perhaps this is due to male dominance of the show?

At Outdoor Retailer, all the beer is free and free-flowing. Then again, it's all nearly alcohol-free! At Interbike, your goal is to scam free booze.

At Outdoor Retailer, the industry party was open invitation and featured a badminton tournament, a drum circle, and a set from Rusted Root.

Interbike's unofficial industry party, the Sinclair party, is invite only and you nearly have to beg to get an invite. Last year's Sinclair party featured impossibly loud club music and six scantily-clad pole dancers.