Media Releases

February 22, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Overview:
The World Mountain Bike Conference is the premiere international event for land managers, trail advocates and resort professionals to meet and discuss best practices for the sustainable growth of the sport around the globe!

South Scotland, Dumfries and the 7Stanes are one of the World 's Mountain Biking Hot spots. The Conference will be staged in Europe for the first time in the Spring of 2009: May 12 - 15.

What to Expect:
The 2006 World Mountain Bike Conference drew 420 attendees from 17 different countries.

"Scotland is promoting the sport on all fronts, and building on the remarkable success of existing trails by working together to lay the groundwork for the future of mountain biking in Scotland" - From the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA's) 2006 Year-End Report Card.

A targeted pre-event marketing campaign will extend the reach of the 2008 event

The 2006 World Mountain Bike Conference generated in excess of $500,000 (USD) of media coverage

"The Scots have gone positively bonkers!" This comment best sums up the way we've seen mountain biking progress in Scotland - the first nation to record back-to-back honors in this hotly contested category. By "bonkers," we mean they're promoting the sport on all fronts, including a nationwide strategic plan that lays the groundwork for a network of fantastic bike parks on Forestry Commission lands. The plan covers every aspect of the sport, from trail construction to management schemes and tourism promotion. What is their biggest problem? Deciding how to best transport hoards of enthused riders to the top of popular gravity-fed trails (ski-lift service is a rarity). The "7Stanes" mountain bike centers are frequently cited as a success story for adventure tourism. From cross-country to downhill to bike parks, Scottish riders have access to every kind of knobby-wheel fun, and they're ready for more.

Scottish Environment Minister, Michael Russell "Scotland is recognized as one of the world's premier mountain bike destinations and is also a top conference destination. We have the opportunity now to enhance the nation's profile on an international level".

REASONS TO SPONSOR

• Excellent branding opportunities - name tie-in for a world-recognized event, plus


• "first consideration" access to future events.


• A strong association with a proven event, with contributions to significant "community-minded" mountain bike initiatives. In addition, this event promotes the eco-friendly operation of mountain biking events.


• A wonderful event acting as the catalyst for private, public, and municipal cooperation, with the potential for International recognition.


• Major media coverage in excess of US $500K for 2006 WMBC.


• Extensive industry magazine coverage.


• Unique opportunity to leverage partnerships with key consumer markets, commercial service sponsors and attending delegates.


• Unmatched corporate hosting opportunities in the Dumfries venue whether it be custom parties, VIP rides, special dinners or innumerable other activities.


• IMBA 2006 Report Card: Scotland = A+

• "Great networking. Met several people who will be key to my work..."


• "Great job! I was unsure of the value that I would get from this conference. Now I know and will encourage participation in the future of both government and local bikers."


• "Great conference, well organized. Information was well communicated throughout. The program is amazing. Registration process was easy with informative website. Good food. Congratulations - job well done."


• "Very well organized. Good to have diverse topics. Technologically great!

• Official Event Program




• Free insertion in official delegate package (supplied by sponsor).




• Rights and Designations




• One all access, fully transferable conference pass (includes lunch and two coffee breaks per day for three days).


• Right to use the WMBC trademark in advertising and promotions.


• Announcement in Workshop session of Sponsorship contribution.

• Official Event Program




• Distributed to all conference attendees with additional copies available


• Logo and ¼ page ad inclusion.


• On-site signage at Lunch location.


• Full page ad. (3 day exclusive sponsor).




• Delegate Bag Insert




• Free insertion in official delegate package (supplied by sponsor).




• Rights and Designations




• One all access, fully transferable conference pass (includes lunch and two coffee breaks per day for three days).


• Right to use the WMBC trademark in advertising and promotions.


• Limited to 4 brands participating in Associate Sponsorship benefits.

• Official Event Program


• On-site signage at Tea Break location


• Logo and ¼ page ad (3 day exclusive sponsorship).