Bentonville, AR – May 2025 – The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of its 2025 NBDA Retailer Summit Central, a landmark event that brought together over 130 passionate retailers, suppliers, and industry professionals for three days of collaboration, connection, and shared purpose.
Held May 20-22, in the vibrant cycling hub of Bentonville, Arkansas, the Summit provided a safe, inclusive space for leaders from across the bicycle industry to learn from one another, share challenges and opportunities, and ignite ideas to propel the industry forward. The agenda featured motivational speakers, breakout sessions, and networking events that empowered attendees to return to their businesses with fresh insights and renewed energy.
Attendees repeatedly praised the event’s powerful atmosphere of integrity, openness, and empathy. "The NBDA Summit provided our small-town shop an opportunity to connect at a national level in a supportive environment with industry leaders across the board,” said one retailer. “It is the beginning of new relationships to move our industry forward that we are extremely honored and excited to be a part of."
Others echoed the value of stepping away from daily operations to gain a broader perspective. “It was great to get away from day-to-day business and get an idea of what's happening and what can happen — and how to make it all happen! I learned a lot more than I thought I would. Thank you for the opportunity."
From impactful presentations to engaging peer-to-peer exchanges, the summit fostered a true spirit of collaboration. “The NBDA Retailer Summit brought the right people together—shops, brands, and industry leaders all focused on strengthening the IBD. I left with actionable takeaways and the fire to make improvements back in my own shop!”
The location itself added to the magic. “The NBDA Summit in Bentonville is a prime location for a cycling industry event. The hosting is amazing, the connection opportunities are powerful, and the riding is world-class. This is an event leaders and decision-makers in the industry need to attend.”
Vendors and suppliers also highlighted the Summit's uniquely interactive format. Rather than just listening, attendees engaged deeply—sharing, brainstorming, and leaving with a sense of forward momentum. “My first NBDA experience and I loved the openness and community feel – where everyone was super supportive of each other and the success of each other’s business,” shared another first-time participant.
At the 2025 NBDA Retailer Summit Central, attendees experienced a powerful lineup of discussions and collaboration designed to drive the independent bicycle retailer channel forward. A highlight of the event was the dynamic Supplier Panel, where key brand leaders shared actionable strategies to help retailers navigate the evolving marketplace in 2025. Experts from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) presented critical insights into battery safety standards and the broader advocacy work shaping regulations that impact our industry. Mike’s Bikes CEO delivered an inspiring keynote on the role of leadership and culture in creating a successful, resilient business. Additionally, four outstanding retailers took the stage to share best practices on everything from inclusivity to email marketing, fostering a spirit of learning and peer support throughout the summit.
The NBDA extends heartfelt thanks to all event sponsors, speakers, and partners whose support made the 2025 Retailer Summit Central such a powerful success. Your contributions helped create an experience that will ripple across businesses and communities in the months ahead.
Retailers and suppliers looking to stay engaged with the NBDA don’t have to wait for the next summit — involvement can happen every day. NBDA membership gives you access to an array of tools including business-focused webinars, operational resources, and exclusive programs to improve profitability and service. For suppliers, NBDA offers meaningful exposure and connection to a network of over 1,000 independent bicycle retailers across North America. Explore the NBDA Event Calendar to take advantage of upcoming events and stay connected to the momentum of the Summit year-round. Registration for the 2026 NBDA Retailer Summit Events will open in the Fall. For more information, visit www.nbda.com.
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