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NBDA and Bentonville Bike Fest Partner for Fourth Year — Uniting Retailers, Suppliers, and Cyclists in the Heart of Bentonville, Arkansas

Published October 21, 2025

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Irvine, CA, October 17, 2025 — The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) and Bentonville Bike Fest are proud to announce their continued partnership for the fourth consecutive year, bringing together the entire cycling community for a week-long celebration that bridges business, innovation, and passion for the bike.

Since 2023, the two organizations have worked hand in hand to create an unparalleled experience that welcomes all sectors of the cycling industry. Together, they've built something truly special: two back-to-back events that unite retailers, suppliers, and riders in one of America's most vibrant cycling destinations.

Welcome to NBDA Retailer Summit Central

June 9–11, 2026 | Bentonville, Arkansas
 REGISTER NOW

The NBDA Retailer Summit Central returns to Bentonville for its fourth year, offering three immersive days of connection, collaboration, and community. More than just a conference, this event has become the beating heart of specialty bicycle retail — where shop owners, brand leaders, and industry experts come together to learn, share, and grow.

Attendees will dive deep into the topics shaping the future of retail: expanding ridership in their local communities, exceeding customer expectations, unlocking service center profitability, navigating the e-mobility boom, managing inventory, and mastering used bike programs.

The summit will feature main stage sessions from leading retailers and innovators who've cracked the code on sustainable growth, collaborative workshops that tackle real-world challenges, and an entire day dedicated to E-Mobility, held in partnership with the Bentonville Bike Fest's E-Mobility Day. Between sessions, attendees can ride Bentonville's world-class trails — a reminder of why this city is considered the mountain biking capital of the world.

"Our sustained collaboration with the Bentonville Bike Fest has allowed us to create a seamless continuum—from business education to consumer engagement—that amplifies the impact of both events," said Heather Mason, NBDA Executive Director. "Together, we've built an experience that empowers retailers, inspires suppliers, and celebrates the power of cycling to bring people together."

Bentonville Bike Fest Returns June 8–14, 2026

Fresh off a record-breaking 2025 event, Bentonville Bike Fest returns in 2026 bigger and bolder than ever. Last year, the festival drew 15,000 visitors, hosted 160 vendors, and featured 1,400 athletes from 47 states and 13 countries. The event generated more than 5.9 million organic impressions and boosted the local economy by an estimated $1.5 million.

For 2026, the festival moves back to its signature June slot, running from June 8–14, with pre-festival activities early in the week and the main festival taking place June 11–14. This scheduling allows NBDA Summit attendees to roll seamlessly into the excitement, including special industry access hours on Friday morning before the festival opens to the public.

"Partnering with the NBDA has supercharged the growth and depth of our event," said Kenny Belaey, Bentonville Bike Fest Producer. "The alignment between retailer education and consumer engagement has created something truly unique. Together, we're connecting brands, retailers, and riders in ways that drive lasting impact for the cycling community."

Returning favorites for 2026 include E-Mobility Day presented by Aventon, where guests can test ride the latest e-bikes and cargo models, explore sustainable transport solutions, and join engaging panel discussions. To keep things comfortable during Bentonville's sunny June days, festival hours will shift to cooler times, with races starting early and the expo running from afternoon until dusk.

And because no summer celebration is complete without fun — the 2026 theme will be "Tropical Shirts & Summer Vibes." Expect color, music, and the joyful energy that defines Bike Fest year after year.

Two Events. One Purpose. One Incredible Week.

The NBDA Retailer Summit Central and Bentonville Bike Fest are now inseparable pillars of the cycling industry calendar. Together, they deliver unmatched value: a week that begins with high-level business insights and ends with a festival that celebrates everything cycling represents — innovation, adventure, and community.

Retailers and suppliers are encouraged to participate in both events to maximize connections, learning, and exposure. Brands can engage with decision-makers during the Summit and showcase products directly to consumers during the Festival — all within the same energized week in Bentonville.

Join Us in 2026

Mark your calendars for June 8–14, 2026, and be part of the movement that continues to shape the future of cycling.

Register for NBDA Retailer Summit Central
  

Explore Expo & Sponsorship at NBDA Retailer Summit Central or Bentonville Bike Fest

Together, we're not just attending an event — we're building the next chapter of bicycle retail, one connection at a time.

About the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA):
The NBDA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting independent bicycle dealers. Through various initiatives, education programs, and networking opportunities, the NBDA strives to elevate the bicycle retail industry and empower dealers for long-term success. For more information about the NBDA and its initiatives, please visit www.nbda.com.