BikeFest Spain 2022 raises funds for industry charities
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Cycling from Valencia to Barcelona in just three days, a team of 10 industry professionals overcame challenging mountain terrain en route to the final destination - Fira de Barcelona, where the now-postponed ISE 2022 tradeshow was set to take place earlier this month.
For the riders, the arrival was bittersweet - although a small group of industry colleagues had gathered to celebrate the team’s achievement, the exhibition centre stood empty.
But their efforts have raised €6,000, and donations continue to come in. The funds will be split between industry charities Backup in the UK and the AAA Foundation in Spain.
Organised by #WeMakeEvents in partnership with PLASA, AVIXA, ISE, FIAVE, Alerta Roja and LSi, BikeFest Spain was sponsored by Ayrton, Equipson, EarPro, EES, FANTEK and Ruisaljo. In addition, the cyclists represented PLASA, Equipson, Bishop Sound, Britannia Row, and Sharp NEC.
Federico Haba, head of Sharp/NEC Display Solutions Ibérica, comments: “As a representative of an AV manufacturer, we at Sharp/NEC wanted to join the cause to raise awareness of the impact COVID is having on the live events sector. In addition, with limited access to key components and steep increases in costs, we - and many other companies like us - are being forced to manage supply chain delays. This is having ramifications for distributors, venues, end-users and ultimately, the public.”
Nicky Greet, of PLASA and #WeMakeEvents, co-organiser of the event comments: “It’s so vital that #WeMakeEvents continues to run activities like this, that both fundraise and keep our industry in the minds of governments. The relentless impact of the pandemic has hit people’s livelihoods and mental health, and they mustn’t be forgotten about. As the driver of the support van for BikeFest Spain 2022, I can tell you that the team cycled some serious terrain, in cold and windy conditions too. It was really impressive seeing them keep the momentum going, doing it on behalf of all of us in the industry.”
Juan Jose Vila, of Equipson and #HacemosEventos, who conceived the idea and co-organised the event, comments: “The aim of BikeFest Spain 2022 was to show solidarity with the industry - from the freelancers right up to the international companies. And when ISE postponed, the team unanimously agreed to continue, highlighting not only the past two years but what is still happening in our industry right now! BikeFest was only made possible by our sponsors, for which I give them my thanks. We invite even more sponsors on board for when BikeFest returns in May for ISE, so join us and align your brand with a worthy and fun cause.”
Another edition of the cycling event, to take place in May around the dates of the re-scheduled ISE 2022, is already in the works - more information on sponsorship packages and promotional opportunities will be shared soon. To donate or get involved, visit the link below.
www.bikefest2022.com
