The Infotech organizer Velosuisse - the industry association of Swiss bike suppliers - and all participants from bike stores enjoyed a premiere: the specialist dealer training took place for the first time in Nottwil, in the conference rooms of the Swiss Paraplegic Centre. This is the 16th time that Infotech has been held, providing specialist dealers with an uncomplicated and comprehensive introduction to the new season. Those who attend the event will take away numerous inputs - from bicycle technology to the presentation of suitable operating software.

Digitalization in focus

While the Swiss franc shock was a prominent topic at Infotech 2016, digitalization was already the focus of the 2017 edition. This was also the case this year, with seminar providers attempting to prepare specialist retailers for the challenges of digitalization - and thus, for example, for changing consumer expectations and new information and sales channels. Accordingly, there were workshops on how one can or should deal with Facebook, Instagram or WhattsApp today. For the first time, a provider who offers an online booking platform in a franchise system for specialist dealers to carry out bicycle repairs on the customer's doorstep also presented itself.

The panel discussion at the event was also dominated by digitalization. The discussion focused on where, by whom and how bikes will be sold or bought in 2025. The discussion was less lively, which is hardly surprising after more emotional topics such as e-mountain bikes or shopping abroad in previous years. However, the somewhat unusually unspectacular discussion also showed that digitalization is difficult to grasp for many stakeholders. Especially for a product like bicycles, which are largely dependent on a stationary workshop for service.The specialist retailer was nevertheless able to take away clear messages. For example, it was pointed out that online sales of bicycles will increase in the future and that manufacturers and specialist retailers need a (joint) strategy to keep up with this trend. Various future models were discussed, for example in which specialist retailers could or should increasingly work as delivery service providers for online bicycle suppliers.

Not just Instagram and Adwords

Those interested in more than just Instagram, omnichannel and Adwords also got their money's worth at Infotech. In addition to the business-oriented presentations, the program included numerous technical seminars. These ensure that work in the workshop is easier and that people know how to help themselves with the latest material, which is very welcome in the high season in specialist retail at the latest.

As usual, the social part of the 2018 Infotech was not neglected: at the drinks reception after the panel discussion and the subsequent dinner, the industry professionals were able to exchange opinions and experiences in an informal setting.

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