The 2024 edition of the International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF), part of the Dutch Cycling Week in Utrecht, was positively received by both exhibitors and visitors. The two-day event, which took place October 25 and 26, offered a relaxed atmosphere with a varied expo, a test track and an extensive program with panels, speakers from home and abroad and various side activities. The introduction of new products and brands underscored the relevance of cargo bikes, especially with the introduction of zero-emission zones from Jan. 1, 2025, on the horizon.
Inspiring meetings and networking
The ICBF welcomed some eight hundred visitors, including policy makers, dealers, end users and pioneers from the cargo bike sector. A special matchmaking tool allowed more than two hundred professionals to make targeted appointments. This approach caught on and resulted in valuable conversations, where quality and impact were paramount rather than quantity.
More than numbers: quality and impact
"The ICBF is not about large visitor numbers, but the quality of the contacts," said co-organizer Tom Parr. "A relaxed setting and well-prepared audience allows exhibitors and visitors to have substantive conversations, respond better to questions and ultimately create more impact. Our online communication prior to the event also contributes to this: visitors come in with knowledge and inspiration, so they know exactly what they want to ask and try out."
That the formula works is evidenced by the fact that bikes were sold even during the event. It shows that a focused, engaged audience and an informal atmosphere lead to meaningful interactions and tangible results.
A positive atmosphere and engaged audience
ICBF director Jos Sluijsmans looks back with satisfaction: "Exhibitors, visitors and speakers praised the quality of the offerings and discussions. The positive atmosphere was striking, thanks in part to adjustments based on feedback from previous years. For example, this time the ICBF opted for two exhibition days instead of three, free entry and an independent set-up at a new location in Utrecht. We really listened to the wishes of our exhibitors and visitors."
Also towards 2025, the organization wants to continue making improvements, with feedback from the field playing a major role. Sluijsmans: "We are going to evaluate what works well and where there is room for further optimization. But first we want to thank everyone - the exhibitors, speakers, moderators and partners behind the scenes - without them ICBF 2024 would not have been possible. We are also grateful for the support of RVO, Gemeente Utrecht and Arup."
A valuable addition to the Dutch Cycling Week
It was the first time the ICBF took place in Utrecht, as part of Dutch Cycling Week. "Our goal with Dutch Cycling Week is to show from different angles how the bicycle contributes to a better future," said Ralf van Heugten, Project Manager Dutch Cycling Week. "Whether it is about vitality, sustainable mobility or social issues: the bicycle offers an efficient, fun and future-proof solution. The success of the International Cargo Bike Festival underlines that this vision is gaining momentum."
With this edition of the ICBF, the Dutch Cycling Week strengthens its position as a platform where innovation, meeting and inspiration are central. The positive reactions and concrete results are a great basis to continue building an even stronger cycling future in 2025 with renewed energy.