Full MTB Conference Programme Launched!

• SCOTTISH MOUNTAIN BIKE CONFERNCE  - THE INNOVATION EDITION 17th – 19th NOVEMBER , Macdonald Resort Aviemore

Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland are delighted to announce the launch of the full programme for the Scottish Mountain Bike Conference 2016 – Innovation Edition. Delegates have signed up from all over the world and it is looking like it will be our most successful conference to date.

The opening day of the Conference will focus on innovation in Tourism and Economic Development; speakers include MTB legend Gary Fisher and Professor Geraint Florida James, the Lead Academic at the Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland (MTBCOS).

The afternoon will offer delegates the opportunity to contribute and discuss current issues or development opportunities in mountain biking through three workshops. The workshops include a panel discussion about an innovative new model of managing wild build trails with experts from the Forestry Commission, No Fuss Events and Scottish Cycling, the innovative Swiss Bike Hotel model with Bike Plan Switzerland; and Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland will lead a workshop to investigate the need for an industry led association to give itself a co-ordinated voice and promote its importance and protect its interests..

Day one will be rounded off with the inaugural Scottish Mountain Bike Awards Dinner The Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland and Gary Fisher will present awards including Rider of the Year, Event of the Year, Scottish Mountain Bike Local Hero of the Year alongside many more recognizing community projects, innovation and business development.

Day two, titled ‘Participation and Sport Development, will have a host of inspirational speakers such as MTB legend Martyn Ashton and The Adventure Syndicate’s Lee Craigie. Come along and find out more about the different pathways and projects that get people on mountain bikes.

Delegates will also get the chance to take part in workshops looking at the different aspects of increasing participation in the sport in Scotland. Topics will include responsible access, women in sport and mountain bike leadership with experts from British Cycling, Scottish Cycling, The Adventure Syndicate and Open MTB.

A Scottish Creative Arts evening will end the second day of the conference including a Q&A with Gary Fisher and Martyn Ashton.  You will also be able to enjoy a unique Scottish BBQ, a photography exhibition and competition, and a screening of a Blue Hippo Media/Singletrack production of ‘British Mountain Biking.  The Untold Story’.

The third, and final, day will give delegates the opportunity to get out and about to take part in one of three field trips across the Highlands. These field trips will give delegates the opportunity to look at the relationship between mountain bikers and landowners, looking at getting the balance right between protecting and promoting the trails; there will also have the chance to go to the UKs only EWS qualifier at Kinlochleven.

Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) are the lead organiser of the event and are working partnership with VisitScotland, Highland Council, Cairngorm National Park Authority, Mountain bike Centre of Scotland, Scottish Cycling and the Cairngorm Business Partnership.

Tickets are still available for the conference and separately for the Awards Evening and the Creative Arts Evening -

http://www.dmbins.com/developing/conference-page/book-now