Portland, Ore., will come alive this August with custom bike builders worldwide. It’s the first rendition of the MADE show, the United States’ latest exhibition of handmade bicycles and bike culture.
And today, registration for independent frame builders opens. MADE’s organizers announced 40 open spaces at a subsidized cost to “new builders and those traveling from a distance that would normally make exhibiting cost prohibitive.”
Frame builders can register today for $200, but established brands have to wait until Jan. 31. The spaces offer enough room for “a single handmade bike with signage” and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Attentive readers will notice the cost-assisted access comes after MADE initially promised free booth space to builders and brands alike. Unfortunately, show representatives said unforeseen security complications prevented free booth space.
“Free spaces were initially the intention, but we now have to ask small builders to offset the cost,” MADE co-founder Billy Sinkford said. “For builders that are capable of paying for these spaces, they’re purchasing at a lower rate than most trade shows. The subsidized spaces are meant for frame builders who need some help.”
MADE will run at Portland’s Rose Quarter from Aug. 24 to 27. The 4-day show will first facilitate 2 full days of facetime with media and content creators for brands and builders. After that, the floor opens to the public.
It’s the first handmade bicycle trade show in the U.S. since the 2022 North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) tanked under a last-minute cancellation.
“There is clearly an appetite for a new handmade show, and we are humbled and excited about the 170+ builders and 80+ brands that have expressed a desire to exhibit, and as of today, we have more interest than space,” Sinkford said. “The programming is specifically designed to support builders and reach new audiences.”
As MADE seeks to build that traction, Steven Elmes joins as Show Director. Elmes previously worked as Director of Sponsorships and Partnerships for NAHBS from 2016 to 2020 and co-founded iconic frame builder Independent Fabrication. Elmes also brings experience as an event producer for adidas, Ford, Nissan, the NBA, Clif Bar, Progressive Insurance, and others to the role.
“I am confident that this event will set a new standard, highlighting the builders and brands that collectively create a force of creativity, community and craftsmanship. In year one, we are focused on creating stability in this space and earning the trust of the industry as a new home for showcasing the art that is handmade bicycles,” Elmes said.
It all gets underway in Portland in late August. To register for the fully outdoor show as a builder, brand, or attendee, go to MADE’s signup landing page. Builders note: Bike Flights will provide no-cost shipping to all frame builders participating in the show.
