Location: Atrium 6

Bruce Schofield, Pearl Izumi Retail Services Lead

Put the power of Pearl Izumi merchandising to work in your shop. Bruce Schofield shares best practices and methods that are proven to attract customers and increase sales.

Location: Veranda 3 & 4

Mark Sirek, QBP Customer Service

Learning a few basic bike maintenance skills helps your customers become better, safer and more confident cyclists. Teaching them in the fun and familiar setting of your shop, builds community with your staff and other cyclists. Bike-maintenance classes are a great way to boost off-season income through tools and parts sales. During this seminar we’ll:

• Show you an easy curriculum for teaching basic maintenance skills to all cyclists, from beginners to veterans
• Review the supplies you’ll need to get started, and offer suggestions about how to work within your current space
• Share ways to market, schedule, and conduct these classes
• Outline the benefits these classes provide in sales, marketing, customer engagement, and community building

There will be time for questions after the presentation.

Seminar materials:

Basic Maintenance Supplement (Word Doc)
Basic Tool List (Word Doc)
Wheel Building Handout (Word Doc)
Simple Bike Maintenance Skills (PowerPoint)

Location: Atrium 4

David Gabrys, 45North Brand Manager

With the growth of cyclocross, winter commuting and fat biking, slower off-season cash flow is becoming a thing of the past. By creating products that deliver cold-weather comfort and control via hands, feet and traction, 45North provides retailers a great opportunity to boost wintertime sales. We’ll look at trends in winter biking and see how 45North’s lineup adds value. Then we’ll close with a sneak peak of 2014.

This presentation is open to current and prospective 45North dealers.

Confidentiality Agreement
Because we’ll be discussing proprietary products still in development, we require attendees to sign a confidentiality agreement. No cameras or photos please!

Location: Veranda 1 & 2

Lori Richman, QBP Director of Organizational Development

Build a stronger, more sustainable business by growing your capacity to be a great leader. Inspire others with clear purpose and focus, delegation and trust in staff, and the candidness and courage to create change that is necessary. This workshop is directed at shop owners and managers.

Seminar materials:

Frostbike 2013 Excellent Leaders (PowerPoint)
Becoming the Excellent Leader Worksheet (Word Doc)

Location: Veranda 5 & 6

Kate Kowalsky, QBP Human Resources Manager

This seminar is for shop leaders who want to introduce performance evaluations and feedback into their culture. Participants will gain the skills to start sharing timely and effective feedback. We’ll discuss the basics of writing and delivering formal performance evaluations, and look at ways to give ongoing feedback throughout the year.

Seminar materials:

Sample Evaluations (Word Doc)
Getting Started with Performance Evaluations (PowerPoint)
QBP Evaluation Ratings & Descriptions (PDF)

Location: Atrium 2

Gary Sjoquist, QBP Advocacy Chair

Across the country, high-school mountain bike leagues are introducing a whole new generation to cycling. Find out how Gary Sjoquist worked with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) to launch the Minnesota High School Mountain Bike League. Only in its first season, the League is a runaway success. Learn what these leagues mean to future of our industry, and find out how you can get one started in your state or region.

Seminar materials:

MN High School Cycling League (PowerPoint)
Fat Bike Issues & Advocacy (PowerPoint)

Location: Veranda 3 & 4

Alex Berge, QBP SRAM Sales Manager

Suspension products are often the most neglected and intimidating products on the sales floor and in the service department. During this seminar we’ll:

• Identify simple and profitable ways to engage suspension
• Demonstrate concise consumer-facing language and approach
• Learn about RockShox suspension products and support

We’ll also discuss stocking, order suggestion and support.

Location: Atrium 4

Annie Gleeman, QBP Learning Programs Manager

When done in the right way and with the right intentions, feedback is the path to outstanding performance. Employees at all levels have to know what they are doing well—and not so well. However, if they are really going to hear your suggestions for improvement, that feedback must be delivered thoughtfully and frequently. In this seminar, learn tips for effectively delivering feedback, gain insights into how you receive feedback, and become aware of the message that you send in doing so. Start welcoming feedback as a gift, and improve communication throughout your organization as you ultimately transform your business.

Seminar materials:

Giving and Hearing Feedback presentation (PDF)
Feedback Work Pack (PDF)

Location: Atrium 6

Mark Graff, Co-Founder, SmartEtailing

Do Amazon.com and other online-only opportunists see your customers’ dollars as easy pickings for their coffers? They do unless you’re making smart decisions about what you sell and how you stay relevant. You already have multiple advantages and, with simple tools, you can keep more customers buying from you instead of looking elsewhere. During this seminar, we’ll look at strategies for making the Internet a thriving sales channel for your store.

Location: Atrium 7

Jason Gaikowski, QBP Director of Brand and Marketing

In this seminar we’ll explore why your store’s brand matters. Learn simple and practical steps to strengthen and leverage the qualities that make your business special, different and better.