The CABDA Midwest trade show is a premier B2B event for the North American bicycle industry, often hailed as "The Show for Bike Shops!" Held annually at the Schaumburg Convention Center in the Chicago metro area (just 15 minutes from O'Hare International Airport), the 2026 edition takes place o...
The CABDA Midwest trade show is a premier B2B event for the North American bicycle industry, often hailed as "The Show for Bike Shops!" Held annually at the Schaumburg Convention Center in the Chicago metro area (just 15 minutes from O'Hare International Airport), the 2026 edition takes place on February 4 & 5, 2026. Now in its 11th year in Chicago, it is CABDA's longest-running and largest event, having grown significantly from humble beginnings into a major gathering that occupies the full 100,000-square-foot venue and attracts attendees from over 20 states and hundreds of independent bike retailers (with recent years drawing from more than 850 stores).
The expo is designed specifically for bike dealers, professional mechanics, bike fitters, and related professionals, offering an accessible, affordable, and engaging platform to discover new products, build supplier relationships, attend education sessions, and network. Free early registration for retailers underscores its retailer-focused ethos, and the family-friendly atmosphere allows spouses, partners, kids, and service animals.
E-bikes play a prominent and growing role at CABDA Midwest, reflecting their explosive popularity in the bicycle market and their importance as a profit driver for shops. The event features dedicated education and hands-on opportunities centered on electric bikes, including:
Specialized sessions like E-Bike Diagnosis (presented by experts such as Micromobility Connect), which provide practical, no-nonsense guidance on turning e-bike service into a reliable revenue stream—covering diagnostic workflows to minimize guesswork, reduce comebacks, and optimize labor efficiency.
Manufacturer-specific certifications and trainings, such as Giant E-Bike Certifications for authorized retailers.
Broader tech clinics, sales training, and business sessions that address e-bike service profitability, integration into shop operations, and customer trends.
Exhibitor booths from leading e-bike brands and component suppliers, showcasing the latest models, accessories, and innovations (with similar events featuring brands like Aventon, Heybike, AIMA E-Bikes, and others in the e-mobility space).
The show combines exhibit hall hours (typically 10am–5pm on Wednesday and 10am–4pm on Thursday), breakout education areas (including The Lab, The Backyard, and more), and NBDA-powered programming to help retailers adapt to the e-bike boom—whether through service expertise, sales strategies, or stocking decisions. With its strong emphasis on e-mobility, CABDA Midwest serves as a key hub for bike shops to stay ahead in this dynamic segment of the industry. For the most up-to-date details, including the full exhibitor list, floorplan, and schedule, visit cabdashow.com.
