In 2023, the Master Bike Builders Show appeared in Bentonville, Arkansas (for non-US readers, it's pronounced 'Arkinsaw'). 15 companies showed up to exhibit their bikes at this outdoor event, and it went well enough for organizer Sergio Bravo to bring the show back on the weekend of September 14-15, 2024. 

"Unlike larger-scale shows, the Master Bike Builders Show allows every exhibitor quality time with the knowledgeable and passionate cycling enthusiasts who live in and visit Bentonville," says Sergio.

The exhibitor list for the 2024 show includes several returns from the 2023 event, and with a lineup including Black Sheep Cycles, Corvid Cycles, Chumba USA, and Hot Salad Bicycles, attendees this year will be treated to an exciting mixture of established brands and rising stars in the framebuilding world. 

A feature of the 2023 show that both exhibitors and attendees found beneficial was the time allowed by the show's format for a deep dive, which enabled potential customers to come closer to answering that all-important question: Who will build my custom bike?

The 2024 event is shaping up the same way.

Sergio says as of early August exhibitor booth spaces remain available in his main aisle, and at $550 for a 10x10 booth, particularly for companies within a day's drive, this must run at least close to being a must-attend event.

For many years while overseeing marketing and promo for NAHBS and Philly Bike Expo, the HBG crew has advocated for several smaller custom frame builder shows spread around the country. We are delighted that MBBS is back for a second year, and will have a reporter onsite to cover the show.

Why do we like the move away from singular, monolithic shows, and instead toward a more spread-out landscape? Partly because this makes it easier and less expensive for the exhibitors; overall more potential customers and other attendees have easier access to the finest of bicycle hardware manufacturing; for journalists it's easier to get fuller show coverage and quality time with each of the exhibitors; and for the industry, the eyes-on events are spread throughout the year rather than concentrated into one big starburst. To us at HBG that just seems like a stronger promotional model.

The Master Bike Builders Show charges no admission fee for attendees. 
Exhibitor list; details for attendees and interested exhibitors: masterbikebuilders.com