BikeFest returned to Spain last week, cycling over 360km towards ISE in Barcelona, and so far has raised an astonishing £40,000 for industry charities Backup Tech, Music Support and Stagehand along the way.

The now annual event has garnered huge support from across the live AV and events industry in both the UK and Spain. Organised by #WeMakeEvents, PLASA and AFIAL, the 2023 edition of BikeFest Spain was sponsored by Ayrton, AVIXA, d&b Group, EARPRO, Fantek, ISE, SOJC and Total Solutions Group.

Piers Shepperd, Backup Tech Chair, Technical Director of Wonder Works, and BikeFest member, said, “I’ve been amazed by the widespread support for BikeFest and Backup Tech, as well as our fellow industry charities Music Support and Stagehand. It's been a delight - making new friends, and catching up with old ones, but most importantly riding in a way that shows we care about each other and our very precious industry, which has suffered so much over the past few years.”

The riders’ team spirit and knowing that they are supporting our industry charities kept everyone motivated, and in good humour.

Dave Crump, Creative Technology CEO and fellow BikeFest member, added, “What an amazing journey! The support, both within the team and from across the industry, has been outstanding. It’s a real testament of what we are all capable of and shows how meaningful this industry is to us.”

The intrepid team comprised 22 industry colleagues, representing BishopSound, Creative Technology, EARPRO, Equipson, FLUX Events, PLASA, SHARP/NEC Display Solutions, Stage One Creative Services, Total Solutions Group, White Light and d&b Solutions, and Wonder Works, as well as a few freelancers. With sheer determination, most of the team covered 364km over three days, with a few joining on day three for the final 100km.

“I joined for the final leg,” said Cristina Morante of EARPRO. “The overall experience has been so rewarding and I have met so many brilliant people. I hope more women will sign up for BikeFest next year and join this growing network of industry friends!”

Starting in Valencia, the team cycled along the Mediterranean coast, stopping off in Vinaros and Salou, before arriving at Fira de Barcelona in time for the ISE trade show. To applaud their hard work, AVIXA is hosting a drinks reception for the team on their stand at ISE, at 3pm on Wednesday. Any well-wishers are welcome to join the celebrations.

Nicky Greet, PLASA Director and BikeFest organiser, said, “BikeFest continues to be a fun and friendly way to build relationships across our industry. This camaraderie is clearly shown in the incredible amount we raised for our chosen industry charities - I give my sincere thanks to everyone who took part, sponsored, and donated. The team and I look forward to doing it all again in September towards PLASA Show in London before we return to ISE again next year. There are always spaces in the team, so I invite you to join in!”

“This year, the mornings were surprisingly cold, but the riders’ team spirit and knowing that they are supporting our industry charities kept everyone motivated, and in good humour,” concluded Juan Jose Vila, Equipson COO, AFIAL President, and BikeFest member. “I’m sure the team would agree that every minute was worth it. Many thanks to everyone who has made BikeFest Spain possible for a second year running, from the organisers, sponsors and donators, to the riders themselves who joined me on this crazy ride in Spain!”

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