International Cargo Bike Festival celebrates ‘impactful’ 2024 edition

The organisers of the International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF) are looking back on a successful 2024 edition.

The event, which took place for the first time in Utrecht, the Netherlands on Saturday, October 25, and Sinday, October 26, attracted a diverse range of exhibitors.

Alongside the expo and test track, visitors also saw a programme discussing topics relevant to cargo bikes, with panels and speakers drawn from across the globe, plus several side-events.

With free entry on offer, around 800 visits were made to ICBF 2024 across the two expo days.

The event drew together the cargo bike industry’s innovators, experts, and enthusiasts, as well as policymakers and both dealers and every-day users of cargo bikes.

Networking was also high on the agenda, with 200 people using matchmaking tool ‘Conversation Starter’ to connect with other attendees and schedule appointments.

“For those familiar with larger shows like Eurobike and Velofollies, our visitor numbers may seem modest by comparison,” explains ICBF co-organiser Tom Parr.

“But they reflect a dedicated and highly engaged audience focused specifically on cargo bikes. Our approach has always been different. What matters to us are quality and impact, not quantity. And by making sure exhibitors and visitors can interact in a relaxed environment, the result for both is a higher quality level of contact.

“Real conversation, real connection, building those all-important relationships. This allows exhibitors to explain their offerings and listen to visitors’ needs, while visitors feel heard and informed; making them more likely to buy the cargo bike or accessory that fits their requirements. It’s win-win, and often makes more actual impact.”

When reflecting on the 2024 edition, ICBF Director Jos Sluijsmans highlights the positive atmosphere at the event, pointing to the changes made for the 2024 edition – returning to a standalone event, two expo days instead of three, free visitor entrance; and a new venue – saying that they are based on direct feedback from previous years.

“Several exhibitors told us that they noticed we have really listened to them”, explained Sluijsmans.

“We do our best to incorporate their opinions when we make improvements to the ICBF. We don’t just organise the show for ourselves; it is for the manufacturers, speakers, visitors and ultimately to create better cities for all.”

This year’s ICBF was also noteworthy for being the first to take place in Utrecht.

Following previous editions in Nijmegen, Berlin, Groningen and Amsterdam, the ICBF team chose to head to Utrecht and team up with Dutch Cycling Week.

“Our aim with Dutch Cycling Week is to show from different perspectives how cycling contributes to a better future,” explains Ralf van Heugten, project manager of Dutch Cycling Week.

“For example, by highlighting the importance of stimulating cycling, we contribute to the development of healthier lifestyles, and mobility also plays an important role. Together with partners, stakeholders and organisers of partner events, our aim is to make the greatest possible impact in these areas, because we believe that the bicycle offers an efficient and fun solution to all kinds of social issues.

“For us, the success of the International Cargo Bike Festival confirms that this vision is gaining momentum.”

Images supplied by Sanne Paul