INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN THE TWO WHEELS SECTOR
28 May 2025
*Limited Registration Only. Register Before Filled
About the Conference
The International Conference on the Two-Wheels Sector in Europe: Present and Future â The Industryâs Perspective will take place on May 28th, 2025, at BIKiNNOV â Technology and Innovation Centre, in Ăgueda, Portugal.
Organised jointly by BIKiNNOV, ABIMOTA and CONEBI, this international event will bring together key players from across the two-wheels industry, including companies, policymakers, academic institutions, and research centres. The objective is to foster dialogue on the current challenges and future trends in the European two-wheeles sector, and to promote collaboration between industry and the scientific and technological system. This conference is part of project 111 - Technology and Innovation Center of AM2R - Mobilizing Agenda for Business Innovation in the Two-Wheels Sector, financed by the Recovery and Resilience Program (PRR) and the NextGeneration Funds of the European Union (EU).
On May 26th and 27th, a dedicated parallel programme will be held exclusively for CONEBI members.
We invite you to join us for this unique opportunity to connect, reflect and shape the future of the two-wheels industry in Europe.
May 28á”Ê°
International Conference in the Two Wheels in Europe: Present and Future.
Presentation and Visit to BIKiNNOV
*Open to the public
May 26á”Ê°
Company Visits
*CONEBI members only
May 27á”Ê°
Working group + Connebi General Assembly
*CONEBI members only
Program
The International Conference on the Two-Wheels Sector in Europe will take place throughout the day on May 28th, 2025, with a diverse program that includes institutional sessions, international and national panels, and moments of networking and innovation sharing. On May 26th and 27th, a dedicated parallel programme will be held exclusively for CONEBI members.
Speakers
Fernando Alfaiate
President of the Mission Structure âRecover Portugalâ
Coordinator of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR)
Fernando Alfaiate leads the implementation of Portugalâs Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). With extensive experience in managing EU structural funds, he served as Executive Member of the COMPETE 2020 Board and held key roles in strategic programs such as QREN and POE/PRIME.
He brings deep expertise in innovation policy, business competitiveness, and public program management, alongside a background in academia and consulting. He holds a degree in Economics, a Masterâs in Finance from ISEG â University of Lisbon, and postgraduate qualifications in financial analysis, industrial strategy, and corporate taxation.
Clint Weber
Vice President of Sales & Manufacturing Operations at SRAM
Clint Weber is the Vice President of Sales & Manufacturing Operations at SRAM, a global leader in bicycle components. Based in Glenview, Illinois, SRAM is renowned for its innovation and performance, with a strong international presence.
With extensive experience in strategic leadership and industrial operations, Clint has played a key role in driving the companyâs growth and expansion across global markets. He is also the Vice President of New Business Growth, where he leads initiatives to identify new opportunities and drive business expansion.
Clintâs leadership is focused on sustainability, continuous improvement, and enhancing operational efficiency, reflecting his commitment to innovation and excellence in the cycling industry.
Gil Nadais
Secretary-General of ABIMOTA & Executive Director of BIKINNOV
Gil Nadais has served as Secretary-General of ABIMOTA since 2018, representing the Portuguese bicycle industry and playing a key role in the Soft Mobility and Micromobility sectors. He is also the Executive Director of BIKINNOV â Bike Value Innovation Center.
A long-time local leader in Ăgueda, Gil has been an elected official since 2005 and has significantly contributed to making the city a national reference in energy efficiency. This achievement earned Ăgueda recognition as one of Portugalâs Smart Cities.
With a background in Psychology and a Master's in Clinical and Health Psychology, Gil has a proven track record in public service, business leadership, and innovation. His commitment to sustainable development and effective governance is reflected in his contributions to both local and national projects.
CĂ©sar Coutinho
Chief Technology Officer at BIKINNOV â Bike Value Innovation Center
CĂ©sar Valentino Ribeiro Coutinho holds a Bachelorâs (2008) and Masterâs (2014) in Electrical Engineering from the Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa. With extensive experience in metrology, laboratory testing, and industrial automation, CĂ©sar is currently the Chief Technology Officer at BIKINNOV, leading the development and implementation of technological strategies for innovation in the mobility sector.
Previously, he served as the Technical Manager of metrology, materials, surface, and chemical laboratories at ABIMOTA â National Association of Bicycle, Hardware, Furniture, and Complementary Industries, playing a key role in test validation and the development of new procedures and equipment.
CĂ©sar is also an active member of several national and international technical committees, including ISO/TC 149 and CEN/TC 333, contributing to standardization and innovation in the industry.
Manuel MarsĂlio
Manuel Marsilio is the General Manager of CONEBI.
Based in Brussels, CONEBI represents the interests of the Bicycle, Pedal-Assist E-Bike and Parts & Accessories Industries before the EU institutions. With knowledge of the Eu legislative process and appointed in several European Commissionâs working groups - Marsilio is also involved in the political analysis of the industrial ecosystem in Europe.
At global level, he is supporting the WBIA secretariat for the work in the context of the World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicles Regulations, the Working Party on Transport Economics & Trends and the Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety - all organised by the United Nations.
Daniela Leveratto
Global Regulation & Policy Expert in Technology and Mobility
Daniela Leveratto is a senior expert in global regulation and policy within the technology and mobility sectors. With over 15 years of experience in one of the most regulated industries, she has become a prominent figure in legislative matters at the international level.
In 2023, she was elected President of GlobalAI Association, following the growing convergence between technology and automotive production. Daniela holds a degree in engineering from Italy, with top honors, and has worked as a researcher at TU Munich in alternative propulsion systems.
Her career includes roles at AUDI and the European Commission, where she was a national expert from Germany. She has also served as Technical Director for major international industry NGOs, including the OICA (International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers) and IMMA (International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association). Currently, she is the Technical Director for CONEBI (European Bicycle Industry Confederation) in Brussels and WBIA (World Bike Industry Association) in Switzerland.
Fluent in English, French, Italian, and German, Daniela is also the pro bono President of GlobalAI and a member of several prestigious associations, including the Italian Order of Engineers and the European League for Economic Cooperation. She was honored with the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
Ettore Iorio
EU Law & Policy Expert | Senior Policy Analyst at Intellera Consulting
Ettore Iorio is an expert in EU law, digital regulation, and sustainable urban development. He currently serves as a Legal and Policy Advisor at Intellera Consulting, Italyâs leading public sector consultancy, where he provides strategic legal advice to European institutions, including the European Commission and the EU AI Office. His work focuses on analyzing EU legislation, such as the AI Act, and political initiatives like the Digital Decade.
Previously, Ettore was a Geopolitical Analyst at Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, aligning EU policies with investment decisions and managing international initiatives, including the European Leaders Program. He is also the co-founder of The Green High Line, a âŹ50 million urban regeneration project in Rome, developed in collaboration with the European Commission, ESA, and UN agencies, where he leads institutional relations and ensures the projectâs alignment with EU sustainability priorities.
AmĂlcar Ramalho
Senior Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Coimbra
AmĂlcar Ramalho is a Senior Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering (DEM) at the University of Coimbra. He has held several key leadership roles within the department, including Chair of the Department (1995â1997) and Director (2019â2023).
As a researcher at the Center for Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Processes (CEMMPRE), he leads the Intelligent and Mechanical Manufacturing Group. He teaches courses on Industrial Maintenance and Maintenance within the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's and Industrial Engineering and Management Master's programs.
His research focuses on friction and wear of engineering materials, tribological characterization of coated surfaces, tribology of biomaterials, and the development of tribological testing equipment. He is also involved in reliability testing and the dynamic response characterization of equipment for tribological tests.
AmĂlcar has published around 350 scientific papers, with 170 indexed in Scopus. Since 2021, he has been recognized among the top 2% of the most cited researchers worldwide by Elsevier, both in Mechanical Engineering and across his entire career.
Additionally, he serves on the Editorial Boards of Surface Topography: Metrology and Properties, the International Journal of Surface Science and Engineering (IJSurfSE), and is a member of the Editorial Review Board for several other journals.
Pedro Araujo
CEO & President of Polisport Group
Pedro AraĂșjo is the CEO and President of Polisport Group, a global leader in the production of motorcycle and bicycle accessories. He founded Polisport after identifying a gap in the market for motorcycle parts in Portugal, starting with the handmade production of fiberglass molds. Over the years, he expanded the company internationally, leading to the acquisition of Bobike and establishing Polisport as the world leader in bicycle child carriers.
Pedro is also Vice President of Abimota and Bikinnov, and serves on the board of the European Bicycle Industry Confederation (CONEBI). His leadership and innovative approach have earned him recognition, including the Comendador da Ordem do MĂ©rito Empresarial.
Jorge BrandĂŁo
Board Member of the Central 2030 Regional Program
Jorge BrandĂŁo, a seasoned expert in regional development, is currently a Board Member of the Central 2030 Regional Program, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Central Region of Portugal. With a Master's degree in Regional Geography from the University of Coimbra, Jorge is a dedicated professional at the Central Regional Coordination and Development Commission.
His work focuses on strategic planning and implementation, driving key initiatives for the regionâs growth and sustainability. With his in-depth knowledge of geographical dynamics and regional development, Jorge brings valuable insights to the event, sharing his vision for a prosperous and resilient future for the region.
Ana Reis
Associate Professor at the FEUP.
Associate Professor at the FEUP. Anas Reis holds a PhD from the University of Ghent and has strong ties to the industry, having coordinated nine R&D projects in the last five years, with funding exceeding âŹ11 million.
This includes leading the scientific committees for both the AM2R and Hi-rEV Agendas. In 2024, she launched five new industrial innovation projects in collaboration with national companies.
With over 100 indexed publications and extensive experience in academic supervision, Ana is recognized for her expertise in bridging research and industry.
Phillip Darnton
Phillip spent much of his career with Unilever plc, the Anglo-Dutch multinational, in marketing and general management positions, latterly as ManagingDirector of Unileverâs operations in Brazil, and adviser to the Unilever Board onglobal strategy.
Phillip was involved in the world of cycling, initially as chairman and chief executive of Raleigh, and as a member of the Governmentâs National Cycling Strategy Board. Subsequently he was appointed as Chair of Cycling England. Phillip is the Chair of the Bicycle Association; Chair of the Department for Transportâs Cycle Rail Working Group; a member of the Walking and Cycling Alliance, and of the Stakeholder Advisory Group for the DfTâs Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS).He is the Patron of the Bikeability Trust, a government-funded charity whichprovides basic cycle training to 500,000 children each year.
He was awarded by the Queen with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to cycling.
Piero Nigrelli
Born in Milan 06/01/1966
Degree in Management Engineering, Milan Polytechnic. Master in AOQ Manager for Quality Management in Industrial Processes Master in EPCM, Expert Promoter of Cycle Mobility, University of Verona
First ten years of activity in manufacturing companies, consulting firms, certification bodies.Activities mainly aimed at production, quality systems, quality control of industrial processes. For 24 years in Ancma (Italian Assoctiacion of Two Wheeler Industry) as Director of the Cycle Sector.The industrial trade association adhering to Confindustria represents companies producing and importing motorcycles, bicycles, motorcycle and bicycle parts.
I carry out Advocacy Activities, data, import and export customs issues, regulations, Highway Code, Sales, European Guarantee, everything that can be useful to promote and defend the member companies.
JesĂșs Freire Valderrama
JesĂșs Freire is Secretary General of AMBE, the Spanish Bicycle Industry Association.
AMBE is the voice of the cycling sector and the umbrella for cycling businesses in Spain.
JesĂșs has been active in the cycling advocacy world for almost 15 years during which he has collaborated with local, national and international organisations and public bodies in order to support the growth of cycling across Spain and Europe.
Prior to joining AMBE in 2021, JesĂșs Freire worked for the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF) as Development Directo.
Maximilian Schrapel
Maximilian Schrapel is a recognized researcher at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany, specializing in smart and connected cycling applications.
He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Leibniz University Hannover, Germany. Maximilian leads the Vulnerable Road User division within the Cooperative Autonomous Systems research group of Prof. Alexey Vinel and manages national and EU-funded projects in collaboration with leading research and industry partners.
His work focuses on improving road safety and user experience through sensor systems, V2X-communication, artificial intelligence, and data-driven assistance functions aligned with citizens needs.
Burkhard Stork
Burkhard Stork is the CEO of ZIV â German Bicycle Industry.
As an industry association, the ZIV bundles and represents the interests of around 130 member companies vis-Ă -vis legislators in the EU and Germany, the government, authorities, media, institutions and organisations. 90 percent of the bicycles and e-bikes produced in Germany in 2024 came from ZIV member companies, which export 1.4 million vehicles annually in addition to sales in the domestic market.
Stork is a Catholic theologian and was previously Federal Managing Director of the ADFC (German Association of Cyclists) and Managing Director of a large non-profit organization.
Armando Levi
Armando Levi is the President and CEO of RODI Industries, a Portuguese company based in Eixo, Aveiro, specializing in the production of stainless steel sinks and accessories, as well as bicycle rims and wheels. His connection to RODI dates back to 1976, when the company was taken over by his father, Armando Silva, owner of Confersil. Since then, Armando Levi has played a key role in the company's transformation and growth.He is recognized for his commitment to innovation and sustainability.
In 2023, RODI was awarded COTEC Innovator Status for the second year running, reflecting its continued commitment to research and development.It has also implemented policies to value its employees, such as setting the company's minimum wage above the national rate and distributing annual performance bonuses.His strategic vision and leadership have been crucial in positioning RODI as a world reference in the sectors in which it operates, maintaining an organizational culture based on family values, ambition, innovation, resilience and respect.
Pedro Gil de Vasconcelos
Completa Mente - Comunicação e Eventos, Lda. is a company founded in March 2002 and led by Pedro Gil de Vasconcelos.
With a degree in Cinema and Audiovisuals from ESAP, he was a journalist for RTP, where he took part in and led projects such as RotaçÔes, Sem Limites and Velocidades, among others.
Vital Almeida
Location
The conference will be held at:
BIKiNNOV â Technology and Innovation Centre:
Rua da IndĂșstria, 369 â CovĂŁo 3750-792 Ăgueda, Portugal
đ Coordinates: 40.598703, -8.447530
How to get here:
- Porto â Ăgueda:
- By Car: A1 + A25 (74.1 km, ~51 min)
- By Train: 2h 05 min (Vila Nova de GaiaâDevesas and Aveiro)
- Lisbon â Ăgueda:
- By Car: A1 + A25 (245 km, ~2h 34 min)
- By Train: 3h 07min (direct Regional services)
- Aveiro â Ăgueda:
- By Car: A25 + EN 230 (22 km, ~23 min)
- By Train: 36 min (Linha do Vouga Regional)
đ A guided tour of the facilities will be available at the end of the conference.
More info: Buy Train Tickets Online | CP - Comboios de Portugal
In Gold Hotel & Spa
Rua Manuel Sousa Carneiro, NÂș25
3750-160 Ăgueda - Portugal
GPS: 40.574218, -8.438460
Phone: +351 234 690 170 (Custo de uma chamada para a rede fixa nacional)
Email: [email protected]
Hotel Conde d'Agueda
Praça Conde de Agueda3750 - 119 Ăgueda Portugal
GPS: 40.5729, -8.445031
Phone: +351 234 610 390(Chamada para a rede fixa nacional)
Email: [email protected]