IMBA Europe Meet-Up

8–10th October 2026 | Borderless Trails, Sebnitz, Germany

8-9 October 2026 | IMBA Trailhead workshop
10 October 2026 | IMBA Europe Members Day

The IMBA Europe Meet-Up is designed for trail advocates, members, land managers, community officials, recreation professionals, and tourism and economic development staff who want to better understand how trails can deliver recreation, health, and economic benefits to their communities.

Over two interactive days, IMBA staff, trail industry experts, and local stakeholders will lead participants through the process of creating a model community trail system – from planning and design to building, activation, promotion, and measuring success. The program will also include field visits and opportunities to learn directly from professionals involved in trail and community development.

What to expect

Over two days (8–9 October 2026), the IMBA Europe MeetUp will follow the IMBA Trailhead workshop format, combining classroom learning with hands-on field experience to explore how successful trail systems are planned, built, and sustained.

Participants can expect an interactive program that includes presentations and discussions on sustainable trail development, visitor flow and impact management, and the role of mountain biking in local recreation and tourism. Real-world case studies will be used to illustrate what works in different contexts.

A key part of the experience takes place outdoors, with guided site visits to local trails. These sessions focus on practical topics such as trail design principles, maintenance approaches, and balancing environmental considerations with rider experience.

The workshop is highly collaborative, bringing together land managers, trail builders, clubs, and local stakeholders to exchange knowledge, address challenges, and develop actionable ideas applicable to their own regions across Europe.

LiveVoice Translations will be available to the audience during plenary sessions/ workshops.

Why Borderless Trails?

Borderless Trails is Germany’s first cross-border trail network, connecting communities in Germany and Czechia through a shared vision for mountain biking, outdoor recreation, and sustainable tourism. The project brings together the towns of Sebnitz, Neustadt in Saxony, and Dolní Poustevna, and demonstrates how trails can serve as a catalyst for regional cooperation and economic development.

What makes Borderless Trails particularly relevant for the IMBA Europe network is the story behind the trails. The project took more than seven years of planning and coordination, involving multiple municipalities, land managers, and stakeholders, and was made possible through European Interreg funding and cross-border partnerships. It offers a unique opportunity to learn how European funding programs can support trail development and help communities turn ambitious ideas into reality.

For IMBA Europe, Borderless Trails is a case study in what is possible when long-term vision is matched by partnership and investment. The project shows how European funding can unlock ambitious trail developments and how cross-border cooperation can turn a shared landscape into a shared opportunity.

Yet the story is far from finished. With parts of the network still being completed and a local mountain biking community in Sebnitz yet to emerge, the next chapter will be just as important as the planning process that made the trails possible. Whether Borderless Trails ultimately becomes a thriving riding destination will depend not only on the quality of the trails, but on its ability to inspire local riders, engage communities, and create lasting value on both sides of the border.

Tickets now available!

The IMBA Europe Meet’Up is approaching, and once again we will use the Mountain Bike United mobile app to move towards a paperless event and enhance your experience at the IMBA Meet’Up in Sebnitz.

The app allows you to view the full event program, join and track your sessions, share resources and knowledge, and network with other participants.

This year we’re also managing ticket sales for the Meet-Up through Mountain Bike United.

Tickets and pricing (per person) are as follows:

• Trailhead Program 8 & 9 October (Non-Members) – €250

• Trailhead Program 8 & 9 October (Members ticket) – €175

• 3-day Members-Only Program, 8 – 10 October – €200

• Members Day Program only, 10 October – €35

To purchase tickets on the Mountain Bike United app, here’s what you need to do:

STEP 1 – Download (or update) the app and create an account with your name & profile picture (turn on notifications when prompted)

STEP 2 – Go to the Search tab in the app, then scroll down to Conferences and click on ‘IMBA EU Meet-Up’. Or click on this link on your phone’s browser.

This will take you to a preview of the Meet-Up and the option to buy tickets with a credit or debit card.

Invoices and Bank Transfers

If you would prefer to pay by invoice and bank transfer, email loren.rowney@imba-europe.com and I will arrange it for you and send your ticket(s) upon receipt of payment.

If you’re having technical issues with the Mountain Bike United app, email the support team at info@mtbutd.com.

See you in Sebnitz in October!