HAPPY! Happy Hour Returns for 2016 AIMExpo

HAPPY! Happy Hour is back! The combination of industry networking, a charity auction and sponsored (free) drinks returns to the American International Motorcycle Expo on Thursday, October 13, kicking off at 6pm immediately following the conclusion of the show’s opening day. With a new location in the North Hall lobby of the Orange County Convention Center just outside the doors of the exhibit floor, AIMExpo also welcomes new presenting sponsor Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) to this year’s festivities.

In addition to the opportunity for attendees to connect in a casual networking setting, a very important charity auction returns for a key cause. The Ride for Kids Happy Hour Auction hosted by National Powersport Auctions (NPA) benefits the Cycle World Joseph C. Parkhurst Education Fund, and showcases unique and rare items with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) college scholarship program. It’s a great opportunity for dealers and exhibitors alike to add to their collections while supporting a meaningful cause.

“Ride For Kids, the motorcycle community’s charity event of choice, funds PBTF’s mission to find the cause and cure of brain tumors in kids,” said Larry Little, vice president and general manager of AIMExpo. “With more kids surviving thanks to the benefits of the research funded by the Foundation, a new need arose in family support and education, and a number of years ago Cycle World helped create an education fund in memory of their founding publisher Joe Parkhurst. The auction showcases the continuing compassion of the powersports industry by raising funds for scholarships, giving the growing number of childhood brain tumor survivors a chance to continue their higher education efforts.”

National Powersport Auctions (NPA) is a founding exhibitor at AIMExpo and has conducted the live charity auction component of HAPPY! Happy Hour the last two years. In partnership with AIMExpo, NPA has been an advocate to the cause of supporting the families of pediatric brain tumor survivors that have faced financial hardships while battling the disease.

“It’s a great cause with long standing connections to many of us in the industry,” stated Ryan Keefe, NPA director of marketing. “We’re honored and excited to be a partner once again with the PBTF at AIMExpo in support of the fund.”

Seeking an opportunity to further connect with the motorsports industry beyond the AIMExpo show floor, Wells Fargo CDF will serve as the presenting sponsor of HAPPY! Happy Hour. At the event, CDF team members will be available to answer financial solutions questions and as an added feature, the iconic 800 pound Wells Fargo stagecoach will be on display.

“Our team is extremely excited to connect with dealers and OEM’s at this year’s AIMExpo,” said Jeremy Jansen, president of CDF’s motorsports group. “This will be our fourth time attending, however it’s the first time we are bringing the iconic Wells Fargo stagecoach with us. Attendees can learn more about Wells Fargo and CDF, and talk to our team about a variety of financing solutions and resources that can help their business’ profitably grow.”

NPA is currently coordinating donations of rare and unique items and memorabilia for the Ride for Kids Happy Hour Auction. Interested parties can contact NPA’s Sara Spohr directly at (619) 964-3141 or [email protected].

For more information: AIMExpoUSA.com

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.