[dropcap]M[/dropcap]aybe it’s been a while since you committed your valuable time and resources to attend an industry trade show. We get it; business has been tough for you since the global financial crisis of 2008. If you’re still in business as a powersports dealer, you’re doing something right, so congrats.
AIMExpo is the new kid on the block and we think we have some solid reasons why you should consider joining us in Orlando this October. We want to help you grow your business, and get you excited – really excited – about being a motorcycle and powersports retailer heading into 2016.
Since its inception in 2013, the American International Motorcycle Expo has turned the concept of what an annual industry trade show should be upside down. We believe the industry grows stronger with all the key players in one place at one time, and AIMExpo does just that with OEMs, aftermarket manufacturers and dealer service providers for you to engage, network and do business with. We also invite the media to attend so they, like you, will be able to see for the first time all the new products that AIMExpo’s 500-plus exhibitors (501 in 2014, and bigger this year) are unveiling to the industry, which will be contributing to your store’s profitability next year.
#1 – Down to Business; Your Business
We’ve dedicated the first two days of AIMExpo to you, where a “business first” mentality is the driving force behind all activities inside the Convention Center and outside at AIMExpo Outdoors! Whether you run a single or multi-line dealership or focus on the aftermarket, the extensive list of exhibitors from around the globe guarantees there will be new models and products unveiled that your customers will be asking about, and that you need to know about.
Beyond seeing new product, the trade days offer seminars to help you fine-tune and grow your business, as well as exclusive dealer-only demo rides to get a hands-on experience with the motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs that customers coming through your doors in the coming months will be looking for.
#2 – An Education in Profits for ALL
As extensive as AIMExpo’s offerings are, the biggest impact to your bottom line just may come from everything you’ll learn while attending the Powersports Business Institute @AIMExpo. Launched in 2013, refined in 2014 and enhanced for 2015, the cutting-edge curriculum offered by industry and mainstream experts covers a variety of topics with key insights to help you optimize your dealership’s business model. Everything from sales and social media marketing to service and operations will be discussed so you can leave with a specific action plan and the knowledge of how to boost your dealership’s profitability and optimize efficiency. PSBI@AIMExpo takes place only during the trade days (October 15-16) and will provide critical insight relevant to franchise dealers, independent retailers and accessory shops alike.
#3 – Demo What You Sell! Or Take a Ride
As difficult as it might be to break away from the extensive offerings on the show floor, experiencing first-hand everything AIMExpo Outdoors! has to offer is good for your business AND to raise the excitement level for what you’ll be selling next year.
This unique experience – something unmatched by any other trade event – offers you the chance to climb inside or throw a leg over some of the newest on- and off-road models from industry-leading OEMs. What you walk away with is an immediate competitive advantage and expert knowledge that will enable you to effectively communicate to your customers the most compelling and innovative aspects of the latest two- and four-wheel applications that will soon be arriving on your showroom floor. This allows you to speak knowledgeably and sell effectively.
#4 – Setting the Stage
Why Orlando in October? The AIMExpo team was listening to you during the cold nights of the old winter trade show, and the result of your input is a much bigger industry event that is at the right time and in the right place.
Timing – Purposefully scheduled to coincide with OEM new model launches and the upcoming holiday buying season, you’ll be the first to see debuts of products before they’re announced to the general public. This allows you to go back to your dealership with first-hand knowledge of new products and machines; making your team experts, helping close the sale and increasing your profits.
Location – The incredible Orlando climate is prime for riding and enjoying the avenues of entertainment in one of the world’s largest tourism destinations. Local Orlando area attractions provide a change of pace from the powersports world and offer you the opportunity to bring your family for a leisurely business trip.
The result is the opportunity to see so many of your OE and aftermarket partners, plus key service providers in one place, at one time; in plenty of time to positively impact your business for the 2016 selling season.
#5 – Hall of Fame Experience
Speaking of being in one place at one time, for the second year, the AMA’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place on Saturday night at AIMExpo. Here’s a chance to see all those influential racers, industry icons and others who have made a positive impact on our sport and business gathered together in one place for the ceremony that is the Academy Awards of motorcycling. There’s special industry pricing for dealers for both the Induction Ceremony and the VIP Reception that takes place prior to the ceremony. You’ll find the special pricing offered when you register to attend AIMExpo. Go to www.aimexpousa.com and click on the Dealers tab to register.
#6 – Giving the Public a Taste, Generating Social Enthusiasm
With Florida having the second highest number of motorcycles of any state, and Biketoberfest just up the road in Daytona Beach, it made sense to swing the AIMExpo doors open to consumers after the trade days to offer our end-users the opportunity to also see all the new product and get them equally excited. Like you, they’ll also have the opportunity to experience new product at AIMExpo Outdoors! and share their impressions. As an army of influencers, be sure you check out their posts with #AIMExpo and #AIMExpo15.
In an effort to invite consumers from up the road, there’s a local shop that’s working hard to bring some of the Daytona crowd down to Orlando. Bill Dodge of Bling Cycles in Daytona Beach will be leading a ride from his shop to the front doors of AIMExpo for AIMExpo’s Garage Party on Saturday afternoon. Bill will serve as the Garage Party host and will be joined by well-known industry personality (and Bikers Choice catalog cover girl) Leticia Cline, the Garage Party ambassador. An added bonus to these visitors is the brand new and nearby Ace Cafe Orlando, the first outpost of the iconic UK moto establishment here in the United States.
#7 – Created by You, For You
Like you, all of us at AIMExpo are passionate enthusiasts who live and breathe motorcycling and powersports. Like you, we’re also passionate enthusiasts of the motorcycle and powersports industry. We share your desire to improve the business landscape of the powersports industry. Our hands-on approach and open ear to the industry has driven us to develop and continually refine a platform that is specifically geared to improving your business and the overall health of the powersports industry.
All of this begins with you – the nationwide network of powersports dealers and retailers.
If you’re focused on getting an edge on your competition, enhancing your bottom line and taking advantage of the tremendous networking and camaraderie this industry has to offer, then AIMExpo – Orlando in October – is where you need to be!
