AIMExpo Recognized as a 2015 ‘Fastest 50’ Show

Last October’s third annual American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) brought the powersports industry under one roof at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) and continued to show impressive growth. The event’s noteworthy gains were recognized for the second consecutive year in the annual Trade Show Executive "Fastest 50".

At 888,000 total square feet the 2015 AIMExpo footprint was larger than ever, featuring the largest OEM and aftermarket participation to date. The record 566 exhibitors saw nearly 19,000 combined dealers, media and consumer attendees engaging in all sectors of the powersports industry. The more than 10-percent growth in net square feet and exhibiting companies landed AIMExpo in the “Fastest 50 Class of 2015” alongside some of the most prominent trade shows in the country.

“To earn a spot in the ‘Fastest 50’ over back-to-back years is a testament to the rising influence AIMExpo has had and continues to have on the powersports marketplace after just three years,” said Mike Webster, Senior Vice President of MIC Events. “Impeccable customer service, a commitment to enhance the way the business of motorcycling is conducted, and now a part of the Motorcycle Industry Council to closely serve the industry is sure to maintain this upward progression and keep AIMExpo among the most prominent trade shows in North America.”

While MIC Events celebrates this prestigious accolade, planning for the 2016 AIMExpo, set for this October 13-16 in Orlando, is moving at a rapid pace with the first round of exhibitor booth selections having wrapped up last week. More than 205 brands, including original OEM exhibitor and multi-year partner Suzuki, have secured spots on the floor of the OCCC, in the new North Hall that will host the event this fall for the first time. This sought-after move to the North Hall brings the hustle and bustle of the show floor closer to the on- and off-road action taking place at AIMExpo Outdoors!, the growing experiential element of the event.

“We are coming off our most successful year to date and things are already moving quickly just a month into the new year,” said MIC Events Vice President and General Manager Larry Little. “Hundreds of exhibitors have already secured their spots on the floor and we’re looking at an increase in OEM involvement, thanks in part to our partnership with the MIC. With the move to the North Hall, all of the action at AIMExpo will take place within a very short walk. 2016 is off to a great start!”

A live and fully interactive show floorplan is now available at 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.