The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) has announced that with the addition of Butler Motorcycle Maps to the expanding exhibitor list, the third-annual event has surpassed the 450 exhibitor milestone. Butler Maps, publishers of high-quality motorcycle maps, is the latest to join the growing ranks of powersports exhibitors that will be featured at the third-annual AIMExpo, set for October 15-18 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando.
Based in Eagle, Colorado, Butler Maps publishes motorcycle-specific maps that depict the best segments of roads in a given state, and presents those segments in an easy-to-read format. Since 2010 it has expanded to cover most of the United States, with every recommended mile of road having been ridden and rated by a Butler Maps owner or employee. In addition to its G1 paved-road maps, Butler Maps also publishes off-highway, dual-sport adventure maps as part of its Backcountry Discovery series.
AIMExpo spoke with Butler Maps representative Justin Bradshaw to get a first-hand account about what attracted them to join AIMExpo 2015.
AIMExpo: How did you hear about AIMExpo? Did you come to Orlando to walk the show either of the previous years?
Justin Bradshaw: I’ve been excited about AIMExpo since I first learned about it from Larry [Little – AIMExpo GM] a few years ago. I’ve attended EICMA and was blown away by that event. The thought of having something to rival a big European show here in the states is really exciting for our industry. We did not attend the first two years, mostly as a function of limited staff and previous commitments, but we are really excited to be part of it in 2015.
AIMExpo: Why this year – what made you commit your valuable resources to attend AIMExpo 2015?
Justin Bradshaw: It’s pretty clear that this is THE event to be at in the United States. I know its been growing and we’ve been waiting to commit to be certain that AIMExpo will give us the value we need to justify the travel and time. From what I have heard from industry colleagues, we would be stupid to not be there.
AIMExpo: What does Butler Maps have planned for AIMExpo?
Justin Bradshaw: We are really excited to engage dealers in one spot. For a company our size, distribution is a big challenge. Reaching dealers in all corners of the country takes huge time and resources and can be a slow process. Having the opportunity to have those dealers come to us is really big.
AIMExpo: What are your expectations for the show?
Justin Bradshaw: I really expect to spread the word about our brand and product. We are expanding quickly and have maps coming that cover all of the east coast so educating dealers and consumers about who we are and what we do is our main goal. Of course we want to sell some maps as well, so having a consumer focused element to the event was critical for us to have one on one time with riders, and recoup some of the costs of attending the event through direct sales.
AIMExpo: Are there any specific show elements you’re personally interested in checking out? Such as the Garage Party, Championship of the Americas or AIMExpo Outdoors!
Justin Bradshaw: I just hope we have time to wander around and check it all out. One of the great things about working in the motorcycle industry is the people. I really look forward to catching up with folks that I only get to see a few times a year, and meeting new ones.
Dealers, industry members, media and consumers can visit Butler Motorcycle Maps on the AIMExpo show floor, booth 885.
More than 450 exhibitors have already committed to AIMExpo in 2015. Exhibitor presence builds each day and companies looking to take advantage of the AIMExpo platform should contact an AIMExpo Account Manager toll free at 855-MCShows (855-627-4697).
For more information: AIMExpoUSA.com
