MPN to Produce AIMExpo Show Publications

Babcox Media Inc., owner of MPN, has announced that Marketplace Events, producers of the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo), has awarded Babcox a contract to publish the AIMExpo Show Daily, AIMExpo Show Directory and AIMExpo Consumer Souvenir Program.

“We’re thrilled that MPN will be the official publisher of the AIMExpo Show Daily, Directory and Souvenir Program,” said Mike Webster, president, Trade Show Division of Marketplace Events. “As a leading trade media brand in the powersports industry, MPN is ideally suited to perform this vital function. Collectively, these publications will help convey our vision for an energetic and efficient show platform, and provide additional value to AIMExpo exhibitors and attendees. We’re looking forward to working with the MPN staff to bring these important products to the market.”

AIMExpo, North America’s first combined consumer, trade and media motorcycle event, will hold its inaugural show at the Orange County Convention Center, Oct. 16-20, 2013, in Orlando, Fla. AIMExpo will include OEMs, distributors, parts and accessory manufacturers, dealers, consumers and the media. Produced by motorcyclists for motorcyclists, AIMExpo will serve the entire industry – going far beyond the traditional trade or consumer show.

MPN editorial personnel, along with several other journalists from Babcox Media, will produce the three show properties. Longtime MPN Editor Colleen Brousil will lead the group.

"We are proud to be associated with the AIMExpo team, and we look forward to assisting with the goal of helping dealers and consumers connect with the great, innovative product lineups of the exhibitors,” said Greg Cira, vice president of Babcox Media and publisher of MPN. “This is going to be unlike any other motorcycle expo we’ve seen before in the U.S., given the mix of trade, consumer and media focus. The already committed group of exhibitors is impressive, and we are happy to partner with each of them to help get their message out. Industry veterans Mike Webster, Larry Little, Cinnamon Kernes and Kerry Graeber have done an outstanding job creating an event the industry has long been yearning for. We’re looking forward to October in Orlando.”

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.