This October, the industry experienced a game-changing event. The inaugural American International Expo (AIMExpo) delivered on its promise to bring together industry press, dealers and consumers in a single arena to create a grand stage for motorcycling in the U.S. and North America, and delivered an efficient and energetic market-timed expo platform for B2B and B2C in the motorcycle industry.

AIMExpo Vice President and General Manager Larry Little offered his perspective on the show and the industry at the show’s Turning Point opening event. “We believe AIMExpo represents the next turning point in the industry,” said Little. “I want to be part of the solution that helps our business grow. AIMExpo is that solution — a totally new platform that brings us all together in the right place at the right time.”

True to that promise to deliver a completely new experience, the AIMExpo team quickly released facts and figures on the show that display true transparency with the industry. The show saw a total attendance of 13,219 over five days with 392 exhibiting companies filling the exhibition space.

When we released the show stats on the MPN website, we quickly received a flood of commentary on the show. While we heard gripes on small issues like parking prices and concessions, the sentiments we’ve heard from our readers’ online comments and from our industry partners at the show since we’ve returned have been overwhelmingly positive — visit MPN online to take part in the conversation!

I, for one, was incredibly impressed with the event and can’t wait to attend it again next year. However, I’ll attend the show in a new capacity, as I’m also facing a turning point. After 11 amazing years with MPN, I’ve accepted a position with ARI as their director of marketing. My new role will allow me to continue to serve the needs of powersports dealers in a new capacity, and I’m incredibly excited to open this new chapter of my professional life.

I leave MPN in good hands as longtime senior editor and passionate powersports enthusiast Brendan Baker will step into the role of editor. In addition, former MPN editor and publisher Robin Hartfiel returns as editor-at-large. Robin has contributed to MPN in many capacities over the years, and I’m thrilled to see him rejoin the team. Through their experienced leadership, MPN will continue to deliver you targeted content in print and online as the brand enters its 40th year in 2014.

I want to thank you, the reader, for an incredible run with MPN. I have had so many amazing experiences over the years from learning how to ride in the dirt at Femmoto to seeing new OEM releases with amazing theatricality at EICMA to being part of the inaugural AIMExpo in Orlando. These turning points have shaped me professionally and personally, and I’m forever grateful.