Cycle News Staff | September 30, 2020
Update September 30, 2020:
2021 AIMExpo Postponed
Following the third-quarter meeting of the MIC Board of Directors, AIMExpo, issued the following statement from Cinnamon Kernes, vice president and general manager, MIC Events:
“We have made the difficult decision to postpone the 2021 AIMExpo, the industry’s annual trade show, and while this wasn’t an easy choice it is certainly the right one.
“With local directives limiting gathering size, travel restrictions, and a myriad of other obstacles created by the pandemic, there are too many unknown factors limiting our ability to create a safe environment that will also deliver the experience and ROI our exhibitors and attendees expect. We do not want to deliver a show that doesn’t live up to their high standards. Also impacting our decision to postpone are the dealers working to rebuild their businesses after suffering devastating damage from fires, hurricanes, and floods that have hit both the East and West Coasts.
“There is tremendous value in face-to-face meetings and in-person events and we believe in their ability to create irreplaceable opportunities to connect with people and businesses to drive commerce. The AIMExpo team will continue to work with key industry partners, including Tucker Powersports, to explore options that deliver relevant and important educational content for dealer attendees in 2021. Likewise, the team will be looking for opportunities to connect the powersports brands through quality networking events later this year. We look forward to bringing AIMExpo back in 2022 and will celebrate the industry of powersports and everyone that makes it great.”
Earlier this year AIMExpo and Tucker Powersports announced co-locating shows. Tucker supports the decision to postpone and has made a separate announcement regarding their plans for 2021.
In it, Marc McAllister, CEO of Tucker Powersports stated: “While we at Tucker were very excited for the opportunity to be a part of the AIME show this year, the health and safety of our dealers and supplier partners has to be our first priority. We want to respect public health restrictions and we don’t want to put anyone at risk. We are now looking forward to reconnecting with the MIC and AIMExpo in 2022.”
Update May 6, 2020:
The AIMEXpo, which was originally planned to take place in Columbus, Ohio in October has been moved to January 21,-23, 2021. The show will also change to a trade-only event. Below is the release from AIMExpo
The MIC’s American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) is moving to January 21-23, 2021 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Previously scheduled for this October, North America’s largest powersports show is changing more than timing; the show will become a trade-only event and emerge as an integral part of the buying season.
“Timing is everything,” said Cinnamon Kernes, vice president and general manager, MIC Events. “Transitioning to the first quarter has been part of a long-term strategic plan for AIMExpo, along with providing more focus on our core audience – dealers. These changes not only align the show with the ideal buying time for dealers and retailers, but also provide the perfect opportunity for brands to reconnect with dealers, kicking off what will be a pivotal year for the industry, additionally, this move to January opens the door to partner with a major distributor in a much more strategic and meaningful way.”
A trade-only show allows AIMExpo to concentrate on industry needs and education at a time when powersports needs it most. Quality over quantity is necessary in the new trade show landscape. With this new focus on retailers, the show will now take place over three days instead of four, saving exhibitors and attendees time and money.
COVID has forced retailers and manufacturers to change the way they do business – at warp speed. AIMExpo’s education, developed in partnership with PSB will focus on these ideas and innovations to help retailers improve efficiency, stay competitive and improve bottom lines. AIMExpo will provide tools and solutions for retailers as we start the new year.
“With all that’s happened recently, transitioning to Q1 makes sense now more than ever,” said Andre Albert, director of sales and marketing. “The show will align with the order-writing time of year; it will help alleviate financial burdens in 2020 and allows us to focus on the industry and its needs. This change in timing and focus allows brands to connect with the most engaged buyers looking for growth and success in 2021. We’re excited and looking forward to the evolution of AIMExpo – Together We Rise.”
Follow the latest from the AIMExpo here: www.aimexpousa.com
Read all of the latest motorcycle industry news here.