Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties and Parts Canada teamed together to present the first North American NVP Expo in Madison, WI and the collaboration "exceeded all expectations."
The event, which took place August 22nd – 25th at the Monona Terrace, Madison was the first Expo that united the three companies to introduce the fall buying season. Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties say they saw "their largest Madison Expo ever with a 25% increase in dealer attendance while the addition of Canadian dealers resulted in an overall dealer attendance increase of 38%."
James Danyluk, President of Parts Canada, said: "When the three companies decided to combine for the first ever North American NVP, we knew it would be successful as Parts Unlimited wrote the book on how to do a vendor Expo. As the Expo unfolded, the massive scale of the success came clearly into view. Every dealer, supplier and staff member had nothing but positive comments on the expo and the common theme was that they all would be back for the next one. Thank you to the staff of all three companies and to the exhibitors for a job well done!"
Highlights of the weekend included a dealer-packed Expo floor both days and a number of new vendors in attendance including Kicker Audio, MB Quart and Liqui Moly. Parts Canada kicked off their booking program while Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties introduced a new drop ship program.
Another big announcement from Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties was the launch of new dealer websites which provide "an industry-first, eCommerce-like shopping experience. Attending dealers got to experience it first-hand and the sites will continue to roll out to more dealers in the coming weeks."
Saturday evening's Meet & Greet brought the industry together with a Bike Show where attendees could vote for their favorite Metric and V-twin creations. People's Choice award winners for Metric included a 1975 custom KZ900 hardtail digger and a 1975 Honda CB750 Top Gas Drag Bike, while the V-Twin People's Choice awards went to a 2019 Custom Pan and a 2017 H-D Road King. Saturday evening closed out with a Minibike Roundup in downtown Madison presented by Icon.
Jeff Derge, VP of Sales and Marketing, wrapped the weekend up by stating: "The first ever North American NVP exceeded everyone's expectations, thank you to all the dealers, vendors, the Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties Sales Team and Parts Canada for all their efforts!"
The final word is from Mike Collins, CEO of LeMans Corporation: "The excitement and momentum from this successful Expo will be buzzing for a long time. It shows what we can do when our companies work together. The release of the new products and incentives/programs by the vendors for the sales force and dealers are sure to bring a great fall season. Look for more of this in the future."