Outdoor Summer IMS Dates Announced
Since the innovative October announcement that it was to abandon its time-honored winter indoor expo center based event series in favor of an outdoor summer series, Progressive International Motorcycle Shows (IMS) has now added detail to the concept announcement with dates and locations.
Initially nine dates and locations have been announced - with venue details and the possibility of more dates to be announced soon.
The 2021 IMS Outdoors series will kick off near Denver on June 18-20 (Loveland, Colorado), then via Southern California (Irvine), Northern California (Sonoma), Chicago (Elgin, IL.), New York City (Brooklyn), Pennsylvania (Carlisle), Nashville (Lebanon) and Central Florida (Lakeland), the ambitious plan will see the series wrap up near Atlanta (Conyers, GA.) on October 29-31.
The IMS series is now owned and operated by London, UK headquartered, FTSE 100 listed Informa, who acquired and rebranded Universal Business Media (UBS), who had themselves bought Advanstar some years prior.
It is being widely accepted in the powersports industry that the switch from the traditional winter indoor series of expo center based events to a summer outdoor program, with all the benefits and opportunities for test rides, fun-based activities and engagement that offers, "is one whose time had come," according to one observer, "regardless of the impacts of the pandemic."
For AMD Magazine, owner Robin Bradley stated: "The organizers are to be congratulated on an initiative that could provide the whole of the motorcycle industry with a huge opportunity - from OEMs, parts, accessory and G&A importers and distributors to dealers, race organizations and teams and sport access providers such as training providers. An opportunity that could give the American powersports industry a solid foundation from which to genuinely 'build back better'. It is to be hoped the industry backs them."
In a news release the organizers have stated that "the reimagined, festival-like outdoor tour combines the familiar aspects of the IMS brand that has kept enthusiasts returning for the past 40 years while broadening the event experience for attendees - they will be able to learn and immerse themselves in brand-new markets and products (including electric mobility - eBikes, eScooters and RVing) as well as the new models and products from the established manufacturers, importers and distributors.
"The new, completely outdoors experience will feature more two- and four-wheel demo opportunities on motorcycles, ATVs, eBikes, eMotorcycles and other powersports vehicles for attendees than ever before, spanning both on- and off-road tracks."
Alongside new products, the organizers say that at each IMS Outdoors stop, "attendees can expect to be entertained all weekend long with local artisans and musicians planned to perform each day at the event while checking out the various options for craft food and drinks to re-energize their time on the various demo opportunities and attractions.
"IMS Outdoors will confirm the return and expansion of several fan-favorite attractions from the traditional IMS tour format, including the feature and display of the latest street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters, ATVs, gear and aftermarket accessories.
"Other returning attractions will include the Marketplace for attendees to purchase the latest gear, an expanded Adventure Out! area featuring more RV products for the adventurer, stunt shows, SHIFT, IMS Vintage, expanded 'Discover The Ride' program, and the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show."
It is good news that the Ultimate Builder series has been confirmed, though at the time of going to press, the organizers were not saying whether J&P Cycles are to return as the headline sponsor.
Interestingly, the organizers concluded their news release by stating that "IMS is working towards expanding the tour schedule in 2022 and beyond to revisit past IMS markets and new markets that work best for attendees, participating OEMS and brands, venue operators and event staff."
www.outdoors.motorcycleshows.com