Twin Dealer Show Announcements for January 2022 as Industry Looks for its 'New Normal'
Two years ago, a failure between two of the U.S. market's leading distributors to coordinate their planned dealer show dates resulted in the two shows happening within days of each other.
Hopefully, that was a lesson learned and maybe the true spirit of friendly competition resulted in a better outcome for 2022, when two major dealer expo announcements followed within 48 hours of each other.
Fortunately, the timings are a lot better this time in terms of the pressure they place on dealer and vendor budgets and workload, and even though things have moved on from January 2019, after the very particular stress of the past 18 months, the dealer expo landscape that has been unveiled for January 2022 is to be welcomed.
First out with its news was LeMans Corporation - the Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties parent company - with the Louisville Spring 2022 NVP Product Expo slated for two full days on Saturday January 29 and Sunday January 30.
Described (correctly) as the "#1 Distributor Expo in America", Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties have announced the planned return of their in-person Expo at Louisville after two years. Their show in February 2020 was pretty much the last industry event to take place since the world fell down the pandemic rabbit hole!
While LeMans acted early and in an abundance of caution to cancel its usual August NVP sessions and Dealer Expo, most people would think that to announce plans now for January 2022 should be a safer bet. It will be held as usual at the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) in downtown Louisville as a kick-off to the Spring 2022 premier selling season.
"Exciting new brands and products will be unveiled along with opportunities to connect with the industry's leading brand representatives. Dealers attending the expo will receive expo discounts and additional incentives. You should plan to attend both Saturday and Sunday, as it takes two days to see the entire show.
"Enjoy Happy Hour Saturday on the show floor, then head to that evening's iconic Meet & Greet taking place at The Sports & Social Club in the heart of downtown Louisville's 4th Street live entertainment district.
"Located only a day's drive for over half the U.S. population, it's one of the most walkable downtowns and a premier dining and entertainment destination. Save the date and join us as the industry comes together again in downtown Louisville."
We here at AMD Magazine say a big fat Hurrah to that!
Two days later news emerged that the MIC's AIMExpo rebuilt three-day dealer only trade show format will finally debut 10 days before the Drag Specialties Dealer Expo at Las Vegas on January 19-21.
Tucker Powersports' abandoned January 2021 plan to co-locate its annual dealer appreciation event with the reimagined AIMExpo (the public attendance days are gone now and the event as a whole reduced to three days from four) has been resurrected, so Tucker Powersports will now have the opportunity to trial what has the potential to be a strong formula - presumably in favor of the postponed 4-city Road Show series that was due to be rescheduled for the second half of 2021.
In its news release, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) says that the combination event at the world famous (infamous?) Las Vegas Convention Center will create "the largest and most important powersports industry event in the country."
It's kind of reassuring to see the return of a 'Business as Usual' war of words between competitors. The prospect of a return of the old 'Cinci' Vs 'Indy' show wars makes one feel nostalgic!
"AIMExpo 2022 will be the first time our industry gathers together in more than two years, and we are working to make this a 'can't miss event' for everyone in powersports," said Erik Pritchard, President and CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Council. "In the two years since we last met, our industry managed to thrive under the most challenging of circumstances. We are building a show that will help dealers continue this success, no matter what the future holds."
All this is true, and in partnering with one of the market's majors and "other industry leaders," the MIC hopes to create "an educational line-up that offers basic and advanced sessions designed to increase dealership profitability, community visibility and efficiency.
"Focusing on the business of your business, AIMExpo Dealer Education will help drive door swings by sharing content that speaks to community engagement, business management and best practices for retail operations.
"By continuing to partner with Tucker Powersports, [one of] the nation's premier powersports distributor[s], both AIMExpo and Tucker will be able to deliver exponential value to dealers and enable them to efficiently connect and conduct business," said Cinnamon Kernes, Vice President Marketing and Events.
"In addition to the combined educational offerings available through AIMExpo and Tucker, nearly 300,000 square feet of adrenaline-filled exhibit space will feature more than 300 of the industry's top vehicle manufacturers, aftermarket manufacturers, distributors and service providers showcasing their latest products and services, along with show specials designed to kick off the powersports industry's order writing season."
Dealers who are customers of Tucker Powersports will enjoy a separate check-in experience, VIP activities, an exclusive lounge on the show floor and much more.
"With COVID pushing us apart for many months, we're happy that we can help bring dealers together to learn, to experience great products and to reconnect with friends," said Tucker Powersports President and CEO Marc McAllister. 
"The powersports industry is all about people joining together to do what they love, and Tucker has always put a high value on building great relationships with our dealers."
After more than two years since the last AIMExpo, an industry reunion of this scale wouldn't be complete without networking events celebrating the people and passion that make this industry great. AIMExpo's opening day will feature a general session focused on the year ahead, market expansion and how the powersports industry can unite for future growth.
Following that, there will be an "epic" industry party kicking off the 2022 buying season. "Finally, after two solid days of education, exhibits and networking, the show will close out in true Las Vegas style; Johnny Lewis and flat track racing return to AIMExpo for Fast Friday with celebrity, industry and e-class racing."
