THE NUMBERS ARE IN… AND AIMEXPO IS UP!

Freakish weather, including the first snowfall on Valentine’s Day in Las Vegas history, and plenty of cosplay craziness at the LVL Up gamer convention downstairs added to the reputation of powersports industry tradeshows in the past. However it was the action on the showfloor that was really crazy! Confirming that this industry really is better together, the tally for AIMExpo 2023 showed a surge in dealer attendance and an expanded number of exhibitors. More than 1,675 dealership types representing 875 standalone storefronts shared the love in the days following Valentine’s.

This year’s AIMExpo also featured new product announcements from 32 brands, multiple OEMs and distributors, hundreds of aftermarket players, non-stop eBike demos, an epic industry party, compelling keynote from Angelle Sampey, the return of the Dealernews Top 100 and most importantly, a packed show floor at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“Thank you for making AIMExpo 2023 one of our most successful shows yet,” says MIC VP of Market Expansion Cinnamon Kernes. “The feedback from exhibitors, dealers and the greater powersports industry professionals has been overwhelmingly positive. It directly reflects the energy that was brought to Las Vegas!”

“AIMExpo is a vital industry platform,” adds Andre Albert, Director, Marketing & Events, Motorcycle Industry Council. “It is the only place where your entire industry comes together in one place, at one time.”

Even as the nearly 330 exhibitors were putting the final touches on their displays, there was action in the adjoining meeting rooms. The second annual MIC Aftermarket Symposium drew a full house from the leading aftermarket suppliers, distributors and other leaders committed to the future of powersports. “We are here for a reason,” said Aftermarket Chair Tim Calhoun. “We want to come away from AIMExpo with actionable items and clear marching orders on how we can serve and protect our industry.”

Speaking of aftermarket products, the New Product Showcase featured the latest and greatest innovations to infuse our industry. Hosted by custom bike builder/dealer Kevin Dunworth, the presentations ranged from Alpinestars air vests to Rabaconda’s mobile tire changing tool. For the past three issues, our GEAR section has highlighted the best of the New Product Center presentations.

Here is a snapshot of select highlights of each day’s events courtesy of AIMExpo’s Show Daily team and SWC Photo:

Wednesday the show kicked off with a little disruptive thinking. Wednesday saw the start of three days of highly valuable on-stage and in-classroom presentations and education sessions. Four insightful and inspirational presentations were on the Disruptive Thinking stage, including the keynote speech from Angelle Sampey, NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle legend.