If you have be reading my sporadic posts (I really wish I cold do this instead of making money to feed and clothe myself and motorcycles) you know I recently attended the Pennsylvania stop of the International Motorcycle show. It was an outdoor event that my wife and I enjoyed!
While I was there, I met Meredith Loza, Marking Director of the Powersports Group with Informa Markets. She is the one charged with making sure there are folks coming to the Show. For a Friday afternoon I would weigh she did a pretty good job at it!
Did you know that the International Motorcycle Show (or IMS) is 40 years old… I did not!
I only had a short time with her as she was running the show’s events and I wanted to see everything that I could see. But I did get to ask some questions, hope they are informative for you.
Why did you go outdoors?
Progressive IMS Outdoors represents a revamp of our tour’s nearly 40-year history that will not only transition IMS from the traditional convention center setup to a new open outdoor experience but will also provide a festival-like atmosphere that promotes enthusiasts of all ages and levels to come together to better engage with products, each other, and the industry.
In serving the Powersports market, our approach always has been to evolve with the times by paying close attention to the interests and needs of our attendees, industry professionals, and OEMs. In doing so, our shows have become more interactive over the years. IMS Outdoors will serve our attendees with larger venues allowing for more demo rides and interactive activities.
The new outdoors format will support the growth of the Powersports community by offering a unique experience the industry has yet to see.
Is this a permanent move?
Yes, IMS Outdoors is replacing the traditional International Motorcycle Shows that used to happen from November through February. Just like the previous indoor events, attendees can rest assured each stop will showcase hundreds of the latest street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters, and ATVs for new and experienced riders, and will give enthusiasts the opportunity to check out the latest gear and aftermarket accessories, as well as hours of entertainment.
Transitioning to an experience-forward event series has been very well-received by both our attendee and exhibitor community, a model everyone is excited to continue. This new and improved layout mirrors the Powersports lifestyle by providing a fun environment for enthusiasts to reconnect after so many months apart and demo product of interest, from on-road motorcycles and off-road Side by Sides, to the latest e-bikes on the market.
How is COVID impacting industry?
Amidst the difficult circumstances, the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a renewed interest in outdoor-based activities including the Powersports industry. In fact, earlier this year, the MIC reported a double digit jump in new motorcycle sales increasing to 18.4% and sales in off highway motorcycles spiked, reaching 46.5% growth year-over-year. These are all trends we’ve seen reflected at IMS Outdoors as we’ve introduced demo opportunities for on and off-road enthusiasts for the first time ever, plus demo opportunities within complementary lifestyles such as electric bikes and side by sides. We’re excited to play a foundational role in keeping this renewed momentum going and building a stronger base of enthusiasts.
And anything else you would like to share with me.
Excitingly, we recently revealed our Southern California venue which will be held at the OC Fair & Event Center from November 19 through 21. We look forward to returning to our flagship market this Fall. Tickets are available at www.MotorcycleShows.com.
And is there anything else you would like to share with the readers/riders? Excitingly, we recently revealed our Southern California venue which will be held at the OC Fair & Event Center from November 19 through 21. We look forward to returning to our flagship market this Fall. Tickets are available at www.MotorcycleShows.com.
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Ride on, Ride Safe
The two most intriguing items for me were the new KLIM airbag vest and the fact that Harley Davidson had their new Pan American and Bronx motorcycles “under glass”. The KLIM airbag vest, selling for $499 is, I think, the cheapest vest, by a major maker, on the market. It has piqued my interest and if I find an extra $500 I might be in the market to purchase one.
As things worked out, due to the change of promoters, the Timonium Motorcycle Show ended up on the same weekend as another major bike show was in the area. Not the best of worlds for either. As it was obvious to me that they cut into each other’s attendance.
There was a couple motorcycle there that I had not seen or heard of before as well. A 1937 single cylinder 
I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 