From the Editors

Consumer show reports are signs for optimism

Show season has been wrapping up, and despite the worries in Washington, dealers and consumers appear to positive for a successful 2013.

Consumer shows in powersports, automotive, RV and boating have shown an increase or flat attendance, but reports from exhibitors have been signaling a vastly improved selling season in 2013.

Some other show reports might provide interested perspective for the year ahead:

  • The Detroit Auto Show, the nation’s largest auto show, reported attendance up to the highest levels in nearly 10 years in 2013. After dropping to 650,000 attendees in 2009, the show reported 795,000 over the course of the event in 2013. The nearly 800,000 people who came through the door increased attendance year-over-year by 3.25 percent.
  • Attendance at a few of the nation’s RV shows were up as well, with the Pittsburgh RV show, Northeast RV and Camping Show, and Detroit Camper and RV Show all reporting traffic up by at least 10 percent in 2013. Exhibitor space at many of the shows was up significantly as well.
  • On the marine side, attendance at the nation’s largest boat show, the Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail, was up 1.2 percent this year, with many exhibitors reporting that it was the best show they’ve had in more than 20 years, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
  • And of course, on the motorcycle side, a Q&A with the producer of the International Motorcycle Shows reported attendance up a couple of percentage points, and the addition of another motorcycle show in Atlanta.

How have shows been for your dealership in 2013? What are your expectations for the coming season?

Chris Gerber is the associate digital editor of Powersports Business and its sister publication Boating Industry, trade magazines for the powersports and boating industries. He manages the Powersports Business website and compiles and contributes to PSB’s twice weekly e-newsletter. Powersports Business is known for its exclusive national dealer surveys and in-depth industry analysis.

Contact: cgerber@goodsamfamily.com

Website: www.powersportsbusiness.com

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