An overview of AIMExpo’s 2019 includes dealer education seminars (video)

The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) presented by Nationwide has announced the full lineup of events that will constitute the 2019 celebration of the industry later this month. With the goal of bringing together dealers, manufacturers, service providers, media and consumers under one roof at one time, this year’s show promises to deliver a packed week of activities from Sept. 26-29 in Columbus, Ohio.

Here’s an overview of the lineup:

AIMEXPO PRESENTED BY NATIONWIDE (Thursday – Sunday)

Anchoring Powersports Industry Week is AIMExpo presented by Nationwide where the constantly growing and evolving business of powersports comes together. Beginning on Thursday, Sept. 26, the show features an array of new model and product launches from the biggest manufacturers, distributors and aftermarket parts & accessories brands.

With two days focused on education and networking for the industry and media, plus two days dedicated to showcasing newly launched products and brands to consumers, the show will deliver powerful education, meaningful networking and inspiration to trade attendees. For consumers, AIMExpo presented by Nationwide brings the excitement of new products, hands-on experiences and demo rides.

AIMEXPO OUTDOORS! (Thursday—Sunday)

There is no better way to experience a new bike than to get on and ride it. Open to all attendees for all four days of the show, AIMExpo Outdoors! is your best opportunity to see, touch, hear and experience the latest 2020 model offerings from:

Harley-Davidson, Royal Enfield, Honda, Suzuki, Husqvarna, Yamaha, KTM, Vanderhall and Kawasaki.

AIMExpo Oudoors! is a short walk or shuttle ride from the show floor. 

DEALER SUMMIT (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m.)

The 2019 Dealer Summit will feature Gene Marks, a small business expert, Forbes columnist and renowned author. The summit has been designed to give the most engaged powersports dealers a fresh outlook on current hurdles and opportunities. All attending dealers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

GENERAL SESSION (Thursday, 4 p.m.)

In this year’s General Session “Increasing Ridership — A Commitment to Building our Future,” the Motorcycle Industry Council will report on strategic planning and invite industry feedback. All Trade, Industry and Media visitors are encouraged to attend.

POWERSPORTS DEALER SEMINARS (Thursday—Friday)

Powersports Dealer Seminars @ AIMExpo presented by Powersports Business brings new speakers and fresh content for the 2019 show. Partnering with Powersports Business, the educational platform has been designed to provide dealers with valuable tools and powerful education to help them find solutions, inspiration and a path to continued success in an ever-changing market, and effectively reach the modern consumer.

While three education tracks and a featured Dealer-to-Dealer Roundtable session will address specific topics of your industry, the program as a whole is designed to help dealers run a more efficient, profit-driven business. The full seminar schedule is available here.

INDUSTRY CELEBRATION (Thursday, 6 p.m.)

Networking is essential when it comes to growing your business. It’s the opportunity to connect, learn, engage and collaborate with your peers. And while digital platforms like LinkedIn and social media have changed the way we interact, personal connections, a meaningful conversation, and a handshake are statistically proven to deliver better opportunities and results in business.

Powersports is a business that should be celebrated, and the AIMExpo Powersports Industry Party is a great opportunity to both network and celebrate with industry leaders, colleagues and peers afterhours and off the show floor. This is your industry and your party, so join us at Park Street Cantina on Thursday night to celebrate the people and business that make it great.

SIDEWAYS SATURDAY (Saturday, 6 p.m.)

Swapping uniformed pit crews and umbrella girls for hardnosed racing on a sticky, soda syrup-drenched concrete floor, Sideways Saturday will bring together powersports industry leaders, influencers, racers, fans and riders from across the country to enjoy one of the most entertaining forms of motorcycle racing.

Sideways Saturday is an indoor flat track race that will be held on the show floor at AIMExpo presented by Nationwide. Bringing the spirit of heritage racing to Columbus on Saturday, Sept. 28 starting at 6pm, this AMA-sanctioned indoor racing event will feature hooligans, e-bikes, wild customs and much more thanks to amateur and pro racers willing to bang bars and put it all on the line for a fun-loving crowd.

Sideways Saturday will feature the following classes:

· Hooligans

· Flat Track Futures

· Run What Ya Brung

· Super73 e-bikes race

· Himalayan Hoe Down

Tickets to Sideways Saturday are available at motoshowtickets.com including special pricing for industry personnel in a dedicated industry seating area with its own bar and concessions stand.

FUTURE CAREERS IN POWERSPORTS (Saturday—Sunday, 10 a.m—2 p.m.)

New to the 2019 show, top recruiting agency Dawson is launching the Dawson Career Fair @ AIMExpo presented by Nationwide. Its purpose is to expose students and the local workforce to career opportunities that exist in the exciting and vibrant motorcycle segment and greater powersports industry.

Career seekers will learn about the abundant career options in numerous categories, including designers, engineers, accountants, software developers, mechanics, technicians, marketing, sales, finance, insurance, and more. The industry needs passionate, visionary minds to continue to evolve and shape the future of this powerful industry.

AMA BIKE NIGHT (Friday, 5 p.m.)

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Night is a great way to keep the fun going after a day at AIMExpo — or the perfect two-wheeled kickoff to your Expo weekend. Attendees will enjoy a night filled with food trucks, craft beer, live music, trials demonstrations, a curated bike show and camaraderie on the beautiful AMA campus. Best of all, AMA Bike Night attendees will have free access to the Hall of Fame, which celebrates the contributions of the most influential men and women in motorcycling — it’s a remarkable step into the past of the sport we all love.

All proceeds from Bike Night will benefit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. The nonprofit AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame was established in 1998 to honor the legends of American motorcycling. It is funded by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501c3 organization. For more information visit americanmotorcyclist.com

GOOD RIDE (Saturday)

Carey Hart and Big B will bring the legendary Good Ride Rally to Columbus. Starting the rally at Columbus Indian/Iron Pony Powersports in Westerville, the ride will be approximately 80 miles long with a stop at the newly opened National Veterans Memorial & Museum, with final destination of the AIMExpo show floor.

Good Ride Rally is a 501c non-profit organization and its proceeds benefit Infinite Hero, a charity that raises money to support veterans. Good Ride currently runs two incredibly successful rallies in Arizona and Sturgis, and this announcement of a new Good Ride Rally to Columbus marks the first time in the history of the rally that it will be located east of Sturgis. Tickets are available at goodriderally.com.