INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - As the industry prepares for the big Dealer Expo in February, show management has announced that the 2014 show will move to a new timeframe.
The 2014 Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo will be held in September 2014 at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. Show dates are scheduled for Sept. 26 through 28.
Moving the industry's largest trade show -- where an estimated $200 million in business is conducted or influenced annually -- is a reflection of a gradual shift in dealer buying cycles occurring the last several years, according to Advanstar, producer of Dealer Expo. Research conducted earlier this year by Advanstar showed that a significant number of franchised and nonfranchised dealers, even those in the Upper Midwest and Northeast, now indicated that they needed to be fully inventoried by the December-January timeframe rather than later in the spring.
"September is the ideal time of year for the 46th annual Dealer Expo, given that it falls perfectly into the dealer purchase cycle," said Jim Moore, director of sales for the show. "Indianapolis remains our host city, and provides the lowest cost and the most convenient location to exhibitors and dealers alike."
Indeed, Advanstar research also showed that a majority of buyers and exhibitors preferred to remain in Dealer Expo's longtime host city, due to its cost-effectiveness and central U.S. location.
"Industry reaction to the new fall timeframe has been overwhelmingly positive," according to Tigra Tsujikawa, brand director for Dealer Expo.
Dealer attendance for the February 2013 show is so far outpacing last year's pre-registration tallies to date, according to show management. Dealer Expo's no-fee registration entitles dealers to attend more than 20 exclusive business seminars, workshops and panel discussions in addition to viewing an estimated 15,000 products from more than 500 exhibiting companies, show management said.
The Dealernews Learning Experience, now the largest free, certification-based conference program in the industry, features more than 20 management, marketing, sales and service seminars organized by Dealership University, a two-part Service workshop, and key panel discussion "SuperSessions" on OEM-dealer relations and aftermarket sales. The conference is free to registered attendees, and all sessions will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, giving dealers ample time to conduct business on the exhibit floor throughout the weekend.
The Saturday Night Industry Party on Feb. 16 will convene the entire powersports industry for an evening of entertainment, music and the chance to watch the Dallas Supercross. The 22nd Dealernews Top 100 Dealer Awards Gala on Friday night will crown the new Dealer of the Year and name the 2013 recipient of the Don J. Brown Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other features include:
- One-on-one e-commerce and online marketing consultations with experts from Dominion PowerSports as part of the company's new Dealer Scorecard program;
- Brand Forums, where exhibitors will deliver new product and service demonstrations and provide tips on selling and merchandising
- Fashion Shows featuring the latest casual wear and protective gear, in the newly combined Apparel/Gear/Helmets Marketplace
- The annual NPA live auction of pre-owned motorcycles and ATVs, which will be held late Saturday afternoon
Those attending the 2013 Dealer Expo in February will have a unique opportunity to meet with their OEM representatives on Sunday afternoon, with free access to the inaugural Indianapolis Progressive International Motorcycle Show.
For more information on the 2013 Dealer Expo, visit www.dealerexpo.com.
Posted by Mary Slepicka
