"Moderating The Moderators" — Dealernews columnist Mark Rodgers will host a panel discussion with industry experts Tony Gonzalez, Garage Composites; Pat Kennedy, Spader Group; Gart Sutton, GSA to kick off the Dealer Education tracks at AIMExpo.
AIMExpo unveils the theme of the educational lineup for the upcoming 2022 show: Disruptive Thinking. This platform is designed to help dealers approach their business from different perspectives, bringing together current industry need-to-know content with broad, high-level topics that impact all aspects of business and life. “AIMExpo 2022 is not to be missed. Between the educational opportunities, exhibit floor, industry racing, and networking, this show is powersports’ first can’t-miss event in two years,” said Cinnamon Kernes, vice president of market expansion.
In addition to changing the timing to coincide with the buying season, new this year is the trade-only focus and the integration of the MIC Symposium into AIMExpo for one, comprehensive powersports event. “Consumers’ interests, the way we do business…nearly every aspect of our lives has changed in the last 18 months. This AIMExpo will give dealers and the broader powersports industry access to information, insights, and connections to enable them to return to their businesses and implement real, positive change,” Kernes continued.
The education platform will feature a soon-to-be announced celebrity keynote speaker, four panels packed with industry powerhouses, and four in-depth sessions covering vital topics facing powersports today, from electrification and emerging from the pandemic to capitalizing on the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead. A few highlights include:
The opening session “Last year was great; this year could be LEGENDARY” will bring together industry thought leaders to share powerful, pragmatic, and contemporary insights to fuel dealers’ success. The panel will share insights, learnings, metrics, and research from some of North America’s most progressive dealers.
The Great Resignation is affecting every industry. Mark Rodgers will outline how to attract and retain top talent in “Winning the War for Talent – How to have superstars banging down your door to work for you.” Making great hires and keeping them motivated is the key to every dealership’s success. The right team will grow the customer base, average spend, number of visits and build customer loyalty, all resulting in growth realized in the bottom line.
FULL EDUCATION SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY
10:00 – 11:30 MIC SYMPOSIUM: Last year was great, this year could be Legendary
A panel discussion with industry experts Tony Gonzalez, Garage Composites; Pat Kennedy, Spader Group; Gart Sutton, GSA. Moderated by Mark Rodgers, Rodgers Performance Consulting.
1:30 – 3:00 PM MIC SYMPOSIUM: Electrification of Powersports
The experts that are leading the charge to electrify the powersports industry
Presenters will include Marc McAllister, president & CEO, Tucker Powersports; an e-motorcycle manufacturer; as well as other key influencers in the e-moto segment.
4:30 – 5:15 Cannot-miss celebrity Keynote Speaker, stay tuned!
5:15 – 6:30 Industry Party powered by Tucker
6:30 – 9:00 Moto Mayhem Flat Track Racing
THURSDAY
10:00 – 10:45 Managing by metrics rather than by emotions
We often make decisions based on our “seat of the pants” feel. Let’s start using data to make better, more effective, and more profitable decisions.
Tony Gonzalez, Garage Composites
11:00 – 11:45 Pandemic Problems – How to Thrive, not Just Survive
Inventory shortages, employee issues, and evolving consumer expectations are major threats today. Learn how to not just survive, but thrive through the pandemic problems facing dealerships today. Successful dealership operators will share their secrets for attacking these challenges head-on.
Jared Burt, HEROHUB; additional panelists to be announced.
1:30 – 2:15 Winning the War for Talent – How to have superstars banging down your door to work for you
Throw out your job descriptions and old pay plans. The world of work has changed. How to interview, hire, retain and motivate today’s younger workforce.
Mark Rodgers, Rodgers Performance Consulting
2:30- 3:15 Cultivating a Community of New Riders
Does the proficient execution of your dealership sales process have unintended consequences that are holding you back your dealership? Learn how to win lifetime customers with a simple 3-step approach that will elevate your dealership equity value and brand equity. Hear proven strategies of successful dealership operators to build a massive loyal riding community.
Jared Burt, HEROHUB; additional panelists to be announced
3:30 – 4:15 MIC Symposium Presenter – To Be Announced
FRIDAY
9:30 – 10:30 Digital Lead Generation & Follow Up – Why would I give my information to you? How to follow up and not be a jack@$$
Proven techniques to acquire, nurture, and grow digital leads and convert them to buying customers.
Mark Rodgers, Rodgers Performance Consulting
10:30 – 11:30 Electrification of Powersports, part II
Ethan Ralston, Chief Sales Officer, UBCO, TBD, Tucker e-division
Register to attend, participate as an exhibitor or sponsor, book your hotel room, or learn more at www.AIMExpoUSA.com.