AAB Magazine at The International Dealer Expo Hot

For the first time, AllAboutBikes Magazine attended The International Powersports Dealer Show. The massive expo is based in Indianapolis and is arguably the largest Dealer event in the US. So, what exactly is a Dealer Expo, Mr. Editor Guy? Well, thousands of manufactures, entrepreneurs, and companies make products that they would like to have sold in the retail sector. The Dealer Expo gives those people the opportunity to showcase their stuff to a captive audience of dealers from around the country.

Spanning the equivalent of 5 Football fields, the show hosted a staggering amount of products, accessories, services and vehicle. As a rider, the amount of products and exhibitors was absolutely staggering. I wanted to try out everything I could get my hands on...There were so many innovate products. As an editor, it was visually stunning and overwhelmingly rich in content. Our editorial team was there for two days, and still couldn’t get to everyone.

After about 8 ½ - hours of perusing the show and speaking with new vendors about potential story ideas, I was about as energetic as a wet sock, but somehow the All About Bikes Team found a way to keep trucking. We had the pleasure of meeting some cool moto celebs, business owners, and entrepreneurs.

From massive companies like Alpine Stars, to homegrown creative operations like Go-Go Gear, the amount of creativity and passion for the motorcycle culture is alive and well. If you’re looking for speakers on a Hayabusa, an ATV snow plow, or custom pipes for your Harley, they were there to tickle your two, or four wheeled fancy.

It’s no secret that the industry has been hit hard over the past 2 seasons. Retail motorcycle sales are down over 40%, and the show, according to some exhibitors, is substantially smaller than last year. However, people are starting to buy again and everyone is happy about that. Overall, the show was a success. Exhibitors sold product, and dealers acquired new merchandise to offer their customers. Great times with the AllAboutBikes Team, I’m looking forward to next year.