Powersports community shows support for new dates and new location
CHICAGO, Ill. and SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Advanstar Communications reports that 5,159 powersports retailers and dealers have now registered for the 2014 Dealernews Dealer Expo and National Retail Conference, Dec. 4 through Dec. 7 at McCormick Place West, Chicago, IL. Pre-show events begin on Dec. 3 with a half-day Motorcycle Industry Council “Data Driven Dealer” opening program.
Of the retailers/dealers already registered, 41% have not attended a Dealer Expo before, 34% are annual attendees, and 26% are returning after not attending since 2012. Registered dealers and retailers are from 49 states and 38 countries; 59% identify themselves as having buying power; and 73% identify themselves as management.
“We created a trade show to fulfill the needs of the buyer,” said Tracy Harris, Senior Vice President of Dealer Expo. “Those needs are to see new product, get advanced training, and have fun. The dealers and retailers see our vision and are responding in stride.”
Buyers will have the opportunity to view, review and evaluate hundreds of the latest products, vehicles and services during Dealer Expo. Going beyond the traditional trade show experience, Dealer Expo’s New Product Showcase will welcome buyers into the hall, and New Product Demo presentations from the exhibitors themselves will occur every 20 minutes.
The National Retail Conference presented by Dealernews will provide advanced retail training on Thursday, Dec. 4. Valued at $2,600, this conference is free to qualified registrants of Dealer Expo. Education continues on the show floor with the Model Store for Millennials presented by Stonecarpet, the Model Store Room hosted by inventory management expert Mel Selway, and Social Media training from Kawasaki.
Evening networking opportunities are scheduled each night, including a deep-dish pizza party at Willis Tower on Wednesday, the Dealernews Top 100 Awards Gala at the Palmer House on Thursday, a happy-hour party on Friday, and the annual Industry Party on Saturday, which – in conjunction with the Dealernews 50th Anniversary – will honor the early retail legends of the Powersports Industry.
Powersports retailers – franchised dealers, independent retailers, service and performance shops and related professionals – receive free admission to the 2014 National Retail Conference and Dealer Expo. To register, visit www.dealerexpo.com.
For more information, contact Allison Millner, Senior Marketing Manager, at www.dealerexpo.com
About Advanstar
Advanstar Communications Inc. serves business professionals and consumers in the Fashion, Life Sciences and Powersports industries with its portfolio of 143 events, 54 publications and directories, and 253 electronic products and websites – along with educational and direct marketing products and services. Market-leading brands and a commitment to delivering innovative, quality products and services enable Advanstar to “Connect Our Customers With Theirs.” Advanstar has approximately 600 employees and operates from multiple offices in North America and Europe. www.advanstar.com