The second day of the 2015 American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) started with another first as True Value CEO John Hartmann presented the keynote address to powersports dealers, exhibitors and attending media. An avid motocross enthusiast, Hartmann spoke about the challenges of staying relevant in today’s marketplace and expanded that discussion during the Q&A portion, drawing parallels between the hardware retailer and the powersports dealer. Following the keynote, the show floor opened for the second and final trade day of the event with a number of new product reveals inside the innovative Media Hub and on the show floor inside the Orange County Convention Center.
Sena Technologies
Sena Technologies, known for its Bluetooth innovations in the motorcycle and outdoor activities market, unveiled the world’s first Intelligent Noise-Control (INC™) helmet inside the Media Hub. The ultra-lightweight carbon fiber construction is highlighted by an optional Bluetooth 4.1 Communication module, Plug & Play (PNP) installation feature for the INC™ and the patented Sena Bluetooth Technology.
Bates Footwear
Bates Footwear marked its AIMExpo debut with a full display of high-performance footwear specifically designed for the powersports market. The complete line of offerings has been engineered to provide unparalleled protection and style while boasting all-day comfort both on and off the bike.
Bell Helmets
Bell Helmets used their booth as a fitting backdrop to introduce their latest addition to the popular Star helmet lineup. Featuring the all-new TeXtreme Carbon Shell, the Pro Star is highlighted by Flex Impact and Virus CoolJade liners, an expanded viewport and magnetic cheek pads, all pulling from its top-of-the-line dirt counterpart, Moto-9 Flex, which was also unveiled at AIMExpo a year ago.
Helite Moto
Presenting its newest airbag technology, exhibitor Helite turned the heads of media in attendance at their Media Hub presentation when they demonstrated the inflation of the Airbag Vest. The safety technology is designed to save a rider from serious injury by supporting the neck, spine, back, kidney, and rib areas of the body. It deploys in less than 1/100th of a second and fits easily over clothing.
Championship of the Americas Contestants
The full complement of entries in the AIMExpo Championship of the America’s bike build competition were on display throughout the show floor. The first-of-its-kind build off features four separate classes based on different platforms, including Freestyle, Retro Custom, Street Custom and Performance Custom. The winning bike in the Freestyle class will earn an expenses-paid trip to compete in the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building in Cologne, Germany during next year’s INTERMOT motorcycle trade show.
About American International Motorcycle Expo
The American International Motorcycle Expo’s (www.aimexpousa.com) purpose is to serve as the catalyst to bring together industry, press, dealers and consumers in a single arena that creates a grand stage for motorcycling and powersports in the U.S. and North America, and delivers an efficient and energetic market-timed expo platform for B2B and B2C in the greater powersports industry. AIMExpo is the single most important event of its type in the North American market and has international impact within the motorcycling and powersports community. AIMExpo was recently honored in Trade Show Executive Magazine’s Fastest 50, recognizing the fastest growing trade shows in the U.S. AIMExpo is produced by the Motorcycle Industry Council (www.mic.org).
About the Motorcycle Industry Council
The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues, and the American International Motorcycle Expo. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.
The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.