AIMExpo Acquired By Motorcycle Industry Council

AimexpoThe Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) announced it has acquired the Motorcycle Group business segment from Marketplace Events LLC. The acquisition includes the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo), America’s premier motorcycle and powersports show, and the only powersports event in North America that caters to trade, media and consumers all under one roof.AIMExpo’s show personnel, sales staff and management, including AIMExpo Show Director Cinnamon Kernes, and AIMExpo show creators Mike Webster and Larry Little, will form a new department within MIC titled “MIC Events.”  Acquisition combines the motorcycling industry’s trade association and its 600+ members with AIMExpo, the industry’s signature motorcycle show. Entire AIMExpo management and staff joining MIC. The Purchase made possible by unanimous vote of MIC Board of Directors.

Larry Little, Show Creator

“AIMExpo’s early success has been the ability to prove an innovative concept that has delivered for exhibitors and attendees beyond what was envisioned when we conceived the concept just three years ago,” said AIMExpo co-creators Webster and Little. “We recognized the opportunity to take it to another level of industry value and excellence with the blue-ribbon reputation and capabilities of the MIC, and the power of its membership, management, and services to get us there. We presented our recommendation to Marketplace Events LLC management and they agreed.” “The concept of MIC owning AIMExpo is actually quite common in the association world where many trade shows are owned or operated by their industry trade associations,” added Little.

Cinnamon Kernes, Show Director

“Overall plans for the 2015 show absolutely remain business as usual,” said AIMExpo Show Director Cinnamon Kernes. “For exhibitors, dealers, media, and consumers it’s absolutely business as usual and no additional actions on their part are required. Our focus is sharper than ever, and the team is committed to producing the industry’s best show experience once again this year. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Orlando in October!”

Mike Webster, Show Creator

The Motorcycle Industry Council has for vocation to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations The MIC provides members with the latest statistical data on the industry. MIC screens thousands of bills each year that can impact on our industry and acts on those that could be detrimental. MIC promotes the passage of beneficial legislation, and provides to members comprehensive information on existing laws and regulations including noise, emissions and equipment standards.

AIMExpo 2015 will take place October 15 through 18 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The show is open to credentialed trade and media professionals on October 15-16. The show then opens to the general public on October 17-18. More info at 2015 AIMExpo.
2015-AIMExpo-Logo_Dates

11 Responses to “AIMExpo Acquired By Motorcycle Industry Council”


  1. 1 Brad Kelley Sep 11th, 2015 at 10:10 am

    Why so many justifications. I just want to see good vendors with new parts and great customs. Will check out the venue in October.

  2. 2 111Twin Sep 11th, 2015 at 10:11 am

    Hope they don’t turn into a new Advanstar.

  3. 3 Donnie Sep 11th, 2015 at 10:14 am

    Since it’s the only remaining powersports show in America, better be very good. Good luck.

  4. 4 Rodent Sep 11th, 2015 at 7:20 pm

    Will it become the Motorcycle equivalent of the S.E.M.A. Show? Maybe? Maybe not?

  5. 5 Calif Phil Sep 12th, 2015 at 8:03 am

    It will be in good hands with the MIC. They know how to promote.

  6. 6 Mike Webster Sep 14th, 2015 at 10:18 am

    A fair question Brad! Our philosophy with regard to communication with our customers and the industry-at-large is full and honest disclosure. We believe it is appropriate to provide the reasons for this acquisition and why this change is good for everyone that works and plays in the motorcycle and greater powersports industry. We look forward to seeing you in Orlando this October Brad, you won’t be disappointed!

  7. 7 Ted Sands Sep 14th, 2015 at 12:33 pm

    I wish this show great success. Mike and Larry are two guys I have a lot of respect for and have worked with them on the MIC Aftermarket Committee. I know the business model for this show is similar to the INTERMOT in Germany and the EICMA in Milan Italy. I attend the INTERMOT every two years and alternate in between with the EICMA. If they can create the world wide attendance like these two shows it will be a winner. My only concern is the timing being so close to Daytona Biketoberfest and many companies can’t attend both, especially if they are selling and installing parts. Their challenge will be to bring in the V-Twin / Custom / Aftermarket companies and attendees to the show. Hopefully after 2016 they will have the flexibility to change the dates.

  8. 8 Mike Sep 17th, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    Oh, and @Mike – I hope your better half will still be involved with the AIM Expo – she is awesome. I’ve been seeing her at shows I have been doing for almost 15 years now. It wouldn’t be the same without her…. every exhibitor loves her.

  9. 9 Mike Webster Sep 29th, 2015 at 5:35 pm

    Hi Mike! Yes, Stephanie has been at every AIMExpo taking care of exhibitors and making sure their experience from the moment they arrive until the last truck is loaded after the show is is over, and she will be there again this year. We wouldn’t do it without her! And what a coincidence….I love her too! See you in Orlando!

  10. 10 Debbie Lewis Oct 19th, 2015 at 12:49 am

    A big congrats to the Powersports Industry. Tim, Mike and Larry…..you guys are doing such a HUGE service to the industry, hobby and activity of motorcycling ( Powersports). This has been needed for a very long time and only you three …with the postive spirit of the MIC Board of Directors could pull it off with such success. Well done!!!

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