Yamaha Returns as First OEM Participant of 2014 AIMExpo

Leading Brand Looking to Expand Its Presence in Second Year

IRVINE, CA – February 14, 2014 – The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) and Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, have announced that the award-winning manufacturer has signed on as the first OEM participant of the 2014 event, scheduled for October 16-19 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center. Yamaha was the first OEM to commit to last year’s inaugural AIMExpo and following a successful first year, the brand is looking to expand its presence in the 2014 event.

AIMExpo’s groundbreaking format offers exhibitors direct interaction with powersports trade, media, and consumer attendees. With a significant presence in 2013, Yamaha showcased product in the event’s innovative Media Hub in front of the large attending press contingent, while inviting consumers and members of the industry to test ride the latest Yamaha models.

“Two-wheels, four-wheels, indoors and outdoors, the AIMExpo format was a much needed shot in the arm for the industry and we consider it to be an absolute success and the future for our industry,” said Bob Starr, General Manager of Communications at Yamaha. “There is great value in the strong foundation the Marketplace Events team has built in the AIMExpo platform, and we are looking forward to leveraging it to greater advantage in 2014.”

Yamaha’s range of class leading products is known for its diversity for both on- and off-road riding. At AIMExpo, the company presented its Yamaha and Star brands, and integrated itself into the event with unique promotions like the Star Bolt Custom Build Off by recognizing bike builders inside the Media Hub as well as featuring each finalist’s creation on the show floor. Further showcasing the Star line was the one-off Kenny Roberts replica Star Bolt motorcycle that was given to one lucky winner in AIMExpo’s 3-Way Giveaway promotion. Outside, at AIMExpo Outdoors!, dealers and consumers alike were afforded the opportunity to take Yamaha motorcycle, ATV and Viking SxS products for a test ride.

“Yamaha successfully utilized AIMExpo as the grand stage for motorcycle and powersports business in North America, and leveraged the setting to the fullest extent,” commented Larry Little, Vice President & General Manager, Motorcycle Group. “Their intent to do even more in 2014 is a tremendous complement to the AIMExpo program that targets every facet of the powersports marketplace and provides an ideal time and environment to introduce the newest products to the world.”

With well over 200 exhibitors already committed to AIMExpo in 2014 and the addition of Yamaha signifying OEM participation for the second year, the event continues to cement its place within the powersports marketplace.

Exhibitor presence builds each day and companies looking to take advantage of the AIMExpo platform should contact an AIMExpo Account Manager toll free at 855-MCShows (855-627-4697).

Be sure to stay tuned to the AIMExpoUSA.com website and keep up to date on the continued progress by visiting AIMExpo’s social media pages. “Like” the American International Motorcycle Expo on Facebook by visiting the AIMExpo page, and “Follow” on Twitter: @AIMExpo.

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 in the U.S. and North America, and delivers an efficient and energetic market-timed expo platform for B2B and B2C in the motorcycle industry. AIMExpo is the single most important event of its type in the North American market and will have international impact within the motorcycling community.

About Marketplace Events

Marketplace Events creates vibrant expositions connecting enthusiasts with experts, products and services in dynamic face-to-face environments.  The company produces 34 consumer shows in the home and garden category – 24 in the US and 10 in Canada – as well as the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo), a new trade and consumer show for the motorcycle industry.  AIMExpo is the first event to be produced by the company’s new Trade Show Division.  The 35 combined events attract 15,000 exhibitors, 1.5 million attendees and another 1.7 million unique web visitors annually. From 15 offices, the 120-person staff produces some of the most successful and longest-running shows in North America, including market-leading home shows in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Orlando and Minneapolis–some of which have thrived in their markets for more than 75 years. www.marketplaceevents.com

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