Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/551693
38 • August 17, 2015 • Powersports Business MOTORCYCLE www.PowersportsBusiness.com The American International Motor- cycle Expo (AIMExpo) announced that American Honda will make its AIMExpo debut Oct. 15-18 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando. The world's most iconic powersports brand will be represented both inside the OCCC and at AIMExpo Outdoors! With the addi- tion of Honda, AIMExpo now includes all four Japanese brands among its continually expanding list of key OEMs. Honda representatives were interested observers at AIMExpo last year, when they had the opportunity to appreciate the energy and efficiency of the event that continues to revolutionize the powers- ports industry in North America. Based on their firsthand experience and feedback from stakeholders, Honda recognized the strong and growing potential of AIMExpo's unique all-encompassing platform. "We're pleased to officially be a part of AIMExpo for 2015," said Chuck Boder- man, VP, Powersports Division at Ameri- can Honda. "During our activities around last year's show, it was clear that it can be an effective avenue for us to connect with our customers, dealers, industry partners and media friends. We look forward to being in Orlando in October." Honda will take full advantage of the innovative AIMExpo structure to show- case its latest two-wheel and four-wheel powersports model lines inside a stunning new booth (#573) in the OCCC; to educate and inform its expansive dealer network; to offer interactive demo rides at AIMExpo Outdoors!; and to actively engage with trade and consumer attendees throughout the four-day event. With the iconic Honda Gold Wing celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and the recent announcement of the forthcoming 2016 Pioneer 1000 multi- purpose side-by-side, Honda will have no shortage of important models to display. "Honda adds a significant and wel- comed presence to the show floor at AIMExpo, and to the strong experiential element of AIMExpo Outdoors!," said Larry Little, VP and GM of AIMExpo. "They did their homework and recognized the value inherent in the platform's expan- sive architecture and will be taking full advantage of the four days of opportunity presented this October in Orlando. It's going to be a very exciting exhibit hall this year and we look forward to welcoming Big Red and the new machines they'll be bring- ing to the party!" More than 450 exhibitors have already committed to AIMExpo in 2015. Exhibi- tor presence builds each day and com- panies looking to take advantage of the AIMExpo platform should contact an AIMExpo Account Manager toll free at 855-MCShows (855/627-4697). AIMEXPO PLANS GARAGE PARTY CELEBRATING V-TWIN CULTURE AIMExpo announced the details surround- ing the first-ever Garage Party, an all-new interactive show element that incorporates live music, a custom bike building competi- tion, an extensive display of past and present custom V-twin motorcycles, a wide range of AIMExpo exhibitors, and an entertaining after party at the new Ace Cafe Orlando. AIMExpo returns to the OCCC, with the Garage Party getting underway with a special event on Friday evening at Ace Cafe Orlando. Industry veteran Bill Dodge of Bling Cycles will host the Garage Party, with former Hot Bike Girl Leticia Cline serving as the official Garage Party Ambassador. "I am overwhelmed with all the support we have received for the Garage Party," said Bob Kay, AIMExpo V-Twin director. "Exhibitors, brands, dealers, media and iconic builders throughout the V-twin industry have jumped at the chance to get involved. What the Garage Party represents, which is also a theme carried throughout AIMExpo, is a fresh and excit- ing way to celebrate our pas- sion for motorcycles. It is sure to attract a lot of attention and we can't wait to kick things off on Friday at the brand new Ace Cafe here in Orlando." The festivities kick off on Friday, Oct. 16, with a meet-and-greet at Ace Cafe Orlando for competing build- ers in the AIMExpo Champi- onship of the Americas. Open to fans and members of the industry, this gathering will feature some of the most talented cus- tom builders from both North and South America and will serve as the formal start of this world-class qualifier event. The win- ner, who will be crowned on Sunday after- noon, will earn a coveted entry to the 2016 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, held at the Intermot Inter- national Motorcycle Fair in Cologne, Germany. Four classes of motorcycles — Freestyle, Retro Custom, Street Custom and Performance Custom — will be on display throughout the weekend. The Chopper Legends Showcase gets underway on Saturday morning where cus- tom diggers and choppers from the 1970s, '80s, '90s and today will be highlighted. Featured builders include Dave Perewitz, Charlie Hadayia Sr., Jesse James, Fred- die Arnold, Kyle Shorey, Paul Ponkow, Denny Berg and Pat Patterson. On Saturday afternoon the host of the Garage Party, Bill Dodge of Bling Cycles, will lead a ride from his shop in Daytona Beach, Florida, that will bring riders to the front doors of AIMExpo in Orlando. Live music will keep the Garage Party going on Saturday night, followed by the official AIMExpo after party taking place at the Ace Cafe Orlando. In addition to the Championship of the Americas competition and Chopper Legends Showcase, the Garage Party area will feature a number of AIMExpo exhibi- tors that build retro café and bobber motorcycles, supply parts and engines, and serve as one of a kind motorcycle artisans. Long-standing V-twin brands such as S&S Cycles, Barnett Tool and Engineering and James Gaskets will be in attendance. PSB DIGEST Honda to make AIMExpo debut Honda will celebrate 40 years of the Gold Wing as part of its AIMExpo debut.