LARGEST POWERSPORTS EXPO IN NORTH AMERICA TO CRUISE INTO GREATER COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER THIS WEEK

 

(Columbus, September 20, 2017)  — North America’s largest powersports expo will cruise into the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) with more than 25 vehicle manufacturers and 500 exhibitors from around the world when the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) presented by Nationwide visits Columbus for the first time.

The event consists of two trade and media days with presentations in the Media Hub within the trade show on September 21-22, followed by the opening of the show to the general public on September 23-24.

“We’re excited by the opportunity of Columbus for the AIMExpo presented by Nationwide.  The expansion of the Greater Columbus Convention Center made it possible for a show of our size to come here, and the downtown area’s entertainment and dining options surrounding the convention center will have great appeal for show attendees,” said Cinnamon Kernes, show director for the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) produced event.  “Columbus’ ideal geographic location places it within 500 miles of 41 percent of America’s motorcycle and powersports retailers, making it easy for attendees to get here, and we’re looking forward to the most successful show yet!”

Keynote addresses at the show’s opening ceremony will be presented to industry attendees by Harley-Davidson President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Levatich and Polaris Chief Executive Officer Scott Wine on Thursday, September 21 at 8:30 a.m. in the Union Station Ballroom.

The public is invited to visit the indoor exhibits from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, September 23 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 24. 

AIMExpo Outdoors demonstration rides featuring the latest street models will be provided on September 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, September 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the East Lot located on East Nationwide Boulevard near North Fourth Street. A record number of vehicle manufacturers will be offering demonstrations, including BMW, Doohan, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian, Kawasaki, Kymco, Suzuki and Yamaha.

Motorcycle parking and gear-check stations are provided free of charge.

AIMExpo presented by Nationwide will feature:

  • AIMExpo Championship of the Americas, the precursor to the AMD World Championships of Custom Bike Building, in free style, retro custom, street custom, performance custom and peoples’ choice categories
  • New product showcase with innovative products for the motorcycling marketplace
  • Meet the Rider Magazine Editors, including a “Women Who Ride” panel on Saturday, September 23 at 1 p.m. and a meet & greet session with the five new American Motorcycle Association Hall of Fame inductees at 3 p.m.
  • HAPPY! Happy Hour on Thursday, September 21 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a live auction to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
  • Custom Culture powered by BMW Motorcycles lifestyle area with ambassador Brittney Olsen and exhibits for young motorcycle enthusiasts
  • Artisans Row and Skidmark Garage Showcase & Lounge
  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Acura NSX racing cars

Admission prices for the general public on September 23 and September 24 are:

  • Adults age 16 and older: one-day tickets are $14 online and $16 onsite; two-day tickets cost $22
  • Group-rate one-day tickets for parties of 20 and more: $12 online and $14 onsite
  • Young adults ages 11-15: $7 online and $8 onsite, two-day tickets cost $11
  • Children ages 10 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult

The AIMExpo presented by Nationwide is the unifying entity gathering the powersports industry, media, dealers and consumers in a single location to create a premier exposition stage for motorcycling in North America.

“We are thrilled to host the largest powersports expo in the continent for the first time,” said GCCC General Manager John R. Page. “Columbus is strategically located as an epicenter for motorcycle dealers and enthusiasts and our facility’s recent $140 million expansion and renovation project provides the exhibition space and outside demonstration areas perfect for the event. This is just the beginning of a terrific partnership between MIC Events and the GCCC. We are honored to have earned their trust.”

The use of 400,000 square feet of outdoor space in addition to the exhibition halls makes the AIMExpo presented by Nationwide the largest trade show hosted by the GCCC, added GCCC Director of Event Management and Parking Joe Shaw.