Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo Sees 30-percent Attendance Drop
March 30, 2013
A decrease in dealers across the United States directly impacted the showfloor at Advanstar Communications’ Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo, with a 30-percent drop in attendance to 10,904, compared with last year’s show, and a 27 percent drop from the 2011 event.
Excluding exhibitor personnel, verified attendees totaled 5,452, with approximately 3,700 verified as traditional franchised and independent retailer buyers.
The overall industry has seen a 36-percent decrease in the number of dealers operating in the U.S. since 2009.
Even so, show organizers said the three-day event was deemed a success, with “enthusiasm and connection amongst peers and colleagues.”
The show was held Feb. 15-17 at the Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium.
“In light of the economy and its effects over the year, we approached this show with conservative expectations,” said senior vice president Tracy Harris.
She added, “In this economic downturn, we’ve observed many trade shows are down in attendance.”
The Motorcycle Industry Council estimates that sales of motorcycles, scooters and ATVs in the U.S. market decreased by 54 percent in 2012, compared with the market’s peak five years ago.
“It seems logical to assume that if you have 54-percent fewer unit sales and 36-percent fewer dealers, you’re also going to have fewer vendors as well,” said Dealernews Contributing Editor Mike Vaughan.
Even with the decreases, Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo is considered the largest powersports business event in the world.
Organizers also pointed out that even though their show was one of many that recently had seen attendance drops, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, key buyers continue to be on the showfloors.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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