2012 DEALER EXPO® AND AMERICAN V-TWIN DEALER SHOW TAKE OVER INDY FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17 to SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Pre-Registration Reports Show Increased Participation From a Diverse Group of Attendees From Around the World INDIANAPOLIS (February 17, 2012) Today, the 2012 Dealer Expo, the world’s largest business only powersports trade show in the world and the all-new American V-Twin Dealer Show have taken over the Indiana Convention Center. More than 20,000 industry leaders will shop, network and learn during this three-day extravaganza Friday, February 17 through Sunday, February 19. From parts and accessories to apparel and tools, more than 700 exhibitors will showcase the latest the powersports industry has to offer. Answering the demands of the V-Twin community, attendees will also enjoy the American V-Twin Dealer Show, a unique destination event bringing together manufacturers of the most desired V-Twin products, with the leading Harley-Davidson dealers, franchised dealers with cruiser lines, independent V-Twin dealers and custom builders encompassing all that is V-Twin. “The global brand presence of Dealer Expo is rapidly increasing with more people from around the world set to attend this year, coming to discover new import and export opportunities,” said Advanstar Brand Director Kerry Graeber. “According to our pre-registration figures, international attendance is up 10 percent over 2011, setting the stage for a very successful weekend.” Pre-registration attendee figures also show a 23 percent increase in online retailers, a 50 percent increase in specialty parts and accessory retailers, 148 percent increase in specialty service and installation retailers and more “big box” retailers like Costco and set to attend this year. “The overall buying power attending Dealer Expo is up this year, representing a huge opportunity for exhibitors who want to grow their market share and diversify their businesses through distribution beyond traditional dealerships,” added Graeber. “The exhibitors are going to be the big winners.” Dealer Expo, celebrating its 44th year, will offer both exhibitors and attendees more value than ever before, with more features including a live pre-owned vehicle auction, product demonstrations, a live build on the Builder’s Stage, fashion shows, additional educational seminars,a Saturday night industry party and more. On Saturday, February 18, at 4 p.m., National Powersport Auctions (NPA) will host a live pre-owned vehicle auction, including the world’s largest auction of pre-owned Harley-Davidson bikes ever staged on a trade show floor. The live auction will give attendees the opportunity to bid on hundreds of units sourced from a variety of NPA’s business partners and learn more about the profit potential in remarketing and reselling these mint-condition vehicles. New York Times best-selling author and leadership expert Kevin Freiberg inspired attendees during his keynote address, sharing his well-known no nonsense keys to success. Freiberg motivated today’s dealers to sustain a competitive advantage and make a difference instead of just doing business as usual. The Ultimate Dealer Custom Bike Show presented by American Iron Magazine will feature more than 30 custom bikes for all attendees to enjoy throughout the weekend. Top builders from across the country will participate for a chance to win a piece of the $16,000 prize package, which will be divided and awarded to the top three bikes in each of the three categories freestyle, modified bagger and modified bobber. Judging will be conducted by leading industry experts including Zach Ness, Arlen Ness Enterprises; Randy Aron, Cycle Visions; Howard Stubbins, GH marketing; and more. The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 19, at 2:30 p.m., at the show. Dealership University, an industry leader in powersports dealer training, is offering free business courses valued at $15,000 per attendee customized for both the American and metric powersports industry. Dealership University hosts classroom seminars lead by industry experts covering more than 30 topics including management, sales, service and marketing. From managing your sales department to social media and mobile marketing, seminar topics will zoom in on the needs of the industry as a whole and also those challenges specifically facing V-Twin dealers. The premier weekend destination for the entire powersports industry featuring the 2012 Dealer Expo and the 2012 American V-Twin Dealer Show, will take place February 17-19, 2012, at the Indiana Convention Center, 1000 South Capitol Ave, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dealer Expo and the American V-Twin Dealer Show are open to qualified members of the powersports retail trade. The American V-Twin Dealer Show will be a truly distinct experience for all things V-Twin designed to deliver: cutting-edge products and services; a customized educational experience; an exclusive auction of used Harley-Davidson motorcycles; and a unique environment for product buying, education, industry networking, entertainment and fun. For more information please visit www.dealerexpo.com, or www.vtwinshow.com.