Press Releases |
Affinity Events Kicks Off the Winter Season with Two Successful Powersports Shows
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Affinity Group, Inc.
Friday October 16, 2009
VENTURA, Calif. – (October 16, 2009) – Affinity Events welcomed the winter season with back-to-back successful powersports shows. The 16th annual Big East Powersports Show, which took place Oct. 2-4 in Syracuse, N.Y., and the 24th annual Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Expo, held last weekend in Denver, Colo., both boasted increased attendance and strong sales.
The Big East Powersports Show, sponsored by Camping World and Snow Goer magazine, featured the latest snowmobile and ATV models from Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha alongside aftermarket products, open and closed trailers, clothing, accessories and resort information. The excitement surrounding the debut of the 2010 sled models along with attractive prices on gear and accessories led to a 7 percent increase in attendance from last year’s show.
“Enthusiasm was evident and energy on the show floor was high as attendees shopped the new models and found great deals on everything they need for the coming winter season,” said show manager, Laurie Hallowell. “The exhibitors were thrilled to see such large, enthusiastic crowds and all agreed that the success of the show is a positive sign of things to come in 2010.”
Robin Ingles, owner of Ingles Performance of Phoenix, N.Y., agrees. The company celebrated its 14th year of participation in the show and reported strong sales and increased booth traffic this year. “The show attendees were excited to get back on their sleds,” Ingles said, “and our sales were better than they’ve been in over two years.”
The Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Expo, also sponsored by Camping World and Snow Goer magazine, took place last weekend at the Denver Merchandise Mart and saw the second best attendance in the history of the event. The chilly temps and snow showers on Saturday did not deter the crowds from visiting the Expo to see the newest 2010 snowmobile models and shop the popular Swap Meet Extravaganza. In fact, the line to participate in the Swap Meet formed three hours before the Expo opened.
“The snowfall added to the atmosphere of the show,” said show manager, Dianne Seymour. “The attendees were excited at the thought of another great snowmobiling season and it showed. Our exhibitors sold more than they have in years.”
Vickery Motorsports sales manager, Brent Miller, can verify that statement. “We sold all the apparel we had at the show and we have people coming into the showroom for more this week,” he said. “We are already planning to double our exhibit space for next year.”
Tom Gaither, senior VP of Affinity Events, points to the close relationship Affinity Events maintains with powersports enthusiasts as the main reason for the continued success of the shows. “Our connection to ATV and Snow Goer magazines gives us an intimate understanding of the powersports world. The enthusiasts who attend the shows are our friends. We know and love the powersports world as much as they do,” he said. “That continued relationship we maintain with the show attendees, combined with the great variety of local exhibitors featuring new products and services continues to generate amazing interest from local powersports enthusiasts.”
According to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA), the United States saw a 1 percent increase in snowmobile registration overall in 2009 which, given the current economy, is remarkable. Looking into 2010, ISMA has a positive outlook, in part from the continued rise in snowmobile registration as well as continued sales of parts, garments and accessories over the summer and the advanced technology debuting with new 2010 models.
Affinity Events will wrap up the 2009 fall show season with the 17th annual St. Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show in St. Paul, Minn., and the 2nd annual Syracuse Ice Fishing Show in Syracuse, N.Y. Both shows promise to offer an array of exciting exhibits from local dealers. The 2010 spring show season will kick off in the second week of January in Greensboro, N.C., with the 21st annual North Carolina RV & Camping Show. Visit the www.agievents.com for information on all upcoming shows from Affinity Events.
About Affinity Events
Affinity Events, www.agievents.com, is a division of Affinity, which owns and operates
recreation-focused consumer shows throughout North America. The division currently produces shows serving the RV, boat, snowmobile, ATV, home and garden, and ice fishing markets. Affinity, www.affinitygroup.com, is the nation’s largest provider of outdoor clubs, services, media and events that service the safety, security, comfort and convenience needs of the North American recreational vehicle (RV) and outdoor enthusiast market. By providing information,insights, and resources, the company champions the fun, freedom, and adventure of recreation in motion. The company works to enhance its customers’ recreational experiences and build the communities that share and promote their fun and adventurous lifestyles.
Affinity is organized into four different business units – Affinity Media, Affinity Clubs, Affinity Events and Affinity Ventures. Corporate headquarters are located in Ventura, Calif. Subsidiary operations and divisions can be found at multiple locations throughout the United States.
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