or the past 39 years, the Dealernews International Dealer Expo has been at the forefront of the powersports industry — helping retailers, distributors and manufacturers meet in an environment that reflects the excitement of our industry, while maintaining a business-first buying and selling atmosphere. As the longest running and largest powersports tradeshow in the western hemisphere, it is important that the show continues to evolve to meet changing business needs. In an effort to identify ways attendees can make their time spent on the show floor more productive, Dealer Expo® has introduced some new features for 2008.


     Are you looking for the next new, hot, “gotta have it” product? Then look no further than the dedicated New Exhibitor Pavilions, located at the Marriott & Westin hotels. Featuring a variety of new exhibitors and products, these exciting new pavilions will open on Friday February 15th. Opening this area one day earlier than the regular show allows attendees extra time to focus on new product lines and stay ahead of new trends from up and coming manufacturers without impacting the time you will spend viewing 2008 product previews from companies you already do business with. Visit www.dealerexpo.com for a list of current vendors in the New Exhibitor Pavilions. Please note - New Exhibitor Pavilion at the Marriott hotel will close on Sunday February 17th at 3pm.


     Designed to find the hottest products for 2008, “Kickstart @ Dealer Expo” is a new program debuting at the show this year. The winning products are chosen by a committee of retailers from different dealership backgrounds. Follow the instincts of your retailing peers and check out the winning products at displays located at the Marriott hotel and the Indiana Convention Center.


     Now more than ever dealers and retailers can choose products made all over the world. In an effort to help attendees see what’s available, Dealer Expo® has created the International Exhibit Hall. Located in the RCA Dome, you can shop a global powersports marketplace without ever leaving the country. The International Exhibit Hall will feature over 110 companies from 16 different countries bringing their new vehicles, parts, helmets, apparel, and more.
     Also located in the International Exhibit Hall is the new Vehicle Pavilion, featuring a variety of vehicle importers and manufacturers from around the world showcasing the latest motorcycles, ATVs, and scooters available today. If you’re looking at picking up another vehicle line, be sure to stop by this 20,000 square foot vehicle mall.


     In an effort to make the time qualified buyers spend on the show floor more enjoyable Dealer Expo® has developed a Buyer’s Suite. This “buyer’s only” lounge offers a place to relax, get a bite to eat, check e-mail, and get insider tips from Dealer Expo® Attendee Development Team. Spending your lunch break with other buyers allows you to stay connected to the industry, network, exchange product notes, and study best business practices.


     Dealer Expo® knows as your business continues to evolve and grow that educational resources are in high demand. You will find two entirely different business-building seminars tracks designed to provide you tools to take back to your dealership and apply to your daily practices.
     New for 2008, Dealer Expo® and Dealernews magazine have partnered with Dealership University to provide a unique interactive live educational program. Dealership University is currently committed to providing powersports dealers with quality online training resources and now you’ll be able to attend these instructor-led training courses in a unique interactive live educational format at Dealer Expo®. Courses attended while at Dealer Expo® will earn credits towards Dealership University certificates. You will have the ability to track employee progress and test information retention with Dealership University’s Learning Management System. To learn more about Dealership Universities online courses visit www.dealershipuniversty.com.

     Courses run on Friday and Saturday and the same material is presented each day.

     Performance Selling 10:30am - 11:30am

     Did you know that up to 70% of showroom guests that visit a dealership will say, “No thanks, just looking”? Have you ever wondered why your closing ratio is only 10% to 20%? Don’t miss this powerful one-hour session during which Dealership University’s Tory Hornsby will uncover ways to ‘Sell More Units, Make More Money, and Have More Fun.’ Convention Center Room 212

     Handling Discounters & Competing in Today’s Market 1:00pm - 2:00pm

     The market today is more competitive than ever. With internet-savvy shoppers, discounters in every major market area and the influx of Asian vehicles, it is becoming harder and more challenging to maintain dealership growth and profitability. In this compelling session, Dealership University’s Rod Stuckey will cover 7 powerful strategies to handle discounters and compete in today’s market. Convention Center Room 212

     Implementing a Training Plan for Dealership Staff 3:30pm - 4:30pm

     In the fast-paced dealership environment it can be extremely difficult to find the time to Recruit, Hire and Train new team members. Have you ever had an employee leave for a competitor after you’ve spent valuable time and resources training them? As frustrating as this is, the only thing worse than a trained employee leaving is an untrained employee staying. This session will address how to build a perpetual employee recruitment, hiring and training system. Convention Center Room 212

     Dealernews Live is back for its third year at Dealer Expo®. This unique interactive seminar series brings your favorite columns to life. Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to meet face to face with the magazine columnists who are proven industry experts. Topics expected to be covered include internet marketing, retail training, and service challenges. Check www.dealerexpo.com for updates and course changes.

     For more information or to register, log onto www.dealerexpo.com

Learning isn’t limited to just new bike sales techniques at Dealer Expo®. The leading manufacturers are on hand to provide detailed technical information about their products that can be put to use back at the dealership.

See the very latest motorcycle trends and styles.