Longdistancestyle AIM High By Deb Gasque #182082
ORLANDO, FLOR- ida, “The Theme Park Capital of the World,” is a destina- tion that hosts over 62 million visitors per year, most arriving with huge
smiles and anticipation for the thrill of their lives. Just last October, I was one of Orlando’s 62 million. And I, indeed, arrived with a huge smile and feverish antic- ipation to experi- ence thrills beyond my wildest dreams. I must report that I did not go home dis- appointed. My first day on
assignment at the 2016 AIMExpo (American Inter- national Motorcy- cle Expo) in Orlando was much like arriving at a Disney theme park for the first time. As I entered the north concourse of the Orange County Convention Center, I morphed into a child-like state where my wide-eyed excitement overtook my whole being. I rode the escalator from the main floor into the veritable theme park of motorcycle heaven and realized that I had finally found a true 2-wheeled paradise. The expo floor was full of spanking-new models of motorcycles, gear and gadgets that brought my excitement to a whole new level. Complete “SYSTEM OVERLOAD.”
56 BMW OWNERS NEWS December 2016 The AIMExpo was first begun in 2013 by
the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) to “bring together industry, press, dealers and consumers in a single arena that creates a grand stage for motorcycling and powers- ports in the U.S. and North America.” The AIMExpo just celebrated its fourth year in Orlando but will be moving to Columbus, Ohio, next year (Sept. 21-24, 2017) and then to Las Vegas, Nevada, the following year (Oct. 11-14, 2018). In addition to new bike
professional women in the powersports industry. The organization’s goal is to expand opportunities for women and pro- vide programs for professional growth. The PowerLily ‘Gas Tank’ program gives PowerLily members an opportunity to present their business plan for a new pow- ersports-related innovation, product or service, live in front of influential industry business leaders at the AIMExpo. Gas Tank applicants will be paired with powersports industry mentors in order to prepare or fur- ther develop their busi- ness
plans and
presentations. Partici- pants will gain insight, feedback, visibility and industry connections.” I attended this pro-
Gasque (center) with Aliki Karayan of VnM Sport and Debra Chin of MotoChic.
and product launches, the AIMExpo also features industry networking opportuni- ties, essential educational events, and for the first time this year, a mentorship pro- gram called “PowerLily” for women entre- preneurs in the industry. The Motorcycle Industry Council
launched the PowerLily “Gas Tank” Pro- gram this year (a Shark Tank-inspired competition), with the final round and selection of the winner during this year’s AIMExpo. In describing this program, the MIC explains, “PowerLily is a network of
gram with curious antici- pation and a feeling of triumph for all women in our motorcycle industry who are rising in num- bers and pioneering breakthrough products and services to benefit us female riders. I had the distinct pleasure to meet all five finalists: Debra Chin/MotoChic (her “Lauren Bag” was
reviewed in the September
2016 issue of ON), Alisa Clickenger/Wom- en’s Motorcycle Tours (one of our MOA members, event organizer of the 2016 Sis- ters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ride, and an occasional contributor to ON), Katie McKay/Modern Moto Magazine, Ashley Simpson/Vixen Riding Gear, and Gina Woods/Feel The Horsepower. All five finalists delivered outstanding business presentations and answered questions, some very pointed and complex, from the judges. After witnessing such a power- house pack of ladies with astute business
discovery
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