Off-Road Aftermarket Expo Concludes Successful First-Year Launch in Las Vegas

SANTA ANA, Calif.--Oct. 30, 2003--1,953 manufacturers, vendors, dealers and retailers in the off-road industry trekked the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas to take part in the first annual Off-Road Aftermarket Expo. The expo was the first-ever tradeshow of its kind exclusively dedicated to the off-road/ATV aftermarket.

Bringing qualified ATV, off-road, and motocross buyers and manufacturers together, the trade-only event proved to be a weekend of racing, business and fun. It offered participating dealers and manufacturers the rare opportunity to deal in a "dirt friendly" environment, make new industry contacts, and strengthen existing business relationships. Off-Road Aftermarket Expo participants also benefited from the proximity of the Maxxis U.S. Open of Supercross races at the MGM Grand, which ran concurrently throughout the weekend.

According to show producer Advanstar's Powersports Group, the debut was a definite success. "We couldn't be happier about the results of this year's launch," said Off-Road Aftermarket Expo show manager Peggy Zamberlan. "We had impressive representation from all areas of the off-road and ATV industry. Couple that with thriving business, world-class racing and industry-exclusive parties -- it was just a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved. With the off-road and ATV market growing the way it has, I think the industry agrees that a tradeshow like this has been a long time coming."

The exhibitors represented some of the strongest suppliers of the off-road industry, such as Bell Helmets, K & N Engineering, O'Neal USA, Sick Racing and Tucker Rocky Distributing. Drew Klinger of Universal Engineering said, "My colleagues and I have asked for this show for years. Advanstar came through for us by bringing a dirt-only show to the West Coast." The exhibitors were also pleased with the dealers who attended the show: "We had an opportunity to meet and move forward with new prospects and are looking forward to seeing some business from it," said Neil T. Frame, general manager of MIC Systems & Software Inc.

Off-Road Aftermarket Expo highlights included: a Friday-night, pre-race industry party with free food, free drinks, and complimentary transportation to and from the Maxxis U.S. Open of Supercross races at the MGM Grand; a complimentary continental breakfast served Saturday and Sunday mornings on the show floor; and a Saturday afternoon autograph session with the Amsoil Racing Team, featuring "Iron Mike" LaRocco, Chris Gosselaar, Ryan Mills, and team manager Darren Borcharding. In addition to the excitement on the show floor, all show participants were treated to complimentary tickets to Friday or Saturday nights races at the Maxxis US Open of Supercross.

The first annual Off-Road Aftermarket Expo tradeshow premiered Oct. 10, 2003-12, 2003 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Interested parties can visit www.dirtexpo.com for show highlights and more information.

About The Powersports Group and Advanstar Communications

The Powersports Group is one of the largest producers of trade shows and conventions for the powersports industry worldwide. It includes the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows(R) Presented by Toyota Trucks, Fall Daytona, the Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo, Big Twin West, Big Twin East and the Off-Road Aftermarket Expo. Advanstar Communications Inc. is a worldwide business information company serving specialized markets with high quality information resources and integrated marketing solutions. Advanstar has 92 business magazines and directories, 77 tradeshows and conferences, numerous Web sites, and a wide range of direct marketing, database and reference products and services. Advanstar serves targeted market sectors in such industries as art, automotive, beauty, collaboration/e-learning, CRM/call center, digital media, entertainment/marketing, fashion & apparel, healthcare, manufacturing and processing, pharmaceutical, powersports, science, telecommunications and travel/hospitality. The company has over 1,300 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.advanstar.com.