If you’re like me the annual visit to the International Motorcycle Show is one of the best events of the year. True, someone with a little free time can visit all of the dealers in the area and take a look at all of the same bikes. But I hate interacting with salesmen, I want to see everything at once, and I enjoy the rest the show has to offer. That’s why I’m so bummed that the show isn’t coming to the SF Bay Area or Sacramento this year.
I reached out to IMS for comment on why they moved from San Mateo in years past to Sacramento and why they weren’t coming to the area this year. The answer I received is pretty much what you’d expect, truth and a little vagueness. It comes down to two possible reasons: Show locations are determined by the collective wishes of the displaying companies, and sometimes there’s a little trouble finding a local venue. I’m not sure which of these is the reason but both sound possible. I do appreciate IMS taking the time to comment.
It is entirely possible that some of the vendors wish to spend their budgets in undeserved markets. I’ve worked in the automotive marketing arena and have seen time and time again budgets get spent in certain areas to go after very specific target buyers. Though it’s hard to imagine NorCal as a market not worth advertising to.
I believe it’s more likely that the show had trouble securing a venue, or even more likely, agreeing to terms with a venue they wanted to use. Venues do occasionally jack up prices or fill their calendar quicker than expected.
Given the mass turn out for the event and the collective deep pockets of the SF Bay Area I’d expect them to be back next year. This year you’ll have to follow the Monster Girls on Twitter, practice your don’t-talk-to-me-face, and go to every dealer you can find to get your butt cheeks on the new bikes you’ve been eyeing.
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