Education continues to evolve to ensure Dealers have more reasons to attend AIMExpo. Dealer Evolution is designed for the modern dealer to help you navigate today’s dynamic marketplace with confidence. Dealer Evolution takes place on the show floor, keeping you in the heart of the action so you won’t miss a beat while gaining valuable insights to drive your business forward.
In partnership with MPN, Dealer Excellence delivers practical, classroom-style education focused on core business solutions and best practices to help dealers and retailers grow and thrive. From operations to customer service, these sessions deliver actionable takeaways you can implement immediately to elevate your day-to-day business.
This is where you will get all the thought-provoking information you need to make sound decisions about the future of your business.
Tech Talks
Work Smarter, Not Harder: How Technology Can Help Optimize Dealership Performance
The DX 1 team will review current pain points in the industry and explore how technology has made those tasks easier, without creating additional work for the existing staff.
Presented by DX-1
Tech Talks
Smarter Technology: Saving & Making Money While Getting Back Time
ZiiDMS shares new enhancements and technologies incorporated into their dealership software. Learn how dealers can utilize smarter technology to save money, save time, and drive revenue.
Presented by ZiiDMS
Dealer Evolution Stage
Full Throttle Analytics: 2025 Look-Back & 2026 Forecast
Fasten your helmet for a data-fueled exploration of 2025’s biggest shifts and 2026’s unfolding opportunities. We’ll connect the dots between consumer demand, sales trends, pricing dynamics, and broader economic signals – equipping leaders to make sharper, faster, and smarter decisions in the fast-moving world of powersports.
Presenters:
David Savlowitz, CEO & Founder, Competitive Analytics
Michael Ponton, Director of Analytics, Competitive Analytics
Tech Talks
Inventory Intelligence to Maximize Profits
Inventory strategy can have a tremendous impact on profitability for your Powersports dealership— it’s important to ensure inventory is not tying up capital, causing stockouts, and slowing turnover. This session, “Inventory Intelligence: Turning Stock into Strategy,” gives dealers practical tools to forecast demand, optimize stock, and leverage tech for the future. Attendees will learn how to predict sales using data and customer insights, right-size inventory to balance speed and savings, and adopt affordable technology that boosts efficiency and revenue. With real-world examples and quick-win tactics, this talk promises actionable strategies that can lift dealer revenue in the next quarter.
Presented by TALON Powersports Solutions
Dealer Excellence Stage
MPN: E-Commerce: Capturing Customers Who Don’t Want to Come In
Some customers prefer screens to showrooms. Whether intimidated or simply time-strapped, they expect frictionless digital buying options. This panel explores how to elevate your e-commerce experience, from seamless parts ordering to digital unit sales, ensuring you capture revenue even when customers never set foot in your dealership.
Moderator: Meagan Kusek, Editor, MPN
Tech Talks
Evolving to Fuel Your Growth
Today’s powersports buyers are doing more research, comparing more options, and expecting more from their shopping experience. To capture their attention in a competitive market, dealers need more than a basic listing.
In this session, Cycle Trader will introduce its latest tools and platform enhancements built to help you stand out, earn buyer confidence, and move inventory faster. From driving high-quality leads and elevating your brand presence to streamlining your digital operations and unlocking smarter insights, Cycle Trader is evolving to fuel your growth. You’ll walk away with proven merchandising strategies and an inside look at upcoming innovations.
Presented by Cycle Trader
Dealer Evolution Stage
Selling the Dream. The OEM, The Dealer, The Rider, The Lifestyle Connection.
Motorcycles aren’t just vehicles—they’re a lifestyle, a community, and a passion. In this panel, three leading OEMs share how they’ve successfully built strong brand cultures and loyal rider communities around their products. Panelists will dive into what inspires their innovation, how they connect with customers on a deeper level, and strategies dealers can use to achieve profitable growth rather than chasing volume. Attendees will gain practical insights into creating meaningful customer experiences, fostering brand loyalty, and building a sustainable business model that prioritizes quality, engagement, and long-term success.
Presenter:
Jason Chinnock, CEO, Ducati North America
John Hinz, CEO, KTM North America
Andrea Gucciardi, President & CEO, Piaggio Group Americas
Moderator: Laurette Nicoll
Tech Talks
Automated Calls, Excellent Customer Service
Automate away half the calls your team takes: How to spend less time on the phone without sacrificing the customer experience.
Presented by Kenect
Dealer Excellence Stage
MPN: Auto Dealers vs. Powersports Dealers: Technology and Inventory Management
Automotive retail has embraced advanced tech and streamlined inventory practices that powersports often lags behind. This session examines what can be adapted – and what can’t. Learn from operators straddling both industries about tools and strategies that translate into competitive advantages for powersports dealerships.
Presenters:
Bob Lettis, Vice President Strategic Alliances & Business Development, 700 Credit
Greg Pfleider, CEO, Accelerate2Compliance
Mike Shell, CEO, Movarna
Jared Dowdy, Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnerships, Transax
Moderator: Brian Ankney, Regional Sales Manager, MPN
Business Center
MIC Member Lunch & Learn: Data You Can’t Ignore
Join an interactive discussion exploring the latest powersports trends through data from the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). Weigandt will break down what the numbers reveal about the market, rider behavior, and emerging opportunities for manufacturers and dealers. Participants will gain actionable insights and a deeper understanding of how industry data can inform strategy, growth, and customer engagement (MIC Members Only).
Presenter: Jason Weigandt
Tech Talks
Powering up the Path to Purchase
Smarter automated follow-up that helps your dealership speed up response times, personalize outreach, and boost close-rate using integrated AI.
Presented by Rollick, Inc.
Dealer Evolution Stage
Powersports, Government Relations, and Advocacy
Scott Schloegel, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the Motorcycle Industry Council, will be joined by Landon French, President and CEO of Moto Canada, and Kyle Makarios of JKM Consulting to discuss the policy landscape shaping powersports across North America. The session will look at shifting legislative priorities, regulatory and trade pressures — including PFAS chemical bans and tariffs — and the role of coordinated advocacy in protecting access, supporting business growth, and ensuring long-term stability for the industry.
Presenters:
Scott Schloegel, Sr. Vice President, Govt Relations
Landon French, President & CEO, Moto Canada
Kyle Makarios, Owner, JKM Consulting
Moderator: Laurette Nicoll
Tech Talks
Identity Fraud & Best Practices
Identity Fraud and the need for Drivers License Authentication in your dealership. Dealers have the ability to utilize either a physical drivers license scanner or a mobile drivers license scanner, where the customer takes pictures of their own license. In this session we will also be discussing how dealerships are handling drivers licenses inside their dealership today, implementing new processes and removing bad processes.
Presented by 700Credit
Tech Talks
Simplify Specialty Vehicle Financing: What Dealers Need Next
Why speed and accuracy matter for dealers, and the hidden costs of slow or manual financing processes. We invite dealers to share their biggest finance bottlenecks with us.
Presented by AppOne
Dealer Evolution Stage
“Yeah your unit count is fine, but what about your margin?”
This session will explore the critical differences in operating profit between top-performing businesses and the national average. We’ll identify the key behaviors and strategies that create this “delta” and equip you with actionable insights to bridge the gap. Discover how your expense multiplier impacts profitability and uncover the single most important metric for a one-point move in Operating Gross Profit. Join us to learn how to optimize your operations and drive significant improvements to your bottom line.
- How do the Top 10 compare to the National Average in Operating Profit?
- What behaviors are needed to make up the Delta?
- What’s your Expense Multiplier?
- What’s the number one metric that creates a one-point move in Operating GP?
Presenter: Sam Dantzler, President, Garage Composites
Dealer Excellence Stage
MPN: More Inventory, More Problems: How to Manage the Influx of New Vehicles
Many dealers are drowning in post-COVID inventory, tying up cash and space. This panel shares practical approaches to manage aging units, balance floorplans and align supply with real-world demand. Discover creative strategies to move vehicles without sacrificing margins.
Moderator: Greg Jones, Content Director, MPN
Tech Talks
AI, Lead Management & Powersports
Leads to loyalty: The power of AI to transform dealerships with smarter lead management and sales growth in the powersports industry.
Presented by Impel
Tech Talks
How AI Search is Rewriting Dealer Visibility — and How to Win the Zero-Click Race
AI and voice search are rewriting dealership visibility faster than most dealers realize. Already, one in three searches begins with voice or AI assistants — and by January 2026, it will be more than half. Buyers aren’t clicking websites anymore; they’re acting on the single “zero-click” AI answer they hear or see first.
This seminar reveals how Schema, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and AI Overview strategies ensure your dealership becomes that trusted answer. Attendees will learn how to build AI-ready visibility, capture six-figure annual ROI from increased calls and showroom visits, and avoid being left invisible while competitors take the lead.
Delivered in plain language for dealership principals and general managers, this session provides a clear roadmap and actionable next steps — with take-home resources designed to move from learning into execution immediately.
Presented by MaxOpp Marketing.com
Dealer Evolution Stage
Keeping and Motivating Your Team
In every Dealership, performance starts with people—and keeping them motivated is the key to consistent success. This keynote explores practical, real-world strategies for inspiring both individuals and teams to stay engaged, perform at their peak, and take ownership of results. Attendees will discover how to connect personal goals with organizational vision, recognize and reward the right behaviors, and build a culture where motivation comes naturally. In turn this creates a team that wants to stay and work hard for the right reasons. This session delivers the tools to reignite energy, strengthen retention, and build a team that’s all-in, all the time.
Presenter: Jordon Schoolmeester, Manager of Training, Garage Composites
Dealer Excellence Stage
AI Done Wrong: The Top 10 Ways to Ruin Everything
Artificial Intelligence has massive potential for dealerships, but it also comes with risks, hype, and plenty of bad ideas. Many are skeptical of AI — and for good reason. From soulless chatbots to “press 1 for sales” automation, we’ve all seen how the wrong use of tech can ruin the customer experience.
In this fast-paced and entertaining session, Jared Burt will validate the critics, highlight the pitfalls, and show how to avoid the mistakes that kill trust, connection, and culture in dealerships. More importantly, you’ll learn how AI — when applied wisely — can accelerate employee training, drive omnichannel retailing, and free up time for what matters most: building human connection and bringing a new generation of riders into the sport.
Come ready to laugh, cringe, and rethink how AI can be done right.
Presenter: Jared Burt, CEO & Founder, Herohub
Tech Talks
Maximizing Availability and Revenue – Making Your Business Effectively Handle Multiple Distributors
When you’re running your business, it’s important to make sure you can maximize your available inventory. When deciding which distributor to order from, there are many factors to consider: availability and what counts as “available” – is it in stock at the DC? Is it MFR Inventory? Best total cost? Shipping? Promotions? Speed of fulfillment…
Integrating your website or DMS to obtain this data, and in some cases automate it for you, allows you to make efficient, real-time decisions that will ensure you’re vending the most amount of orders possible to your in-stock vendors without unnecessarily sacrificing margins.
Presented by Turn 14 Distribution, Inc.
Dealer Evolution Stage
The Evolution of Electrification in Powersports: Present Momentum, Future Vision
Electrification is no longer a question of “if” — it’s about “how fast,” “how far,” and “how much.”
With industry leaders like Can-Am (BRP) and Stark Future at the forefront, this panel will explore the current state, future trajectory, and strategic fit of electrification within the powersports landscape, with a strong emphasis on motorcycles, but also including other EV platforms. As OEMs, tech partners, and dealers navigate a rapidly evolving space, this conversation aims to demystify electrification, address dealer concerns, and showcase the opportunities it presents — from new customer segments to long-term business sustainability.
This is a must-attend session for dealers who want insight into where the industry is headed and how to position their businesses for the continued evolution of powersports.
Presenters:
David Baker, Vice-President and General Manager, Powersports North America, BRP
Dan Quick, Global Media Director, Stark Future
Moderator: Laurette Nicoll
Tech Talks
NCM JobTracks vs. Plain Old Job Descriptions: Setting Your Team Up for Success
Set your employees up to succeed with specific weighted and measurable KRA’s & Critical Tasks for every role in a dealership, instead of just listing the tasks and responsibilities a person has. See the value these JobTracks create for the employees, for the management, and for the dealership.
Presented by NCM Associates – Formerly Spader Business Management
Dealer Excellence Stage
MPN: Fixed Ops – Advice for Beyond the Showroom
Service and parts often generate more stable profit than unit sales, yet they remain underdeveloped and underutilized in many dealerships. This education session explores proven strategies to improve efficiency, increase upselling and profit potential, and retain customers long after the initial sale. Learn how fixed ops should drive long-term dealership success.
Presenters:
Kyle Reid, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Vision VST
Mark Sheffield, Strategic Advisor, Woods Cycle Country and Woods Indian Motorcycle
Moderator: Greg Jones, Content Director, MPN
Tech Talks
Human Risk & Social Engineering — The Modern Con Game
Hackers don’t always need to break down digital walls; sometimes, they just trick someone into opening the door. Social engineering attacks—phishing emails, phone scams, deepfake voices, and even fake LinkedIn profiles—are now the fastest-growing way criminals bypass technology controls.
This session will explore how attackers manipulate trust, urgency, and human nature to compromise organizations. Finance, HR, sales, and operations are prime targets. The stakes are higher than ever — from AI-generated phishing to deepfake CEOs ordering wire transfers – People are the new perimeter and part of the defense.
Presented by Accelerate2Compliance
Dealer Evolution Stage
How AI Is Reshaping Dealership Operations and What It Means for 2026
As AI moves from trend to operational backbone, dealerships are navigating changes that are reshaping every part of their dealership—from customer engagement to staffing to security. Transax’s educational session will provide a grounded look at what AI is actually doing inside powersports dealerships today.
The session will explore how dealers are using AI to reduce seasonal staffing swings, eliminate repetitive work, and stay competitive during slower months. It will also address the new complexities that come with AI, including the operational considerations dealerships must prepare for as the technology becomes more embedded in daily workflows.
Presenters:
Jared Dowdy, Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnerships, Transax
Greg Pfleider, CEO, Accelerate2Compliance
Moderator: Laurette Nicoll, Moderator
Tech Talks
Real-Time Records for Efficient Registration & Titling
Auto Data Direct offers web-based automotive solutions to dealerships across the country. Discover how you can access real-time vehicle records from over 40 state DMVs, obtain title history reports through the NMVTIS database, and efficiently title and register out-of-state powersports vehicles.
Presented by Auto Data Direct
Dealer Excellence Stage
MPN: EV Customers are Different – Are Your Sales People Ready
EV adoption is growing, and the buyers aren’t always your traditional riders. They often value sustainability, tech integration and ease of ownership more than horsepower. Are your salespeople ready for those conversations? This session helps dealers train staff to connect with EV customers, market effectively and create confidence in a still-new segment.
Presenters:
Garrett Johnson, Vice President of North America Sales and Customer Experience, Zero Motorcycles
David Baker, Vice President and General Manager Powersports North America, BRP
Jay Le, General Manager, Onyx Moto
Moderator: Meagan Kusek, Editor, MPN
Tech Talks
Move Beyond Local Sales & Unlock the Revenue Potential of e-Comm
Learn how to move beyond local-only sales through your DMS and unlock the revenue potential of e-commerce. Many dealers wonder what e-commerce really is, whether it’s compatible with their DMS, and how it can help them sell more parts. We’ll cover how Dealer Management Systems and our Powersports Shop-in-a-Box solution work together — keeping your local sales strong while expanding your reach nationwide through dropshipping. You’ll hear real dealer stories, see how our apps automate inventory, pricing, and product updates, and walk away with a clear roadmap to start selling parts online with less effort and more profit.
Presented by Data Here-to-There
Business Center
MIC Member Lunch and Learn: MIC Board of Directors, Up Close & Personal
Get to know your OEM and Aftermarket industry leaders over lunch in this up close and personal discussion with members of the MIC Board of Directors. (MIC Members Only)
Presenters: MIC Board of Directors
Moderator: Laurette Nicoll
Tech Talks
Turning SSI’s Insights into Practical Strategies for Growth
Statistical Surveys Inc. (SSI) is the leading provider of comprehensive new and used registration data across multiple industries, including powersports.
This session will show dealers how to turn SSI’s insights into practical strategies for growth. Attendees will explore three key applications: using registration data to optimize inventory and forecast demand, leveraging demographic insights to refine marketing, and analyzing competitive performance to benchmark results and identify market opportunities. Dealers will gain actionable guidance on applying data-driven strategies in 2026 to improve operations, strengthen marketing, and enhance competitiveness.
Presented by Statistical Surveys Inc.
Tech Talks
Spend Your Time Generating Revenue, Not Spreadsheets
Time is the new currency. SmartDealer has the ability to create more time for your managers to train your team, interact with potential customers, and maximize results for your organization. Better insights allow for better decisions – get the answers you need in seconds, significantly improve cash flow, have the right inventory at the right time, eliminate parts risks, elevate employee performance, improve ROI on ad spend, and make more money.
Presented by Smart Dealer
Dealer Evolution Stage
And Now A Word from our Distributors… Insights & More
Join the industry’s leading distributors for an in-depth discussion on the state of the powersports market and what’s driving change across the industry. From shifting buying habits to the segments showing the strongest growth, this panel will provide a front-line perspective on current sales trends and evolving customer demands. Panelists will also explore the challenges and opportunities they anticipate in the coming year — from supply chain pressures and economic factors to emerging technologies and other outside challenges. Attendees will gain valuable insight into where the market is headed, what adjacent markets are experiencing and how distributors can help dealers stay ahead.
Presenters:
Paul Langley, Chairman & CEO, LeMans Corp
Chris Candido, CTO & Co-Founder, Turn 14 Distribution
Moderator: Laurette Nicoll
Tech Talks
Attracting More Customers by Offering More Financial Programs
Attract more customers by offering leasing without credit score requirements and learn more about our automated application process and underwriting, along with Ai generational servicing.
Presented by Horsepower Financial
Tech Talks
Customized F&I Products for On & Off-road Powersports Dealers
Tell Us What You Think Dealers Need.
Ability to choose their own deductibles and coverage limits on Service Contracts and other products, so they control the dealer cost on the products they sell? Opportunity to offer complimentary 1-year service contracts on used units as a way to draw more people in and sell more overall? Does bulk pricing matter?
We are focused on building F&I products that meet your needs but want to hear more from you.
Presented by Autrella F&I Products
Dealer Evolution Stage
“Do You Have a Mindset For Change?”
The world is changing faster than any other time in existence…so is your dealership. Are you equal to the task of keeping up with exponential changes in inventory, customers, technology and staff? From Artificial Intelligence to being able to buy anything, including vehicles online, come discover what the future may hold and how you can get involved instead of bury your head.
Presenter: Tony Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer, Garage Composites
Dealer Excellence Stage
MPN: Tariffs, Pricing and Margins: Growth Strategies for the Current Economy
The economy remains unpredictable: Tariffs shift, consumer confidence wavers, and costs keep climbing. Dealers can’t control Washington, but they can control operations. Respond, don’t react: Learn strategies to streamline expenses, optimize staffing and protect margins so your dealership thrives through 2026’s uncertainty.
Presenters:
Johnathan Aguero, Senior Vice President of Revenue, Blackpurl
Bernie Brenner, CEO, Rollick
Chet Heughan, Sr. Director, AppOne
Moderator: Brian Ankney, Regional Sales Manager, MPN
Tech Talks
Introduction to Powersports Diagnostics (Why and How?)
The evolution of Powersports diagnostics through years; resets and coding; general tips and recommendations as well as discussing what’s next? ARAS (Advanced Riders Assistance Systems).
Presented by TEXA USA
Tech Talks
Clerq: The Fastest Growing Payment Company in Powersports
Learn how Clerq is helping the groups like The Motorcycle Company, and dealers like Young Powersports accept low cost guaranteed bank payments. Clerq is like Venmo for Dealers and we’re the fastest growing payments company in the powersports space.
Presented by Clerq Payments
Dealer Evolution Stage
Profitability on Purpose
This session dives into the intentional strategies that drive sustainable profitability in a powersports dealership. Learn how to align every department—from sales and service to F&I and parts—around clear financial goals and measurable performance benchmarks. We’ll explore practical tools for improving margins, managing expenses, and building a culture of accountability. Attendees will leave with an action plan to make profitability not just a result, but a deliberate, daily focus.
Presenter: Jolene Krizan, Director of Dealer Development, Garage Composites
Dealer Excellence Stage
AI, Analog, and Adventure: Leading a Generational Shift of Riders
Artificial Intelligence is changing every industry — but what does it mean for motorcycling and powersports? Riders come to dealerships not just for machines, but for connection, culture, and community. At the same time, AI offers powerful tools that can accelerate employee learning, streamline operations, and free up staff to do what matters most: engage with riders.
In this session, we’ll explore both the promise and pitfalls of AI in the powersports industry. You’ll hear why many riders and dealers are cautious about AI, how technology should never replace the analog joy of riding, and where carefully chosen AI applications can actually strengthen human connection. Most importantly, discover how dealers can lead a generational shift by embracing the right balance of AI, analog, and adventure — bringing a whole new wave of riders into the sport while preserving the spirit of motorcycling for decades to come.
Presenter: Jared Burt, CEO & Founder, Herohub
Dealer Evolution Stage
Garage Composites Roundtable
A look at current trends and relevant topics from the industry’s leading consultants, ready to answer your questions. This session is driven by YOU – come prepared with your toughest questions and be ready to engage with the Garage Composites experts and leave with actionable take aways that will change your business and more importantly, can be implement today.
Presenters:
Sam Dantzler, President, Garage Composites
Tony Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer, Garage Composites
Jolene Krizan, Director of Dealer Development, Garage Composites
Jordon Schoolmeester, Manager of Training, Garage Composites
Dealer Excellence Stage
Ride With Us: Building our Industry, Building our Community-TOGETHER
The powersports industry stands at a pivotal moment. New technologies, including the fast-growing e-bike community, changing demographics, and shifting consumer expectations are redefining how people discover and engage with riding. To ensure a strong and sustainable future, the industry must work collaboratively to attract, educate, and retain the next generation of riders.
This panel brings together leaders from across the ecosystem — manufacturers, training organizations, retailers, and community networks — to discuss how their organizations are advancing rider growth and how collective action can make an even greater impact.
Growth in powersports depends on a shared vision — where every sector works together to lower barriers, strengthen rider confidence, and celebrate the joy of the ride. This session will inspire action and collaboration, ensuring the industry thrives for generations to come.
Presenters:
Andre Albert, Director, Market Expansion & Events, Motorcycle Industry Council
Steve Bontempo, President, Revzilla & J&P Cycles, CMO, Comoto
Corey Eastman, Director of Rider Education Expansion, Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Moderator: Laurette Nicoll
