AIMExpo, MPN Partner Again for Dealer Excellence Education Series
With a second stage, there are even more opportunities to learn.
IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 30, 2024 – AIMExpo and Motorcycle & Powersports News (MPN) have partnered once again to bring even more engaging, actionable education sessions to the Dealer Excellence education series for the 2025 show, Wednesday through Friday, Feb. 5-7, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For 2025, the Dealer Excellence sessions will take place on a separate stage from Disruptive Thinking, offering a more intimate setting on the show floor that will allow for meaningful discussions with audience members.
The Dealer Excellence program, which will run Wednesday through Friday, Feb. 5-7, features the following topics moderated by MPN editors (*speakers subject to change):
- Harnessing the Power of AI: Ways dealers can leverage AI to improve overall business operations.
- Powersports Dealers vs. Automotive Dealers: Who’s winning the race for the modern consumer?
- Michael Maledon, Elway Powersports
- Vance Harrison, Motos America
- Creating a Cultural Hub: Building a dealership environment your staff and customers won’t want to leave.
- David Diaz, Irv Seaver Motorcycles
- Angela Hieronimus, Live Oak Dealer Service
- Revving Up the Fight Against Fraud: How powersports dealerships can combat rising fraud schemes.
- Mark Sheffield, Woods Cycle Country
- The Four Pillars of Operations: Building a better dealership by harmonizing sales, service, F&I and PG&A.
- Justin Quinn, DX1]
- Tom O’Connor, MotoMate123
- Angela Hieronimus, Live Oak Dealer Service
- Maggie Stevens, ARS Powersports
- Alex Reyes, Broward Motorsports
- Getting More Door Swings: How to bring in more customers when competing in a direct-to-consumer world.
- Segway Powersports
- Automatic Distributors
- Dealer TBD
As a leading industry publication, MPN has its pulse on powersports trends and developments and understands what dealers need to know today so they can succeed tomorrow.
“Motorcycle & Powersports News is thrilled to return to AIMExpo once again as partners in the dealer education sessions for the 2025 show,” said Greg Jones, content director, MPN. “We know the importance of delivering content dealers want and need, so it makes us proud to extend those efforts at a show like AIMExpo. We’ve built out an excellent education series this year with topics and speakers dealers won’t want to miss. We look forward to seeing the powersports industry in Vegas for AIMExpo.”
“We couldn’t be more excited with the program MPN is bringing to AIMExpo,” said Cinnamon Kernes, MIC vice president of market expansion. “Education needs to be relevant to today’s market and consumer expectations – and MPN delivers. From AI to human resources and culture. MPN has again raised the bar on education offerings. Dealers really can’t afford to miss these sessions if they are looking to stay ahead of the curve.”
The schedule for the Dealer Excellence program will be available soon on AIMExpoUSA.com. The American International Motorcycle Expo will span more than 280,000 square feet of exhibit space, with more than 26 original equipment manufacturers (OEM), major distributors and hundreds of exhibitors already signed up. Additional New features include The Starting Line, The Backyard and the Digital & Tech Sector, a curated showcase of brands offering the latest digital solutions. Highly anticipated returning features include New Product Central, Dealer Tech Zone powered by Transax Digital Retail, the MIC Business Center, and the can’t-miss Industry Party powered by Turn 14 Powersports, and more.
Registration for AIMExpo 2025 is open and is free for all dealers. AIMExpo has partnered with Connections Housing for discounted rates at the Renaissance Las Vegas, Sahara Las Vegas, The Westgate, and The Las Vegas Marriott. Attendees are encouraged to book their lodging soon to get their preferred hotel.
Meet some of the speakers:
Powersports Dealers vs. Automotive Dealers – Michael Maledon and Vance Harrison
Michael Maledon is President of Elway Powersports, which owns five powersport dealership locations. Michael joined the Elway Dealership Group in 2016, following prior leadership roles with one of the nation’s largest privately-owned automotive groups, and CEO of a highly successful automotive-related business.
Michael Maledon
Vance Harrison boasts a rich career spanning over 25 years in the dealership industry. His entrepreneurial journey began with the establishment of Harrison Eurosports, a multiline powersports dealership in Utah in 2009, which he led as president until 2021. In 2019, Harrison further expanded his business portfolio by establishing Harrison SouthtowneLLC, a Mitsubishi automotive dealership in Utah, where he served as the chief executive until 2022. Vance consistently ranked as a top-5 dealer in annual sales nationwide for BMW, Ducati and Triumph over a 12-year period. Since September 2021, Vance has been serving as the CEO and Chairman of the Board for Motos America.
Vance Harrison
Creating a Cultural Hub – David Diaz and Angela Hieronimus
David Diaz is the general manger of Irv Seaver Motorcycles, one of the oldest and longest continuously running dealerships in the country having been founded in 1911. Diaz has been in the industry for several decades, 30-plus years of which has been at Irv Seaver, where they focus on the BMW brand. As general manager, Diaz ensures that Irv Seaver Motorcycles keeps its finger on the pulse of the industry, and often sets the trend for others to follow.
Revving Up the Fight Against Fraud – Mark Sheffield
Mark Sheffield is a board member of the National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA), currently serving as Strategic Advisor for Woods Cycle Country and Woods Indian Motorcycle. Based in Texas, he has over 30 years of experience in the powersports industry, working with numerous dealerships and organizations, as well as consulting. A passionate advocate for dealerships, he contributes regularly to industry publications and LinkedIn, often promoting fairness between dealerships and OEMs.
Mark Sheffield
4 Pillars of Operations – Justin Quinn, Tom O’Connor, Angela Hieronimus, Maggie Stevens, Alex Reyes
Angela Hieronimus serves as the CEO of Live Oak Dealer Service, bringing over 20 years of expertise in the powersports industry. Renowned for her dynamic leadership and impactful financial products training, Angela excels at driving compliance and profitability. Her mission is to align dealership operations with essential daily changes, facilitating substantial revenue growth and operational excellence.
Angela Hieronimus