As we head into the final week of 2025 and look ahead to a new year and a new AIMExpo, a longtime, legacy exhibitor reached out to wish me happy holidays and comment on how much he was looking forward to the show. As often happens, the conversation turned to the inevitable question: “So… how’s registration going?”
I shared the numbers: dealer registration is up 8% over last year, 47% ahead of 2024, and overall attendance—including media and allied professionals—is up 25%. There was a brief pause, followed by an enthusiastic response: “That’s great news—why didn’t I know this?”
While 8% may sound modest at first glance, it took an outside perspective to remind me that in uncertain times, positive momentum is exactly that—positive. We know AIMExpo lands right after the holidays, with all the challenges a new year brings. But we’re also perfectly aligned with Anaheim 1, one of the most highly anticipated races of the year. At a time when there are differing opinions about the state of our industry, consumer confidence, and what 2026 may bring, this conversation reminded me of one thing we do know – we know that 2026 will bring our industry together.
The exhibit hall is completely sold out with a waitlist of brands hoping to find a way to participate in AIMExpo; the dealers have registered – more than last year, and hotel blocks are almost completely sold out (YOU CAN STILL BOOK ROOMS AT THE HILTON)! And what 2026 will bring is a gathering of the powersports industry like none other.
As we close out 2025, I hope the season brings you all the success and happiness you hope for and deserve; and on behalf of the AIMExpo and MIC team, I can’t wait to see you in Anaheim next week.
Cheers, Cinnamon
