Advanstar Roars into Las Vegas with the Launch of Big Twin West

    SANTA ANA, Calif.--May 27, 2003--Big Twin aftermarket manufacturers can now benefit from an exclusive venue designed to market their products to notoriously hard-to-reach western retailers.
    Advanstar Communications today announced the launch of Big Twin West -- a sister show of the popular Big Twin East -- their most recent aftermarket trade event targeting buyers, manufacturers, and builders in the Big Twin marketplace. Produced by The Powersports Group, a division of Advanstar, Big Twin West is slated to host some of the biggest names in American-made aftermarket accessories.
    "The Big Twin market is special in its own right," said Tracy Harris, general manager, for Advanstar's Powersports Group. "For those not familiar with the powersports industry, the Big Twin lifestyle segment is comprised of big, American-made V-twin bikes like Harley-Davidson and Indian. The makers and dealers of these extraordinary bikes, along with the manufacturers and dealers of custom products designed to fit them, represent a group unique from the rest of the powersports lifestyle categories."
    "It is in celebration of this distinctive industry," she continued, "and a desire to reach industry players in the West, that the Big Twin West came to be."
    The three-day trade event debuts Jan. 23-25 at the new Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The convention center boasts more than 138,000 square feet of pillarless meeting space, as well as an adjacent luxury resort and casino.
    "Holding the show in Las Vegas was no accident," stressed Harris. "Not only is Vegas an easy destination for western dealers to reach, but the city is a wonderful networking venue.
    Big Twin West, gives show participants the unique opportunity to conduct industry business during the day and relax with friends and clients in the evenings."
    Location isn't the only concern for Big Twin West creators. The Powersports Group is also serious when it comes to maintaining the integrity of their trade events. The careful qualifying process they use is designed to sift through potential attendees and admit only those applicants genuinely involved in the powersports industry.
    "Manufacturers won't exhibit at an event like this if we don't deliver qualified buyers and dealers," explained Harris. "We know the show's a waste of their time if they're not connecting with serious retailers -- those armed with the authorization and intention to buy."
    "Ultimately, this show was designed to encourage deals," added Harris. "It wouldn't be a Powersports Group trade event unless industry contacts were made, business relationships were strengthened, and sales contracts were signed. It's what a show like Big Twin West is all about."
    The new Big Twin West trade event runs Friday, Jan. 23-Sunday, Jan. 25, 2004 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Big Twin East -- in its third year for 2004 -- runs in conjunction with the Dealer Expo, Feb. 14-16, 2004 at the Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Interested parties can visit www.bigtwinexpo.com for 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, health care, manufacturing and processing, pharmaceutical, powersports, science, telecommunications and travel/hospitality. The company has more than 1,300 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.advanstar.com.