Conventions Critic

Top Motorcycle Conventions, Expos, Rallies, Events and Festivals

All over the country and indeed, all over the world, bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts will be taking to the streets to visit and participate in conventions, expositions, rallies, rides, festivals and other events. Here are some of the largest and most popular motorcycle events in the U.S.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Pretty much the top event of its kind in the nation, the Sturgis Rally is held in Sturgis, South Dakota during the first week of August. Considered a “classic” rally, due to its inception in 1938, the rally draws motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life, including families as well as die hard bikers. Annual attendance can sometimes reach over 500,000 people.

Americade

This “touring rally” bills itself as the world’s largest. It takes place in Lake George Village, New York every year during June. This event attracts over 50,000 people.

Bikes, Blues and BBQ

This is an event held in Fayetteville, Arkansas during September or October each year. This event starts of with a ride into the city from the beautiful Ozarks. The rally began in 2000 but has since grown to become the fastest growing rally in the world, hosting over 350,000 people in 2006 alone. One of the main events at Bikes, Blues and BBQ is a barbecue. This event also benefits charity and is considered to be very family friendly, with many bikers bringing their children.

Daytona Beach Bike Week

This event consists of a rally, street festival, concerts and many parties in Daytona Beach, Florida. Regularly attracting 500,000 people and up each March, this event competes with the Sturgis rally for the title of the largest and most popular motorcycle event during the year. A motorcycle race is a big part of this event, covering a 3.2 mile course that switches back and forth between pavement and beach. The event is held over a period of 10 days and also hosts a classic and custom bike show as well as a clambake and seafood festival.

Laconia Motorcycle Week

This is another rally type event held each June in Laconia, New Hampshire. Laconia Motorcycle Week features a wide variety of events including vintage races, swap meets, tours, fireworks, concerts, bike demos and bike shows.

Laughlin River Run

The largest motorcycle “run” in the western U.S., the Laughlin River Run is held each April in Laughlin, Nevada. Festivities include concerts, bike shows, charity events and a Poker Run.

Love Ride

A Southern California event, it bills itself as the largest one day motorcycle event. Largely a fund raiser, the ride boasts a range of celebrities as participants including talk show host Jay Leno, a well known auto enthusiast. Also joining the ride, celebs like Larry Hagman, Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Hulk Hogan, Steven Tyler, Mary Hart, Pat Boone, Nancy Sinatra and Pamela Anderson. This event takes place each October and will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2008.

Lydia Quinn writes for PhatSportShades, a leading performance eyewear provider, offering motorcycle goggles. Visit us at: http://www.phatsportshades.com/

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Connections at Conventions

Conventions are like batteries. Unless there is some form of contact or connection,
there is no power or energy generated.

Five simple secrets differentiate the “power person”, who gets the most possible out
of the experience. Not only will you become a “power person”, but you’ll also
recognize others who are, and can connect with them as well.

First, make sure your name is clearly written on your name bade, preferably with
big, dark letters. Wear the name badge on the right side (in the USA), so it can be
easily seen as others shake your hand.

Bring lots of business cards. More importantly, ask others for their business cards,
read each carefully, and comment on it to the person who gave it to you. Say
something about the job title. the company, even the quality of the card. After the
person who gave it to you is out of sight, write a brief note on the back of the card
about the conversation, the person’s interests, or related topics. Within 48 hours
after returning home, write the person a note telling him how much you enjoyed
meeting him. This would be a great time to give him one of your cards, if you did
not do this earlier.

Learn about some of the important contacts you hope to make at the convention,
before you go to it. Use a search engine, the company’s website or other
connections to give you some relevant information. When you do meet the person or
a representative of the company, you will be able to direct the conversation more
appropriately and connect faster.

Conventions can be wonderful opportunities to meet many people with similar
interests, increase your knowledge on an intensive basis and connect with
resources that are new to you. All of this is improved, though, with great connecting
skills. Power yours up, and feel that energy flow!

Katie Schwartz, CCC-SLP, Director of Business Speech Improvement, offers in-person coaching and downloadable e-books on many communication skills. Contact her at http://www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com