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ADV NewsIMS Cancels Motorcycle Shows Indefinitely After A 40-Year Run

IMS Cancels Motorcycle Shows Indefinitely After A 40-Year Run

Insurmountable challenges force IMS to cancel its 2022 tour with no plans to return.

Published on 05.10.2022

After 40 years running, the iconic International Motorcycle Shows (IMS) has announced it is canceling its 2022 Tour with no current plans to bring back the events. Eight nationwide stops were scheduled this year, for which IMS will provide refunds.

IMS has been facing several challenges for some time now. A gradually decreasing number of manufacturers participating had been observed in recent years, in part due to the evolving trend of debuting new models through digital presentations. COVID vaccine mandates, social distancing and masking also created further hurdles which prompted IMS to change their indoor conference-style format to an outdoors festival experience last year. 

International Motorcycle Shows suspended indefinitely

Nonetheless, organizers decided to cancel their 2021 New York stop citing COVID restrictions in the state on gatherings of more than 5,000 people that required proof of vaccination or rapid testing. “We strongly believe these restrictions will have a negative impact on the overall attendance, and we will not deliver the quantity and quality attendance our customers, both exhibitor and attendee, are expecting,” explained the organizers in a statement.


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In spite of these issues IMS decided to carry on and announced their 2022 Tour schedule earlier this year, listing eight nationwide shows from June to November. The press release announcing the complete suspension of the Tour cites pandemic-related challenges that the organizers say prevent them from delivering an event that meets expectations.

International Motorcycle Shows canceled indefinitely

“The powersports industry is at a crossroads with where and how brands promote their products amidst the continued manufacturing and sourcing delays associated with the pandemic. These current hurdles that our brand partners are facing would have made it difficult for us to produce an IMS that would meet your, and our, expectations,” explains IMS. 

IMS PR Director, Lauren Lloyd, further added that although they hope to bring the shows back, there are currently no plans to continue. “We hope to return the tour in the future, but at this time, we are suspending the events for the foreseeable future.” IMS has assured that any tickets purchased or Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show registrations paid for 2022 events will be refunded within seven business days. 

4 Comments
Author: ADV Pulse Staff
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Eric Altman
Eric Altman
May 10, 2022 3:44 pm

Attendance at these shows had been decreasing even before the pandemic. Hope they can figure out how to adapt to the times but unfortunately manufacturers are finding other ways to better reach the public.

Brian
Brian
May 17, 2022 5:16 pm
Reply to  Eric Altman

Went once in Chicago and was underwhelmed at the show, venders and products available to see. The 3 hour trip into Chicago, the ridiculous shuttle and hike from parking which cost as much as the show was not one I’ve made again. And that was Pre-Covid.

Brian
Brian
May 17, 2022 5:20 pm
Reply to  Brian

But IMS shouldn’t feel bad. I used to attend auto shows, custom cars shows and more. Just don’t have the time or need anymore. I’d rather be working on a project-winter or getting outside in all seasons.

DMWI
DMWI
May 17, 2022 5:31 pm
Reply to  Brian

If the liability could be addressed and I was looking for a new ride, an outdoor show that allowed me to ride and compare bikes on and off road-in a closed course environment like Road America or similar venue-would be very interesting. I know-nightmare for planning around weather, cost if venue, commitment from manufacturers- all huge deals.
But for 25 years I attended the Tomahawk Wi Fall Ride to ride Harley’s in the beautiful fall Wisconsin weather.
The night life wasn’t bad with and the weather cooperates most years.
Yes I own a Harley, largely because of that Rally and my ties to Milwaukee. But I also ride single track and adventure bikes. 57 years young for your demographic and marketing.

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