I think they need an alternative show, something that would be cheaper to exhibit but where they can run up engines and the like without health and safety getting to involved. How about a new show, one timed for early march at one of the UK's centrally based race circuits ? It could be huge. It'd be cheaper to exhibit , there would be outdoor events, manufacturers could book allotted time on track to 'perform', there could be the dirt bike layout for motos, you could pre-book demonstration ride outs throughout the day, you could have a fun fair for the kids, wheelie machines, live music and it gets everybody ready for the coming season. dealers could actually sell bikes and make money on the day, exhaust manufacturers can let you hear systems before buying, the list goes on and on. ok it's not going to be carpeted interior although some manufacturers could book those slots I suspect within certain zones, but really, who cares about that? you need to bring the price down but attendance up, bikes don't suit an indoor environment like the NEC. If it feels like a showroom then why not just visit a showroom. Something is missing from the vibe of them. anybody fancy trying to help me get this off the ground for 2015? I think it'd be a cracking idea. i reckon I'd aim for doing it all for less than £10 for adults and a £5 for teenagers between say 15-19 as they're likely buyers, kids go free under 15
Donington park would be good they have had a few bike shows there but i cant remember there being one advertised the last few years? but maybe wrong.
Surely the bike show would do better in Spring. I can understand them trying to boost sales in winter, but an early boost to summer sales would serve just as well surely? I would have thought a lot more punters would be interested in a spring show. One big hurdle at the NEC is the amount the exhibitors have to pay to rent space. I've heard from a magazine editor that it's a ridiculous amount, and that's why none of the mags bother to turn up these days.
I think that the days of exhibitions are coming to an end. The annual "Ski Show" has been on in London this week. In years gone by the place was full of retailers selling last season's kit at a discount and was promoting next seasons kit. This year there were fewer stands for a start, but those that were there had a few mannequins and a whole host of pc terminals so you could buy on-line. There has never been so much cleverly disguised "storage space" on the floor as this year either.
The lads at my local bike shop talk to quite a few companies that used to have stands at the nec and they say that with the cost of renting floor space at the nec/travel/hotels/parking and all the other costs that they are lucky if they break even and with buying online everyone can now get a cheap deal and have it delivered to there door without having to pay about a tenner to park and a fiver for a greasy burger.
We go down every year. Night out in brum before then stagger around hungover for 3 hours before well decide we don't want / need anything. Worth it for the beer / strippers though
A few years ago I did an overnighter at Birmingham, go to the show and hit the beer after, stay in a hotel and go home the next day. A week later I went to Poland on the smash. 3 nights in a decent hotel and 72 hours of solid debauchery cost me a hell of a lot less...
Totally agree - looked at prices for an overnight stay this year and Hilton Metropole which I think is on site want well over £100 for one night. Looks like an early start and late trip home
Well my plans for a Monday visit have been thrown right into the shitter (staff shortages at work) so its looking like a Sat visit. Probably the second Sat I think
Motorcycle Live, NEC - 23rd November - 1st December 2013 So who's going? And is anyone going specifically on Monday 25th? :smile:
