Promoter Breaks New Ground With Power Sports Show

News

By Marissa Baecker 

Vancouver (BC) Sun

There is a new motorcycle-related show coming to town and a familiar face behind the scenes.

The Power Sports Adventure Show, paired with the All About Snow Show, will kick off in October to the delight of power sport enthusiasts.

However new the show may be, the producer is none other than Nanette Jacques, the driving force behind motorcycle shows in B.C. since 1977 when they were held at the PNE under the name Cycle Canada.

Having produced the Vancouver Motorcycle Show since 2004, and after Mother Nature played havoc with the 2012 show, Jacques has stepped aside from that annual event to create a new draw that includes the entire power sports industry-not just motorcycles. The Vancouver Motorcycle Show will continue in January, but with a new producer.

A great number of riders simply change machines when the temperature drops.

Personally speaking, when my bike goes in the garage for the Okanagan winter, I look forward to an opportunity to ride dirt bikes and get out on an ATV. And when the snow flies, snowmobiles definitely peak my interest.

"I want to promote all power sports," Jacques explains of her new enterprise. "That includes ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles and even personal watercraft."

Jacques admits that this last year with the Vancouver Motorcycle Show was the most challenging in the 30 years she has been producing outdoor shows. You may remember Mother Nature being somewhat, well, angry that January weekend. There were 90 km/h winds, blizzards, white out conditions, freezing rain, sub-zero temperatures and highway mayhem all across the province, including the Tradex Center in Abbotsford.

Show staff was pushed to their physical limits with collapsing tents, cancellation of outdoor festivities and lower than average attendance due to the inclement weather.

I recall Jacques' opening comments on the PA system Saturday morning, the third day of the VMS, "Welcome everyone to the Siberian Motorcycle Show."

Jacques is well aware of the challenges that a start-up show faces, but says she is up for it. The inaugural Power Sports Adventure Show together with the All About Snow Show will be a two-day event, but not for long as Jacques plans to grow it.

"I took over the Vancouver Motorcycle Show and in the eight years I ran it, it became the biggest industry manufacturer's show in Canada," she noted.

"I am excited to be starting with a clean slate. I like having the creative freedom to plan and grow a new show."

After eight years on one project, ideas may increase but the boundaries do not.

"This project will give me a chance to do things that an industry would not allow," she continued.

Jacques hopes a new product introduction show in October will increase the chances of Mother Nature cooperating with some good weather.

"I would like to offer a variety of entertainment that can be held outdoors without having to worry too much about what the weather might do," adds Jacques.

Also, if all goes according to plan, the show will promote not only new products but also feature a used machine marketplace and maybe even an auction.

The plan is coming together nicely. As a power sports enthusiast, Jacques sees endless possibilities for informative seminars, outdoor entertainment (i.e. ATV trick riding, freestyle motocross, freestyle snowmobiles, demo courses, kids adventure zone, dirt bikes) and even outdoor training sessions such as avalanche safety.

"For me, putting on a show is like hosting a party for all of my friends. I want to make sure there is something for everyone to do; something that appeals to all, lots of entertainment and I want people to walk away with a sense that they received good value for their time," said Jacques.

The shows will be held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13 and 14, 2012 at the Tradex in Abbotsford. Visit www.powersportsadventureshow.com for day to day information.

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