There is a new show coming to town and it may surprise you to know that a familiar face is behind the scenes. The Power Sports Adventure Show, paired with the All About Snow Show will kick off in October and invite the world of power sport enthusiasts.
However new the show itself may be, the producer is none other than Nanette Jacques, the driving force behind motorcycle shows in B.C. since 1977 when it was 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 and is moving on to create a new draw that includes the entire power sports industry – not just the 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 dirt bike ride, get out on an ATV and when the snow flies, snowmobiles definitely peak my interest.
“I want to promote all power sports,” says Jacques. “That includes ATV’s, 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 indecisive that January weekend. There were 90km/hr winds, blizzards, white out conditions, freezing rain, sub-zero temperatures and highway mayhem all over the Province.
Show staff was pushed to their physical limits with collapsing tents, cancellation of outdoor festivities and lower than average attendance due to the weather.
I recall Jacque’s 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 has 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,” said Jacques, “and in the eight years I ran it, it became the biggest industry manufacturer’s show in Canada. 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 show would not allow,” continues Jacques.
Jacques hopes a new product introduction show in October will be a better time for Mother Nature to cooperate. If all goes according to plan, not only would she promote all the new products but would also have a used machine marketplace and maybe even an auction.
“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.
The plan is coming together nicely. As a power sports enthusiast herself, Jacques sees endless possibilities for informative seminars, outdoor entertainment like ATV trick riding, freestyle motocross, freestyle snowmobiles, demo courses, kids adventure zone, dirt bikes, and outdoor training sessions like 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, October 13 and 14, 2012 at the Tradex in Abbotsford. Visit www.powersportsadventureshow.com for day to day information.
