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.