Motorcycle Show Traders Association

Crossbow Calendar Party Line Up

Crossbow Calendars have announced the line for their 3rd Annual Calendar party at the bikers Mecca the MFN CLUB, Shipley Gate Nott’s on Sat 25th October 2008.
This annual event will follow the very successful format of Bands, Bikes, Babes. Special guests will be 2009 calendar models Karina Holmes & Carla Brown
You can meet them both, get your own photo's, and see over 8 of the best bikes in the UK. Then from 9.00 rock the rest of the night a way with two great bands.
Opening will be the Magnificent "DAYTONA", who will be followed by headliners "GATECRASHER".
Tickets are only £5.00 in advance from the Crossbow website www.crossbow-calendars.com or £7.50 on the night.
The added bonus is FREE CAMPING for guests overnight, so you can have a great night out without any worries.
If you have not been before and know someone who has, ask them what a great night out the Crossbow Calendar Party is, and make sure you don't miss out on this great bike night.

James Toseland at BMF Tail End Motorcycle Show

20th & 21st September, East of England Showground, Peterborough.
Usually referred to as the BMF’s ‘end of season party’, the big news this year is that James Toseland, World Superbike Champion and Moto GP contender, will be taking a break from Moto GP and squeezing in an appearance at Tail End with his band ‘Crash’!

DONINGTON GP

Well judging by the marks given by members in our survey, and the general feedback we have had about the GP, it would appear that things were far from improved, in fact quiet the opposite.
Frequently used comments were bad organisation, not being able to contact organisers etc. All the things we had been told would improve.

If you visited the GP as a punter then let us know what you thought about your MOTO GP EXPERIANCE by dropping an email to info@msta.org.uk

ACE CAFE GOES TO STURGIS!

Celebrating its 70th Anniversary at Champions Park on Lazelle St

Dealer World Inc, publisher of American Motorcycle Dealer (AMD), Dealer World and International Dealer News magazines, as well as owner/operator of the AMD Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building, announced today that it has reached an agreement with Ace Cafe London Ltd to bring the legendary gathering spot for millions of motorcyclists, the Ace Cafe, to Champions Park on Lazelle St.. The Ace Cafe will be a part of the Champions Park entertainment complex along with The Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building, Champions Park vendor row and the S&S Cycle 50th Anniversary celebration.

International Custom Show MSTA Discount & Dates

Following the recent Earls Court Custom Show, Pioneer Media Ltd have announced the dates for the 2009 show (see listings right).
We are pleased to announce that for the second show the organisers are again offering MSTA members a discount.
If you are interetsed click read more below:

DONINGTON BSB WEEKEND

After the first event at Donington Park where the new higher rents were imposed on traders, it appears that many traders voted with their feet and did not support the event. Inside the Exhibition Centre there were only 5 stands booked which increased to 8 only after the Welsh Show on the same weekend was cancelled. As there are normally between 30-40 stands in the center, traders definitely voted with their feet.

Outside was also way down on bookings with a general feeling that there were 50% fewer stands than usual for the event.

This drop in traders must be of concern to the Donington management especially when you consider their blue riband event the Moto GP is the one most traders are upset about.

MORE COMPANY'S GIVE UP, DUE TO INCREASING RENT'S

Sadly over the past 9 month's 8 regular show traders have given up shows completely, due to the ever increasing costs. They have now been joined by BSR Aerotek who after many years of show trading have also had enough.

As we have stated before if this trend continues it will be hard to get enough traders to put on some shows. We are aware of many members who are not going to Donington this year due to the huge rent increase they have applied.

EXETER ORGANISERS HELP TRADERS WITH RENT REDUCTIONS

Welcome good news comes from Bikeshows Europe who aim to support traders at a time when retail is far from its best and when rising costs of fuel only leads to us all feeling the pinch.

With this in mind, they have greatly reduced the cost of indoor space to only £15 per square metre and outdoor space to £32 per metre. Note - Outdoor is charged by frontage only.

At a time when hard pressed traders are facing truly crazy price increases at Donington Park and many other shows, it makes a refreshing change to see an organiser take on board how hard traders are finding things, and react in such a positive manner. Lets hope other show organisers might react to this measure and follow suit.

To book space at the Exeter show contact Billy, on: 01270 623463 or 07775 753966 or Howard on: 0161 9047147 or 07979 244576

DONINGTON TRIPLES RENTS AT SOME EVENTS

Following a meeting with one of the new owners of Donington, we have informed all members regarding the huge rent increases introduced this year.

During our visit we were shown round the circuit and shown some of the improvements being made. Spectators will benefit from upgraded toilets, two new 1500 seat grandstands on the main straight.

Outside traders will see a long overdue drainage system in the trading area, inside traders will also see some improvements.

That being said in light of the current economic situation and trading difficulties, we still find the high level of the rent increases to be totally out of proportion.

Donington stated that they hope to bring Donington Park up to the level of other UK circuits, well they have succeeded in doing that with the rents, lets hope they are as successful with the circuit, and that no further rent increases are applied for a very long time.

COST COMPARISON CHART FOR UK SHOWS

As this is our most read story with 609 reads, we have brought it too the top of the story listings.
Here is the cost comparision chart for the major UK shows.

No 1 being the best value for money
It has been compiled using the cost per square metre rate at each show, divided by the attendance, giving a cost per visitor.

CLICK READ MORE FOR RESULTS