Haymarket Exhibitions has announced it will partner-up with the MIA and UK Trade & Investment department to run a stand at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show this December.

The aim of the joint venture is to promote the Autosport International Show (ASI) to PRI’s 42,000 trade visitors, encouraging increased business with the UK motorsport industry.

It is the first time the show has exhibited in this way at its United States equivalent, although Haymarket has regularly sent representatives to discuss Autosport International, Europe’s largest and most important motorsport trade show, with US exhibitors.

“The US is a big market and it’s currently one that is growing,” explained Haymarket Exhibition’s Event Presenter Ian France, who says 300 of Autosport’s 4,000 overseas trade visitors in 2007 were from the States. “This represents the strongest campaign to attract trade visitors, as opposed to exhibitors, hence the stand.

“PRI is huge in America but 75-80% of its visitors are only serving the US market. By going there, we’re embarking on a long-term plan to keep our messaging clear over there; not just
from December to January,but throughout the year. Hopefully this will reach the 20% who are international and maybe even entice a few of the others to consider it.”

PRI and ASI are the two biggest motorsport trade shows in the world, jointly attracting 69,000 industry visitors each year. The two motorsport giants have worked together for a number of years, enabling ASI to bring some heavy-weight exhibitors to the UK including Shell Global Solutions.

Autosport International will run from Thursday 10 to Friday 11 January at the Birmingham NEC. Preregistered ticket prices for members of the trade are £24 per person per day. The Price includes the 2008 Trade Guide.

To register as a member of the trade and book tickets, visit the trade section of  ww.autosportinternational.com/ and click on ‘Trade Registration’.