This month's Australian Motorcycle Expo Melbourne marks a milestone 10 years since the first event was opened to the public back in 2001.
Housed in the Royal Exhibition Building, it provided a chance for the motorcycle industry to showcase new models and products to enthusiasts who had never before had a standalone two-wheel expo to attend.
In 2010 the event's original purpose hasn't changed, but its size has, with floor space now doubled to accommodate over 120 exhibitors including all of the major bike brands.
Focus has also been placed on entertaining and informing, making the event one the whole family can enjoy.
Event Manager Mark Petersen said the Australian Motorcycle Expo's success is a testament to the passion of those involved in the industry.
"It was a huge thrill to open the doors to the Royal Exhibition Building back in 2001 but within a few years the show had well and truly outgrown the 7,500sqm floor space," said Petersen.
"This year's event will cover over 15,000sqm of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with more bikes on display than at a motor show.
"The quality and variety offered grows with each event, and exhibitors have been proactive in their reaction to tougher economic conditions in past years."
Petersen also reflected on the changes that have taken place over the past decade.
"In ten years bike sales have soared and the bikes themselves have gotten faster and more powerful, and concepts and prototypes that were once only a sketch are now pulling up next to us at the traffic lights.
"Scooters are now mainstream, retro styling is back and it's not uncommon for bikes to have an extra wheel or two.
"The focus on economy and environmental efficiency has led to the creation of cleaner, greener machines and electric motorcycles have made it to the production line and shown they are here to stay.
"The Australian Motorcycle Expo itself has hosted a raft of guests including many world champions, and staged events including the country's first EnduroCross meet, Supercross Skins, FMX Pro Tours plus mini moto, trials and street bike stunts.
"We've even had a Miss Universe emerge from our promo team!"
This year's event runs from November 26-28 and organisers are anticipating large crowd numbers as Victorians travel across the state to attend the first event in Melbourne since 2008.
