Female Leaders in Motorcycling Gather for Groundbreaking Presentation

For the first time, female leaders from major motorcycle manufacturers along with women and motorcycling industry influencers will gather to discuss what’s working and what’s not with efforts to market motorcycling to women.

female leaders motorcycle industry women riders — Women continue to be among the fastest growing demographics of new riders coming to the sport of motorcycling.

female leaders in motorcycling genevieve schmitt — Genevieve Schmitt
founder and editor of Women Riders Now

Longtime motorcycle journalist and founding editor of Women Riders Now Genevieve Schmitt will moderate two panel discussions taking place at the Revved-Up Women’s Motorcycle Rally in San Antonio, Texas, April 28–30, 2017. This family-friendly female-focused educational event, being held at nearby Retama Park Race Track, will include seminars and panel discussions for registered attendees, along with guided rides, vendors, and motorcycle training opportunities.

The two panel topics will address the most common questions marketers in motorcycling want to know, the first being what’s working and what’s not, and the second, what women want?

Panelists include Sarah Schilke, national marketing manager with BMW Motorrad, and the person responsible for the company’s latest marketing efforts to female riders.

Misti Graham is chief marketing officer of Windy City Motorcycle Company, the largest Harley-Davidson dealership group in the U.S. with 13 shops spread over Illinois and Wisconsin. Harley-Davidson leads market share with women riders.

Amanda Rusin, an attorney with Polaris Industries, maker of Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot brands. Polaris just started marketing its products specifically to women.

Kim Knupp as national events manager for Yamaha has had a front row seat to the growth of women in motorcycling. Her career over the last three decades at Yamaha involves talking with riders, women and men, to see how Yamaha can meet their needs.

Tricia Szulewski, creative director and staff writer at American Iron Magazine,has been providing the female perspective for the leading V-twin motorcycle magazine group for nearly 20 years. Tricia is also theassistant editor for Women Riders Now.

Sarah Schilke National Marketing Manager BMW Motorrad	Misti Graham Chief Marketing Officer Windy City Motorcycle Company
Amanda Rusin Attorney, Polaris Industries	Tricia Szulewski Creative Director / Staff Writer American Iron Magazine Assistant Editor, Women Riders Now

Kim Knupp, National Events Manager, Yamaha

As a journalist covering the “women and motorcycling beat” for the last two decades, and a rider herself, Schmitt has been a leading observer of how motorcycling has been marketed to women. As moderator of the panels, she plans to tap into the extensive knowledge and experience of the esteemed panelists to reveal their thoughts on the current state of the industry’s efforts to grow the ranks of women riders. Additionally, shell seek perspective on how they feel the industry could be better offering real solutions to issues facing motorcycling today. Both panels will encourage audience participation particularly on the topic of what women want.

Plan to see these industry influencers for what is sure to be interesting and revealing conversations. “What’s Working, What’s Not” will be held Friday, April 28 at 10:30 a.m. “What Women Want” will be held Saturday, April 29 at 9:30 a.m.

Day passes are available. Early bird prices end March 20th. Visit Revved-UpWomen.comto register, and for more information including the schedule of events and seminars.

5 thoughts on Female Leaders in Motorcycling Gather for Groundbreaking Presentation

Nicole

I agree guys still get the coolest looking stuff that is made great. If companies would just alter exactly what they make them to fit females, that would be perfect. I look for USA-made like Vanson Leathers.Another leather jacket I love is Lewis Leather made in Britain but I don’t think they provide the protective inserts for riding. I have a 1978 Yamaha xs750e and don’t want Harley clothes because they aren’t made well. I just sold a pair of Harley boots on eBay that were made in China. I wear my Belleville flight deck boots instead. That is my two cents, just to let you know there are some different opinions.
Nancy Ihasz

I have been riding since 1979 and I have seen minimal changes regarding riding gear. I have had to wear men’s clothing since I started riding and until recently did not have many choices. I am 6 feet tall and I am not a minority among women. I also wear a size 12 narrow boot. I have had merchandisers tell me to my face they can fit me, but so far no one can. Like I said, I am not the only tall woman with larger feet. One of these years us 6-footers will be able to stop wearing men’s clothing.Harley has a better choice of clothing, but my motorcycle of choice has been Honda, Kawasaki, Triumph, and Can Am. Maybe by the time I am 80!
Cheri Knight

I have the same problem with skiing that I do with riding a motorcycle; men have the lion’s share of the heavy-duty gear/apparel choices. I would rather buy something once and not have to replace it, and look forward to the day when “Women” on the tag means it will last as long as the men’s version. And I love pink, but it isn’t in my color scheme for riding.
Leslie Morlandt

We like big engines and a narrow seat pan. I know most touring bikes can be built much lighter by using titanium, magnesium parts, frames, etc.We love to tour but the bikes are way too heavy and dual-sport bikes are way too high! I would have one of each if I could get my feet on the ground!
Jeanne

Tell them women who ride Hondas and Yamahas and Suzukis, etc. want boots, jackets, and other accessories like Harley has. Everything that looks good says Harley-Davidson.