An annual tradition for many Canadian motorcycle enthusiasts, next winter’s Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC) shows will, for better or worse, no longer be operated by Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows (CNSS).

CNSS’ 24 year run of producing the MMIC Motorcycle Shows recently came to an end when the MMIC announced that it decided to move their production in-house.

A nonprofit Corporation, CNSS also produces the “Ski, Snowboard & Travel” and the “Boat & Sportsmen’s” shows in Canada. The company has donated more than $32 million since 1948 in their efforts to conserve Canadian wilderness and foster an interest in outdoor activities in Canadian youth.

“We have been the leaders in elevating the MMIC Motorcycle Shows to an exceptional level,” Laurie Paetz, a previous Motorcycle Shows Manager stated in an email sent to Motorcycle Mojo. “Our vast experience in show management and promotion allowed us to produce the best looking Motorcycle Shows in Canada. We have been notified that effective immediately the MMIC has elected to produce all the Motorcycle Shows in-house. We wish them well in their new venture.”

For perceptive showgoers, the news isn’t a complete surprise. It was clear that something wasn’t right when Kawasaki was suspiciously absent from the Toronto Motorcycle Show, opting instead to attend the North American International Motorcycle Supershow this year instead.

The MMIC considers the change to be a “new future” for Canadian motorcycle shows. Power Sport Services (PSS), a new for-profit company within the MMIC, “will focus on innovation and leading edge management of the motorcycle, ATV and power sport vehicle shows,” according to Bob Ramsay, President of the MMIC and the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV).

A MMIC press release confirmed that Ramsay would also fill the role of PSS President.

“Over the next few months, PSS will be working on the strategic integration of its operations,” said Ramsay. “With close to 200,000 people attending the MMIC and COHV shows each year, we are always looking for imaginative ways to provide more value for consumers and exhibitors of the shows.”

The MMIC added that the establishment of PSS would not only aid in the expansion of the Open Road Powersport insurance program, but given the current economy, also provide the Canadian motorcycle industry the flexibility it needs to improve, grow, and regain profitability.

So what will this mean for Canadian motorcyclists who make the pilgrimage each year to a MMIC Motorcycle Show? Although PSS is remaining tight-lipped for now, is has promised that the 2012-2013 show season will be exciting for the riding community. Clothing optional Fridays anyone?