IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 16, 2005 - Consumer attitudes, expanding Asian influence, bike sales and the state of the economy are among the hot topics to be covered at Inroads to the Future VII, the Motorcycle Industry Council Communications Symposium for 2005.

The annual day-long program is a gathering of many MIC member companies, now numbering more than 300. Presentations by industry leaders and guest speakers bring attendees up to date on important issues and provide useful knowledge for the year ahead. Attendance has steadily grown for the past seven years.

"This year's symposium subjects are pulled right from the headlines affecting us all," said MIC President Tim Buche. "We have an impressive lineup of insightful speakers with presentations that cover the vital matters of the day. We expect record attendance at what should be one of our best symposiums ever."

A new speaker for the symposium, Dr. Donald H. Straszheim, will discuss the challenges and opportunities, both present and future, when competing, sourcing or partnering with Chinese firms. Straszheim is chairman and chief executive officer of Straszheim Global Advisors, an independent economics and financial markets research firm focused on China and its increasingly important relationship with Western corporations.

With a broad look at the overall economy, in the U.S., California and other key regions, Dr. Esmael Adibi of Chapman University will review the hard numbers and provide his view of what's to come.

Larry Little, MIC chairman and Cycle World vice president and publisher, will lead an updated presentation on Powersports Standard Protocol. PSP is the real-time, two-way communications system that will revolutionize contact between distributors and retailers.

Discussing long-range forecasting for the motorcycle market will be longtime industry analyst Don Brown, president of DJB / Associates LLC.

Gary Christopher, chairman of the Discover Today's Motorcycling subcommittee, will provide an overview of the communications program that's working to build mainstream awareness, keep motorcycling fashionable and in the news.

For an understanding of the psychology of consumers, a look into the consciousness of the country, the symposium again presents Dr. Paul Leinberger of the renowned research firm GfK NOP.

This will be the second time for the symposium to be held at Joe's Garage, an event hall and auto/moto museum in Tustin, Calif. Beside the classic cars and bikes always on display at Joe's, MIC members will bring a collection of new models and race bikes to add to the symposium atmosphere.