Keys To Producing A Successful Car Show

Financials & Budget

The foundation of every car show is early, detailed financial planning and budgeting. A well put together budget will guide execution of the show, set marketing priorities, and establish the number of spectators, sponsors, fundraising dollars, and exhibitors needed to break even and make a profit.

Typical revenues include:

• Vehicle exhibitor entrance fees
• Spectator fees
• Sponsorships
• Vendor spaces
• Product sales

Typical expenses include:

• Venue, trash, & traffic control
• Insurance & permits
• Security, & crowd control
• Flyers, signs, website, social media
• Awards, plaques, shirts
• Sponsor marketing
• Entertainment
• Volunteer recognition

Restrooms & Trash Collection

Not to be under-estimated! Make sure there are ample restrooms distributed around the show area and signage to the nearest restrooms. 

Trash receptacles need to be plentiful and may need to be collected mid-show to keep trash going into them instead of on the ground. Be sure there is sufficient trash collection capacity.

Awards & Trophies

Plan some unique trophies and awards for exhibitors and arrange for a small number of judges that are well respected in their assessment of cars. Too many awards are a problem. Judges that don’t know about cars are also a problem.

Consider offering naming rights as part of a sponsorship or as a separate purchase opportunity.

Organizing Committee

Establish an organizing committee early in the planning cycle to lighten the load of everyone involved with planning and execution of the event. The primary responsibility of the group is to:

1. Assign a Show Director in charge of the show
2. Create a detailed plan for execution
3. Assign action items and delivery dates
4. Manage volunteers, sponsors, & exhibitors
5. Organize registration and marketing

Venue Selection

Hold the show at a location of significance. If you are a shopping center or mall, hold it in the parking lot and street out front of the property. If you are a business organizing the show as a marketing activity, hold it at your business to generate sales and clients. If you are a city or community, close down the central streets of town and involve as many groups and businesses as you can. If you are a non-profit, find a meaningful location that can facilitate everything you want to do at the show.

Traffic & People Control

The traffic & people plan needs to include:

• Exhibitors, vendors, and sponsors traveling in and out of the show area
• Spectators coming in and out of parking and the show area
• Appropriate signage for all involved
• Controlling access to any restricted areas

Typically the local fire and police departments will be part of the planning process to make sure there is sufficient access in the event of an emergency in the show area.

Entertainment

After seeing about 5 cars kids and adults that are not interested in cars will be bored at the show. Spend a lot of time and effort making the experience fun for this group of spectators so that the non-car lovers can enjoy the show too. Include kids activities, food, coffee, music, and games. 

A great way to bring in more activities is to encourage sponsors, vendors, and exhibitors to all bring an activity.