We are of the firm belief that everyone should go to an automotive show at least once. Especially those gear-headed enthusiasts who frequent auto blogs. Yep, that would be you. So what’s the big draw to an auto show, you say? In this day and age, what does going to an auto show offer that a few hours on the internet wouldn’t?
Well, for starters, there are actual people at these shows. People — experts, even — that can share much more than what you see on any Instagram or Facebook post. However, before we get ahead of ourselves and tell you why every car enthusiast should visit an auto show, let’s take a look at the many shows that you can attend across the country.
The Big Ones
- Detroit Auto Show: As part of the North American International Auto Show, the Detroit Auto Show will be held in June of 2020.
- Tokyo Motor Show: Buy your tickets now! The Tokyo Motor Show is held late October and early November. Plan ahead for 2020 to see what Tokyo has to offer next year.
- Chicago Auto Show: February 2020 is when Chicago will be chock full of automotive-minded folks — like you!
- New York International Auto Show: Save the dates of April 10-19, 2020 for the New York International Auto Show. It’ll be some big fun in the Big Apple.
- Dubai Motor Show: Spend November 12-16 in Dubai and you’ll have the time of your life enjoying all the Dubai Motor Show has to offer.
- Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance: A calm Sunday in August of 2020 will host the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a spectacular sight to behold for even the most cultured of automotive enthusiasts.
- Essen Motor Show: The first few days of December may bring snow in some climates, but in Essen, Germany, the automotive enthusiasts gather to celebrate what has been, what is, and what’s to come.
These are just a few of the shows going on each year around the globe. There are also plenty of smaller, more local shows around the world at any given time. Perform a quick Google search for your area to find more.
Why You Should Attend an Auto Show
Here are all our reasons you should plan to attend an auto show, in no particular order. No excuses now!
Cutting-Edge Technology on Display
It’s no secret that automotive shows are one of the few places where the big brands can really show off. Sure, you have to endure constant advertisements while you’re there. However, it’s hard to resist the allure of seeing everything up close and in person, or being one of the very first to see a brand new product on display.
Want to get the inside scoop on some of the coolest gadgets coming out? Plan out a trip to the next auto show nearest you. There’s no telling what awesome technology you might see, first-hand.
Peruse and Schmooze
Automotive shows are one of the few places you can view a large number of cars of all different varieties in one spot. U.S. News offers this advice:
“Instead of traveling to different dealers, you can spend an afternoon at the auto show comparing affordable family cars, the latest crossovers and more, all in one location.”
That means less time spent fending off salespeople at multiple dealerships and more time enjoying yourself and the vehicles on display.
Supercars and One-Off Models
No offense meant to the regular models, but auto shows wouldn’t be the awesome experience they are if there weren’t some expensive cars and tricked out contraptions to gawk at.
“Exotic cars from Lamborghini, Bugatti or Koenigsegg are often showcased, as are ultra-luxurious models such as Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Although not many attendees will be shopping for extreme vehicles, these high-end automobiles draw interest and generate excitement when experienced in person.”
You go to an auto show because that’s the only place you’ll be able to see that one-of-a-kind supercar, that modified drift car, or the classic that’s worth much (MUCH!) more than your 20-year-old beater.
A Day in the Life of the Automotive World
Whether you know almost nothing about the automotive industry or you consider yourself an expert, there’s quite a lot you can learn about the car world when you visit an automotive show. From the technology and features put on display, to the latest models that may not have even hit showroom floors, if you want to put your finger to the pulse of the automotive body, a car show is the place to do it.
Window Shop Without the Hassle
Automotive shows are the one place where you can view all the models on the floor without having to worry about an annoying salesperson bugging you. In fact, you can ask an endless barrage of questions and never feel any pressure to actually commit to buying a car. It’s assumed that you’re there to experience the show, not pick up your next new car. At the same time, we do encourage you to speak to the experts that are at the show. Speaking of…
Speak to Industry Experts
The general public isn’t the only audience at a car show. Typically, journalists and news outlets will scout the show for tidbits they can share to their audience. As Edmunds notes, “automakers often hire product specialists to be experts on the cars and answer any questions.” These product specialists typically contain a wealth of information. Whether you want to share the knowledge on your own blog or just seek more information about how a vehicle works, they are the best people to talk to. If you’re looking for a job in the field, they could be a valuable resource as well. Chat up the experts you find and see what happens!
Network for Job Opportunities
Believe it or not, you could potentially score a job from attending an automotive show. We can’t guarantee that it will happen but there’s always that possibility you could speak to the right person, express your desires to be a part of the industry, and make an impression that leads to more down the road. Automotive shows don’t have to be just about the cars. They can be about expanding your network as well.
Blog and Social Media Content
Whether you just want to capture the moment for memory’s sake or to update your social media peeps on what’s going down, an automotive show can be a great source of content. You can connect with other people attending the show, tag the automotive companies you like best, or snap pics to show off your glamorous side in that new sports car you want but can’t afford. There are so many more opportunities to post, tweet, snap, and share. Do it for the gram!
Travel
No two automotive shows are the same. That means you could travel to each of the major shows in a single year and still see something different at each one. Take the chance to see the world — through the eyes of an automobile, that is — and attend a car show. You never know, you may see something abroad that hasn’t hit the American shores just yet.
Be Among the Like-Minded
Like any other industry event, attending an automotive show is about being with people who enjoy and value some of the same things you do. For example, if you find someone at the show who is into the off-road world as much as you are, you two can compare the new Jeep. Or talk about how the all-new electric Mustang SUV. Being part of a community and interacting with members of it is one of the biggest draws of any worldwide event.
Have You Bought Your Ticket Yet?
Make it your New Year’s resolution to attend an auto show in the next year. Be prepared though, because the days will go by much faster than you think. Reserve your tickets, make reservations, but most of all, prepare to enjoy the time you spend at the next auto show you attend. It could be the first in many!
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