Posts Tagged ‘ Car Shows ’

Weekend Car Shows & Events Roundup

By Ashley Smissen , March 18, 2013 in News & Events

Events are taking place all over the country and Canada this weekend that allow you to show off your shop’s latest project car, honor industry legends and network with other builders, including the Goodguys’ 31^st All-American Get Together and the Hot Rod Magazine Homecoming. Information on these, as well as five other events, is listed here.

The Megaspeed Custom Car and Truck Show takes place Friday, March 22- Sunday, March 24 at the International Centre in Toronto, Canada. The event will feature pro wrestler Bill Goldberg as the Grand Marshall, and will include appearances by Chip Foose (in the BASF booth on Saturday), Candy Clark from “American Graffiti,” Playboy model Rachelle Wilde and more. Event highlights will include display vehicles by Rad Rides by Troy, NHL star Rick Nash and Kreater Custom Motorcycles, a bikini contest, vendors and live music. Zoo to You will be presenting a display of exotic animals for kids. Admission is $20 a day for adults, $10 for kids ages 6-13 and free to those 5 and under. For more information, go to www.megaspeedcarshow.com.

The Riverside International Automotive Museum will host its annual Legends of Riverside Racing Film Festival and Gala on Saturday, March 23, plus a “Meet and Greet” on the evening of Friday, March 22 for all ticket holders. The event, which will take place at the Museum in Riverside, California, will honor racing legend Bob Bondurant. Event highlights will include a presentation of special awards, a silent auction of racing memorabilia, an autograph signing by drivers and VIPs, cocktail party, live auction, dinner and more. Only 150 tickets are available to the public, with all proceeds going to The Boys Republic charity. For more information, go to www.riversideinternational.org.

How Car Clubs and Shows Can Expand Your Auto Trim Business

By Patricia Kaowthumrong , March 14, 2013 in Business Resources, E-News, Interior

By Naseem Muaddi, The Hog Ring

Naseem Muaddi Placing an ad in a local newspaper is a great way to advertise your business – if, for instance, you’re a restaurant owner whose target market is virtually anyone who eats. But if you work in the highly specialized field of auto upholstery, you can’t afford to waste valuable time and money on broad marketing strategies that provide little in return. To be successful, your marketing techniques must be as specialized as the industry in which you operate.

After all, folks who choose custom upholstery over retail slipcovers are a select few. It’s this niche market – comprised of auto enthusiasts and collectors – whose radar you want to stay on. One of the best ways of doing so is by getting involved with community car clubs and auto shows.

Small auto upholstery shops generally attract customers from within their communities. Involving your business with a local car club can narrow this broad pool of potential customers and provide you with the opportunity to directly interact with those most likely to need your services – folks who you know already have a strong interest in vehicle interior restoration and design.

Weekend Car Shows & Events Roundup

By Ashley Smissen , March 11, 2013 in Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show, News & Events

The 2013 Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show takes place Thursday, March 14- Saturday, March 16 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The only business-to-business trade show for the hot rod and restoration industry, the HRR Trade Show features a full Education & Training Program, in which industry manufacturers will present seminars on their products and provide valuable tech and installation tips. The 15^th Annual Industry Reception & Anniversary Celebration will take place on Friday night at 5 p.m. and will feature music, food, drinks and raffles. The coveted Golden Builder Award will be presented at the Grand Opening Breakfast on Friday morning, as will the Innovation Awards, which go to the New Product Showcase winners. Trade show hours will be 10:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday. The cost to register on-site to attend the show is $10. For more information, go to www.hotrodshow.com.

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing will host the induction of nine new members into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, located in Gainesville, Florida, on Thursday, March 14, during a star-studded induction dinner and ceremony at the Paramount Plaza Hotel & Suites. The event will be presented by the NHRA and Summit Racing Equipment. The nine new inductees will be Dave Boertman, Wally Booth, Bernie Fedderly, Harry Hibler, race team Hirata, Hobbs & Vodnik, K.S. Pittman, Dick Rosberg and Louis Senter. The Founders Award will be presented to Dr. Robert Post, PhD. NHRA announcer Bob Frey will serve as Master of Ceremonies. For more information, click here.

Interior Insights: Preparing for Trade Show Season

By Ace Eckleberry , March 11, 2013 in Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show, Interior, News & Events, Rod Shops

By Ace Eckleberry

Car show season is on us once again! If your shop is anything like mine you are working what seems like around the clock hours. Tons to do and not enough time to get it done. The phone rings off the hook, people bombard the front door and the emails and social network alerts don’t allow for a moment’s rest. Getting ready for the upcoming show season brings high levels of stress but also promises the benefits of reaping the rewards for being properly prepared for it.

I have two distinct types of shows I prepare for: open public hot rod events and trade shows.

Open shows are wonderful events to place your work in front of potential customers in the highest concentration setting possible of a target audience. This is where potential clients have the opportunity to shop for service providers and likewise, it’s a place for you to advertise your abilities. These shows are great and they are bread-and-butter opportunities.

Trade shows, however, are a completely different animal.

Weekend Car Shows & Events Roundup

By Ashley Smissen , March 4, 2013 in News & Events

This weekend is filled with some of the season’s biggest car shows and events including the Goodguy’s Spring Nationals, which kick-starts the association’s 2013 event schedule, and the Detroit Autorama. Here’s information on these events, as well as five other events taking place around the country this weekend.

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association kicks off its 30th Anniversary season this weekend with the 4^th Spring Nationals, taking place Friday, March 8- Sunday, March 10 at the Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona. Event organizers are expecting thousands of 1972-and-earlier show cars to be on display. Other event highlights include the Goodguys AutoCross, which is an electronically timed vehicle speed and agility course; a midway of big rig tractor trailers, high-performance parts and accessory vendors, a used car parts swap meet, car corral and a model car program sponsored by Revell. The event will also feature the first All American Sunday of 2013, in which owners of American-powered show cars and trucks of all years, makes and models will be put on display. Admission to the event is $18 for adults, $6 for kids 7-12 and free to those under 7. For more information, click here.

The 61^st Annual Detroit Autorama takes place Friday, March 8- Sunday, March 10 at the COBO Center in Detroit, Michigan. Billed as “America’s Greatest Hot Rod Show,” the event will feature the 50^th Anniversary Ridler’s Ball on Friday from 6- 9 p.m., which will include the announcement of the “Great 8” contenders. Other event highlights will include a “Ridler’s Row” display, which will feature over 25 past Ridler Award winners; a Toy-o-Rama collectible toy display, Gene Winfield’s Chop Shop exhibit, the Cavalcade of Customs car display, a tribute to 1955-1957 Thunderbirds, a display of musician Kid Rock’s personal vehicles, the “Nitro” Vintage Dragster and Funny Car Cacklefest, the Auto Art Panel Jam & Charity Auction, the “Miss Autorama” Pinup Contest on Saturday, live bands, celebrity guests and more. Admission to the event is $18 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-12 and free to those 5 and under. For more information, click here.

Weekend Car Shows & Events Roundup

By Ashley Smissen , February 24, 2013 in News & Events, Rod Shops

A variety of car shows, cruises and other car events are taking place throughout the United States this weekend, with many of the events benefiting national and local charities. Here’s information on eight events, including the Petersen Museum’s 60^th Corvette Anniversary Celebration and the 20^th Annual Cavalcade of Cars.

The Petersen Automotive Museum of Los Angeles will host its 60^th Corvette Anniversary Celebration on Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2. Friday’s events will run from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and will include a special Corvette exhibit, Corvette values seminar, a racing panel discussion and the Corvette 60^th Anniversary Gala starting at 6 p.m. Saturday’s events will include the Corvette Day Car Show, which will welcome 500 Corvettes and will run from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. All proceeds from the car show will benefit the Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation’s educational programming. For more information, go to www.corvetteday.org or click here.

The 51^st O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels takes place Friday, March 1- Sunday, March 3 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Presented by Denny Guest’s South Oak Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep, the event will include the 6^th Annual Chicago Brushmasters Pinstriper Auction for Hope, with proceeds benefitting Shriners Hospital for Children and the Ronald McDonald House charities. The event will also include live rockabilly bands, a display of traditional rods, customs and bobbers, the Nitro Vintage Dragster and Funny Car Cacklefest featuring Al Bergler on Friday and Saturday, a one-day “Tuner Galleria” that features Euro, import, JDM and high-performance domestic cars, celebrity guest appearances and more. Admission to the event is $18 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-12 and free to those 5 and under. For more information, click here.

Weekend Car Shows & Events Roundup

By Ashley Smissen , February 19, 2013 in E-News, News & Events

Take your latest projects out for a spin at one of the many car shows and cruises taking place this weekend. Events this weekend include the Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance and the Parts Plus AutoRama. Information on these and five additional shows is listed below.

Carlisle Events will present the Zephyrhills 38th Annual Winter Auto & Antique Auto Fest Auction & Swap Meet from Thursday, February 21- Sunday February 24 at Festival Park in Zephyrhills, Florida. Featuring a collector and classic car swap meet, car corral and auction, the family-friendly event will see hundreds of cars crossing the auction block, in categories such as muscle cars, luxury, exotic, classic, racecars, motorcycles and specialty trucks. For more information, go to www.collectorcarauction.net.

The 7^th annual Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance will take place Friday, February 22 and Saturday, February 23 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club in Boca Raton, Florida. The event will include an automobile and automobilia auction in which attendees will have the opportunity to bid on unique cars and collectables with proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Friday’s events will include the auction preview, an automobile art show, a seminar about the past and future of the collector car market, and the DuPont Registry Live Hangar Party at the Boca Raton Airport. Saturday will include the auction, a gala dinner, and a car show featuring 200 collector cars and motorcycles. The Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award and Lee Iacocca Award will also be presented at Saturday’s gala, in addition to a performance by comic Bob Newhart. For more information, go to www.bocacde.com.

Valentine’s Weekend Car Shows & Event Roundup

By Ashley Smissen , February 11, 2013 in E-News, News & Events

This weekend, a number of organizations and clubs around the country are hosting car shows and other events that give retailers the opportunity to show off their latest builds, connect with new customers and fellow enthusiasts, and support worthy causes. Here’s information on six such events.

The 53^rd Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama takes place Friday, February 15- Sunday, February 17 at the Dallas Market Hall in Dallas, Texas. Event features will include a special tribute exhibit to the BatMobile, an exhibit of traditional rods and customs, a two-day Pinstriper Panel Jam and Charity Auction, Meguiar’s car care tip demonstrations and a toy and collectible exhibit. The event will also feature three days of street bike stunt shows and a two-day burnout contest. Admission to the event is $15 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-12, and free for those 5 and under. For more information, click here.

The 63rd Annual Sacramento AutoRama runs Friday, February 15-Sunday, February 17 at the California Exposition Center in Sacramento, California. Known as the “Kustom Capital of the World,” the show is recognized as the premiere custom car show on the West Coast. The show will feature over 450 custom cars, hot rods, motorcycles and specialty vehicles. Presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts and Rod Shows, the theme for this year’s show will be “Aloha!” and car owners and vendors are encouraged to decorate with the theme. The Autorama Awards ceremony, which will include the presentation of the 2013 Custom d’Elegance and King of Kustoms awards, will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission to the event is $18 for adults, $10 for kids 6-12 and free to those 5 and under. For more information, click here.

Weekend Car Shows & Events Roundup

By Ashley Smissen , February 5, 2013 in News & Events

Take your latest projects out for a spin at one of the many car shows and cruises taking place this weekend. Events this weekend include several O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels events and the Long Beach High Performance Swapmeet. Information on these and several other shows is listed below.

Eckler’s Chevy Classics 21^st Annual Winter National takes place Thursday, February 7-Sunday, February 10 at the Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa in Orlando, Florida. Hosted by Classic Camaro of Central Florida, the event will include a free welcome barbecue for registered show participants, a raffle and 50/50, DJ and live entertainment by the band High Octane. The car show will include a 1,000 point judging system and will be open to all 1955-1972 Chevy cars and trucks, 1967-2013 Camaros and Firebirds, 1953-1982 Corvettes and 1949-1954 Chevys for the cruiser class. For more information, click here.

The 53^rd Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels takes place Friday, February 8-Sunday, February 10 at Bartle Hall in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will feature several special displays, including a tribute to three generations of the legendary BatMobile and a 1961 Old Skool Rodz display featuring tradition rods, bobbers and customs. Other event highlights include live chop top and metal work demonstrations by builder Gene Winfield, monster truck car crush demos, an art auction, live music, Meguiar’s Car Care demonstrations and drag race and muscle car displays. Admission to the event is $17 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for those 5 and under. For more information, click here.

Weekend Car Shows & Events Roundup

By Ashley Smissen , January 8, 2013 in News & Events

A variety of car shows, auctions and other events are taking place around the country this weekend. Attending or showcasing your latest build at local or national events is a great way to gain exposure for your shop and mingle with potential customers. Information on seven upcoming events are listed below.

The 53^rd Annual Cavalcade of Customs and Training Expo will be held January 11-13 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Hosted by KOI Auto Parts and Federated Auto Parts, the Cavalcade of Customs will feature a custom car, hot rod and motorcycle show, celebrity guest appearances, live music and more. The event will also include a full schedule of KOI training workshops, including classes for professional mechanical, body shop and management customers that will be taught by instructors from Federated and KOI manufacturing partners. KOI customers will receive a three-day admission pass to the show plus all classes, lunches, and a savings booklet. A vendor area will be set up outside the classrooms that will feature over 60 booths and product displays. For more information, click here.