A car show “extravaganza” is a fantastic
opportunity to bring a community or special interest group together –
for more than one cause. Planning your car show event is not an easy
task but the process can be simplified and efficient. The most
important steps to planning your extravaganza are as follows:
The Organizers
You can be the sole show organizer or it can be a
joint venture with another group. Whichever way you decide to go, there
is a lot of face-to-face coordination involved. Also, it may be
inconvenient to get everybody to together at a meeting on the same day.
But you will need to make sure that everybody knows what’s going on and
be reminded of their role and responsibilities. You’re probably
wondering how to accomplish that because coordinating people is a major
feat itself. Here’s where Atlanta Antique Car Club comes in with those
hard-to-find resources. We recommend staying in contact with helloWorld
– Video e-Mail. It is easy, affordable and so much better than phoning.
The Event
Plan a car show with a fun and festive atmosphere
for the whole family. Plan a luxury and performance car and bike event
dedicated to the automobile industry – featuring the best possible
cars, motorcycles, limousines, customs, and art cars available because
this is the “attraction”. Varying your selection of automobiles and
automotive products is what will give your show the extravagant factor
and take it over the top.
The Venue
Location, location, location. This is where your
show will go down in history. Because of the nature of your event,
selecting a venue that is unique is very important. It must have an
acceptable floor plan to accommodate a large crowd, registration,
bathrooms, many exhibitors and vendors, and ample parking spaces for
visitors and show car trailers.
The Theme
Classic cars, food and old music are the right
formula for an old-school theme and goodtime. Dressing in period
clothing can add nostalgia and interest, too. And, when the 50’s music
starts, your visitors will be taking a trip down memory lane. Check out
this 50s party in a box to get your creative juices flowing.
The Attraction
If this is your main event of the year, it should
be a festive “extravaganza” representing a vintage and classic car
lifestyle. Whether it is one day or held over a few days, it should
have a dramatic theme to set the stage for beautiful motorcars and
beautiful people. Your car show should be the hottest ticket in town –
not the most boring. So pull out all of the stops and go for it!
The Multi-Task Team Building
The people behind your car show are a very
important component – especially the creative team. Here’s a tip that
will pay dividends. Keep all of your volunteers happy because they
comprise the logistical teams to perform the multi-tasks, at no cost.
That being said, the creative team is responsible for planning the
theme and working with the committees to get it done, under budget and
on time.
The Vendors or Us
Buying, cooking and selling foodstuff has its
advantages. On the other hand, your event may be so huge that you won’t
have enough hands to flip burgers quick enough. Inviting vendors is a
good thing as long as they:
- Carry insurance
- Be liable and on-time
- Be very professional
The Fundraising
Make your car show extravaganza make money –
without spending a lot. How? Use your church parking lot or a donated
venue. Be your own vendor by cooking and selling food and beverage –
that’s donated or bought at discount prices. What you spend upfront
will make a big difference on your bottom line. Sell tickets for a
raffle, special attraction, etc. Charge a small fee for parking lot
spaces for swap meet vendors. Or, collect donated sale items from your
members for 100% profit. Ask for donated folding tables as well as
monetary donations (if you are a nonprofit organization). Write and
publish FREE public service announcements to announce your event –
giving them at least two weeks lead-time. Tell everyone to tell
everyone. Get the word out for FREE.
The Sponsors
Sponsors are companies who wish to be associated
with your car show and visitors. A great car show is an event that
sponsors would like to be associated with so keep that in mind when
building your sponsor relationships.
The Exhibitors
You will want to round off your show with
sponsors, food vendors, swap meet vendors, disc jockey, musicians,
bands, bike performances, etc. Because when it’s all said and done,
it’s all about having a good time so give your visitors variety, thrill
and excitement. When they’re happy, they tend to buy from exhibitors.
The Visitors
Vintage and classic car show visitors are unique.
They are in a class by themselves. They are a special group of people
who live the old-school car lifestyle. They are car collectors,
enthusiasts and wannabes – with buying power. They are a group who
recognize and respect universal status symbols and the finer things
that money can buy. That being said, your car show visitors deserve the
very best show you can provide.
The Media
Last but not least, you will want to invite the
media to make them your partner for all of your car show extravaganzas.
As I’ve stated, you must encourage volunteers to tell everyone but
telling the media is your best bet. A public service announcement will
cover a greater audience and territory than you will be able to do by
word of mouth. Another form of ‘media’ is flyers, banners, your web
site where people can visit your site for information about upcoming
events. In fact, you should be advertising your car club, group,
organization at all times and I.D.IT!PLATES is a great way to drive
traffic to your web.
Planning and implementing a car show won’t be easy
but if it was it probably wouldn’t be a car show “extravaganza”. Use
this outline to get started with your first car show. Having a plan
will help you to stay focused and efficient – while keeping it simple.
After the show, you will want to see pictures that tell the story about
your success. So ask all volunteers to bring a camera to snap lots of
pictures of event activities and car enthusiast having fun. Please
don’t forget to share your pictures with Atlanta Antique Car Club's
photo gallery - for the entire world to see.
About The Author
Tonza Borden is the developer and administrator ofAtlantaAntiqueCarClub.com. She is a
successful home-based communications specialist. Collecting antique
automobilia is her hobby. Learning all about vintage automobiles is her
passion. Visit http://www.atlantaantiquecarclub.com
or contact tonza@atlantaantiquecarclub.com
for written permission to reproduce for noncommercial use ©”How To Plan
A Car Show Extravaganza and Fundraiser “ giving credit to the author.
tonzaborden@atlantaantiquecarclub.com | 