Canadian International AutoShow celebrates 40th anniversary with charity gala
Tom Tonks has seen a lot of changes in the auto show business since he took the reins more than 30 years ago. That was in 1982 when movies like E.T. The Extra Terrestrial and Rocky III were big at the box office. To help celebrate just how far the event has come, and to raise money for charity, the organizers of the auto show are holding a big 40th anniversary Charity Gala on November 16, 2012 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
“It connects the past and the present, and gives us a chance to recognize all those who have made a contribution,” says Tonks, the show’s General Manager giving a recent interview at the Canadian auto dealer offices. Tonks says the auto show is always a first class event, and the charity gala will be no exception. Organizers have hired top-notch celebrities to attract attendance and build the event’s charitable value.
Apart from auto industry heavyweights who will be decked out in their finest, celebrities include Scott Goodyear, the world renowned racing champion (who will be the evening’s Master of Ceremonies), Canadian movie and comedy star Dan Aykroyd, comedian Mike Bullard and others. Proceeds from the event will be directed to the Trillium Automobile Dealers Foundation (TADF) in support of Ronald McDonald House, the Trillium Gift of Life Network and the Canadian Safe Schools Network.
MEMORABILIA FOR SALE
Those with a connection to the show and to the role of the automobile in Canada’s history will be sure to attend and the bidding will be intense on some one-of-a-kind collectibles that will be on the auction block. This includes a limited production customized Canadian International AutoShow 40th Anniversary Camaro ZL1 created and developed as a motorsport tribute vehicle. “I’ve seen the prototype drawings. It’s going to be a spectacular vehicle with compelling custom graphics,” says Tonks, adding that it will celebrate the achievements of drivers such as Paul Tracy, Scott Goodyear, Ron Fellows, Richard Spenard and Alex Tagliani. Their likenesses will be air-brushed by artist Ron Gibbs. Ken Dallison is also creating a painting of these legends of Canadian motorsport, and there will be a specially designed Camaro hood which will have similar graphics to the Camaro ZL1, and other collectibles. “There will be great interest among automobile dealers and collectors alike to obtain this one-of-a-kind vehicle,” says Tonks.
The musical lineup includes the 905 Band, whose various members have played and recorded with Canadian music legends Lighthouse, Crowbar, King Biscuit Boy, David Clayton Thomas, Paul Anka and the Downchild Blues Band. Might there even be a guest appearance by Elwood Blues?
ENTERTAINMENT VALUE
Based on the success of its first 40 years, the show has a lot to celebrate. As the leader of Canada’s largest auto show, Tonks has been the architect of many of the changes introduced over the years. “The show will always be first and foremost to sell new cars and trucks — but it’s also entertainment,” said Tonks. In the first year he took over the show, Tonks says he broadened the marketing to include more media partners, and more public relations efforts — and it worked. “I guess we did something right,” he said, adding that the show doubled in attendance the first year he took it over.
Tonks developed the theme of the “total automotive experience” to broaden the show’s appeal. He also recruited sponsors to help offset the costs of the other exhibits and pavilions. “It’s a constantly changing tableau,” says Tonks. Some special exhibits, such as the Shelby Project, are planned as far as 30 months in advance of the show itself. Today, the show is internationally recognized as the largest consumer show in Canada — and is one of the largest automobile shows in North America.
A BRIGHT FUTURE
In terms of where things are headed for the auto show industry itself, Tonks says the industry is now “perched right on top of big, great new things.” He says the revolution in product development towards electric vehicles, hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles has really come into its own. “That is where things are really headed,” he says. “It was kind of anticipated decades ago, but nobody thought that it would happen as fast as it has.”
The options for consumers in terms of fuel economy, design, safety, handling and features have never been better, he says. “It’s an amazing time to be shopping for a new vehicle,” says Tonks. “It has caught the public imagination. More people are interested in automobiles than ever before.”
SPECIAL VIP MEET AND GREET
The charity gala event features a cocktail reception in the Constitution Hall Lobby, followed by dinner in Constitution Hall. Tickets are $300 per person or you can purchase a Table of 10 for $3,000. For those who want to rub shoulders with the celebrities, they can purchase a VIP ticket for $350 (table of ten for $3,500). This gains you access to a “meet and greet” reception with Dan Aykroyd, Scott Goodyear, Mike Bullard and other celebrity guests. As part of that event, you can also enjoy a taste of Dan Aykroyd’s wines and his Crystal Head Vodka.
Tickets online at: www.autoshow.ca/cias40
CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AUTOSHOW FACTS
• In its opening year in 1974, the show was held at the International Centre and attendance was 80,000.
• The CIAS is the largest consumer show of any kind in Canada in both size and attendance averaging more than 300,000 attendees in recent years.
• About 500 people are needed to run the show including 100 catering people required to feed the staff and press.
• There are over 125 exhibitors with approximately 1,000 cars and trucks on display.
• The estimated value of the exhibits at the Show is $60-million (not including the cars).
• The estimated value for the cars is another $30-million, not including the classic car exhibit — of which some vehicles are priceless.
