On March 26, the New Car Dealers Association of B.C. will host the 2013 Vancouver International Auto Show, which runs through the end of the month. Now in its 93rd year, the Vancouver show, is being positioned as a significant tourist attraction, with Tourism Vancouver partnering with the show to highlight some of the accommodation and dining attractions on offer while the show is taking place.
During an interview, Paul McGeachie, the show’s executive director, talked about the partnership with Tourism Vancouver and that it represents an exciting opportunity to promote both the show and the region as a major destination for tourists. He said that while moving the venue to the Vancouver Convention Centre from B.C. Place, has presented a few challenges, such as a need for a new ticketing system, it also presents greater opportunities, from the waterfront location which puts the show within a footstep of Vancouver’s downtown core, to a much improved floorpan space for vendors.
“The new location is much more expedient for the OEMs,” says McGeachie, “with more space.” He says that while the VCC actually means there is less space for vendors in the past, the show’s organizers are doing their best to keep it interesting. Because of the location at the VCC, he says the show is able to draw a larger lunchtime crowd and people with money to spend on new cars. The new location also enables drive ups directly to the front doors and this year, the Green Ride and Drive program is being orchestrated so customers can sample the vehicles right in front of the convention centre. “It’ll make it a much more complete experience,” says McGeachie.
A key aspect of the Vancouver show, is the sit-down gala preview dinner. “Because of the layout of the building we are the only ones that can do this,” says McGeachie. “We like the fact that you can control the table and the centre pieces serve as communicating hubs.” Headline entertainment at this year’s gala preview, which takes place on March 25, comes courtesy of Canadian comedian and actress Jessica Holmes, best known for her work with the Royal Canadian Air Farce.
