After being sidelined by COVID and supply issues, auto shows have roared back to life
I have to admit, there was a period when I questioned what the future might hold for the traditional auto show.
After all, the Vancouver International Auto Show was on hiatus for four years, as a result of the pandemic and subsequent supply chain issues that prevented auto manufacturers from fully participating.
So, there was some trepidation as we approached the planning process for the return of our iconic event for 2024. We couldn’t rest on our laurels and simply fall back on the “same old, same old.” We needed to re-imagine the experience to attract a broader audience beyond the traditional auto enthusiast.
We set out to create an elevated experience and one that accentuated what’s new, what’s next and what’s fun in the automotive industry. We prepared a lineup that included the majority of industry automakers, new features and returning crowd pleasers in the categories of ‘Supercar Eleganza’ and ‘Horsepower Heaven’, an EV and PHEV Test Drive Experience that was second to none, along with a wide array of products, services, auto accessories.
My anxiety was put to rest when the Vancouver International Auto Show not only re-emerged — it roared back in spectacular form, shattering previous attendance records, surpassing even the most optimistic projections, with the number of visitors passing through the turnstiles during the five-day event exceeding 129,000.
And we were not alone. The 2024 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto, recorded record attendance, attracting almost 372,000 attendees, the highest number in the show’s 51-year history. Likewise, the 2024 edition of the Montreal Auto Show welcomed 168,000 visitors, an increase of nearly 14 per cent over 2023.
The 2024 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto, recorded record attendance, attracting almost 372,000 attendees, the highest number in the show’s 51-year history.
Collective research has found that while approximately one-half of visitors come to a show because they have attended previously, the majority of visitors attend to see new vehicles and brands in the market, approximately one in three will attend to help them make up their mind on a new purchase or lease, and the return of popular brands helps to increase the number of auto show “promoters.”
Research has also revealed attendees are attracted to a wider range of features, exhibitors and show content, a wide range of brands — and an increased number of exhibiting brands can positively impact purchase consideration across all ages and genders.
So, as we prepare to raise the curtain on the 2025 Vancouver International Auto Show March 19th – 23rd, direct feedback and research have helped us curate an experience that will establish a new bar for our event.
More than 30 brands will be represented and while there was significant additional interest, all 300,000 square feet of display space is now accounted for — due to overwhelming demand, we are simply out of space.
We wish to thank those brands that demonstrated support when the Vancouver International Auto Show planned its return and did so again this year. For those that cannot be accommodated, we hope to see you in 2026 as we once again expand our event footprint.
The full spectrum of automakers have stepped up their game to compete in the performance space. Our Test Drive Experience has morphed into something special this year, with 47 BEVs/PHEVs from 16 different manufacturers featured.
Among the many features for 2025 will be the return of Supercar Eleganza. building on the spectacular success of last year.
New to the Vancouver International Auto Show in 2025 will be the Elite Dream Machines. It will be an ultimate performance showcase to supercar culture.
Another must see feature of this year’s show will take you Back to The Future! Project Velocity will be honoring one of the most beloved movie franchises of all time, bringing three vehicles from the series to life.
It’s the perfect fusion of pop culture and automotive history, and this tribute is a nostalgic journey through time you won’t want to miss!
Yes — we (collectively) are back, stronger than ever — and we hope to see you soon at an auto show near you.
