ABSC students working the VW booth.
It’s an annual rite of passage for the community of Barrie and for students at the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC): the Georgian Auto Show.
With this year’s theme “Drive the Future,” the largest outdoor student-run auto show in Canada was held June 1-3, on the campus of Georgian College in Barrie, Ont.
The 33rd annual show gives ABSC students a chance to put their education to practice to produce a large-scale event, and meet possible future employers.
While many students are involved, there are only a handful each year selected to act as the event’s directors who look after things like marketing, sponsorship, recruitment and training, event logistics and community events.
Tyler Celli, the 2018 Student Director of Marketing and Media Relations, kicked off the official opening on June 1st, with an address to assembled dignitaries, industry leaders and his fellow students and staff at the college.
Three of the Georgian Auto Show Directors.
“We want to personally acknowledge our manufacturers. We appreciate the amount of time, effort and coordination you put into making our show successful this year,” said Celli. “Thank you for your time and training. Our students have become even more passionate about our industry and have the incredible opportunity to network with leaders and potential employers and are ready to showcase everything you have to offer.”
Jason Dale, the ABSC’s new Executive Director thanked manufacturers, sponsors, and the college staff for their efforts. “A special thanks to our student directors. You have done an outstanding job planning and organizing this year’s show. You should be very proud,” said Dale. “Putting together an event of this size and scale is no small feat. I commend your dedication, creativity and hard work.”
John White, President and CEO of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, offered some encouraging words for students. “This business is an exciting place to be. It’s an environment where good talent, such as yourselves, is — and will continue to be — in very high demand. You guys have chosen well,” said White. “Students will come to recognize that the skills they garner from putting together such a show will be put to very, very good use once they transition into business. To be successful, today’s automotive leaders need to espouse positive teamwork abilities and possess excellent soft skills.”
Tyler Celli, Student Director of Marketing and Media Relations.
White also used the occasion to launch the Auto Career Start initiative. “CADA, together with our provincial associations, have joined together to create a national marketing, media and awareness initiative aimed at attracting skilled talent such as yourselves to the broad range of great jobs that exist in our dealerships,” said White. “This has been developed targeting you millennials, women, new Canadians and our veterans.”
Apart from the manufacturers exhibits featuring the latest models, this year’s show featured the Electric Vehicle Driving Experience, the Pfaff Autocross Track, Yamaha mini bikes, a live auction, an alumni picnic, an expanded KidZone, and other special features to keep the local crowds entertained and engaged.
The 2018 Georgian College Auto Show Student Directors were: Karianne Hubert, Student Experience; Tyler Celli, Marketing and Media Relations; Daniel Filipowitz, Site Management and Logistics; Joshua Katzman, Performance and Sponsorship; and Kayla Kille, Customer Experience. Follow #GCautoshow for photos and videos.
John White, President & CEO CADA drops by the Auto Career
Start booth.
