You're in for a treat if you host a car show.The planning of a show can be enjoyable.The show theme, date, and venue are some of the basic things to start with.Get the rest of your community involved by hiring local vendors to provide food, prizes, and entertainment and by seeking out sponsorships from locally owned businesses.A great car show can be pulled off with a little planning and organization.
Step 1: For the show, choose a theme or car type.
Guidelines for your participants and an idea of what to expect on show day are provided by a theme.Classic cars, antique cars and race cars are popular themes.If you include the theme on your announcements, car owners will know if they're eligible.Foreign luxury cars and exotic race cars are invited to participate.All pre-1948 hots rods and American classic cars are welcome at the show."Owners of high-end, highly modified exotic cars are welcome to sign up."
Step 2: A Saturday or Sunday is the best day to hold an event.
Most people are off work on weekends so it's a good time to go to a car show.Check online to make sure there aren't other local shows or events happening at the same time.You won't have to compete with them for attendance.If the first one doesn't work out, choose 3-4 possible dates.When the weather is mild, hold your show in the spring or fall.Most show car owners don't want to bring their vehicles out in the dead of winter, and mid- summer heat could also prevent people from showing up.
Step 3: The event budget should be set.
Determine how much you have to spend and what size you want the show to be.It will cost about $2,000 for a small show.The budget for a medium show with 100-150 cars is $5,000.To make sure you can cover everything, create a running list of estimated expenses.Venues, vendor fees, ticket sales, permits, insurance, advertising, flyers, entertainment, and prizes are typical costs.After each item is finalized, be sure to adjust your budget.That's how you're always working with accurate numbers.If you are short of cash, ask your local businesses to sponsor you.Good options include auto parts/maintenance shops, custom body shops and car clubs.Benefits for sponsors include brand exposure, their logo prominently displayed on all signage, and an opportunity to set up a vendor booth at the show.
Step 4: A venue that can accommodate your needs can be found.
If you own a car shop, you should use your own parking lot.There are local venues with big parking lots.Before making a final decision, be sure to scout each location and call around to discuss pricing.Imagine where the cars will be set up, where you will put the registration area, and so on.Port-a-Potties can be rented if there aren't restroom facilities on site.Consider community centers, VA halls, auto businesses, race tracks, parks, and school parking lots.
Step 5: It's a good idea to buy insurance to cover unforeseen costs.
The venue has a say in what insurance is required on their property.Ask the venue about the coverage requirements.Contact your insurance agent if the show is on your property.Classic and expensive cars are involved in most car shows.It is a good idea to have insurance in case.
Step 6: There are permits required by local city, county, or municipality officials.
You will need at least 1-2 local permits to operate legally.You can find out what you need to do, deadlines, and permit costs by contacting the city offices.You will be ready to go on the show date if you start this process as soon as possible.There are some permits you might need.
Step 7: People can sign up early if you set up pre- registration.
Serious participants prefer to register ahead of time, which is why most shows allow it.If you want people to sign up for a small show, include your contact information on the flyers.Direct people to register and pay the entry fee for bigger shows by setting up a show website.Offer a discount on the registration fee if you sign up early.Participant's full name, home address, and email address are required for registration.The make, model, color, and year of the car.2 weeks before the show, send out registration kits to participants.A map, pre-paid window sticker, parking information, and any other instructions should be included in each kit.
Step 8: Send out event invites on social media.
Post copies of your flyer at local shops and car events.Encourage people to RSVP and share the link to get the word out by creating a Facebook event page.There are other ways to promote your event.
Step 9: Book a food truck for your event.
You can get away with setting up a few barbeque grills at a small car show.If you want a bigger event, go with a local food truck operator.You can book your food provider early by calling around.If you can accommodate your show's size, ask the vendor their minimum rates.
Step 10: You can hire a DJ or band.
Music is a traditional part of any car show and can create a really fun vibe for your event.Before you make any decisions, think about what kind of music makes sense for your crowd.Partnering with a local radio station is a great option.They will provide music, broadcast live, and promote the show at the same time.Speak with the DJ about how to cater to the crowd.Extra hype may be created by hiring a local band.
Step 11: If you want to make announcements at the show, set up an MC.
MCs can make necessary announcements, such as winning raffle ticket numbers, trophy winners, and so on.Look into local MCs who can do the job for your show.If you are hiring a DJ, make sure you ask if they would consider MC duties as well.
Step 12: You can find a local company that will design and provide trophies.
Prizes and trophies are required for your car show winners.Refer to the judge sheets for the number of trophies you need.Get in touch with a local company for design and production.Aim for at least a few large trophies.
Step 13: If you are expecting kids at the show, you should hire a bouncy house.
This isn't necessary if you're expecting an older crowd.If you think your event will draw a lot of community families, consider offering some kind of entertainment for kids.If people can bring their kids, more people will show up.There are other kid-friendly entertainment options.
Step 14: Pick your judges and prepare them for the categories and scoring.
You and your staff can be the judges, or you can bring in experts from local car clubs.If you're using specific point systems, make sure everyone is up to speed on the categories before the show.Aim for a few main categories like Best in Show, Best Custom Mods, and so on.An explanation of the point system and a breakdown of details in each category are included in a pre-made judging sheet.
Step 15: Help participants and attendees by putting up signs.
Make sure bathroom signs are easy to find.You can control the flow of traffic with entry and exit signs."no parking" signs can be put in restricted areas.The emergency exits should be marked and barriers put up to keep the pathways clear.Clear writing on sturdy signs will make it easy for everyone to see them.Ask your local government to provide barriers before you need them.
Step 16: You should remove parking spots for your cars with white spray paint.
The spaces for participating cars need to be marked several hours before the show starts.You can make nice lines with white spray paint if you bring a couple of stakes and string with you.If you're numbering the parking spaces, be sure to spray paint each number in the correct spot.
Step 17: The vendors and entertainment should be directed to their areas.
Vendors and entertainment should arrive an hour early.Help the DJ or band set up in a central location by showing the food vendor where to go.Before anyone arrives, make sure power cords and generators are in place.
Step 18: There is a registration area at the event.
One of your team members will be responsible for keeping a log of participants and taking entry fees.Each participant will be given a window card with their name, vehicle info, and vehicle class on it.They know where to go with the assigned numbered space or clearly marked parking spot.