How To Put on a Car Show

We all have seen advertisements for them. Some have even attended one or two in the past. Some have even participated in one or another as a car owner or as a model. Either way, car shows are the juggernauts of the car world, and can be planned to accommodate everyone who comes. They can be great family events or "racy" (no pun intended) events for adults. If planned correctly, all who come will have a good time.

1. Put out advertising. You want people to come, so it is good to start with advertising right away. To help offset costs, also advertise for vendors to sell stuff to onlookers. Sponsors will be an excellent addition to help pay for costs, such as room space, prizes and other necessities.


2. Pick and plan the entertainment. What kind of event do you want this to be? If you are gearing your car show toward families, look into family-friendly bands to come and play. Get family-friendly people to come dressed as clowns and walk around. If you are gearing this for adults only, take it from there. Get an entertainment sponsor who will provide money in exchange for an excellent sponsor's benefit package that might include preferential space in advertising, among other things. 


3. Create a way for registration. Make sure that you have a way for people to register their cars for participation. It would be good if people register three months in advance. Select an entrance fee, and do not allow any participation until the fee is paid in full. A website set up to take payment is a great way to register people.


4. Prepare for parking. Call the city and ask about parking issues. Let them know that you are having a car show, and see if they can help with keeping the parking in order.


5. Order trophies, raffles and door prizes. People who want to participate want to have something to show for it if they win. This can either be a trophy, cash prize or both. Raffles keep people from leaving to early; they want to stick around to see if they have won. Write on ticket, "Winner has to be present." Make sure it is a prize worth waiting around for. Door prizes help bring the people inside.


6. Make sure that there are plenty of choices for food. Have lots of options for food. It is good to have it in a place that has a food court, but if that isn't possible, solicit food vendors. Stipulate that no other outside food is allowed.


7. Make sure that the public has access to restroom facilities. If the event is located outside, look into getting portable restrooms. Sponsor dollars can definitely be used for this.


8. Bring on plenty of security. Have plenty of security around performing pat-downs and controlling crowds. If people refuse to cooperate, they cannot come inside or must be removed from the premises.