In lieu of a 2015 North American International Auto Show recap, I thought it would be interesting to give a glimpse into a different show brought to us by our friends to the north – the Canadian International Auto Show held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
I ventured North with a client to take in the show – and it was a great experience. For those of us familiar with the big shows here in the states, with all the glitz, glamour and anticipation that accompany NAIAS, the Chicago Auto Show, the New York International Auto Show and the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Canadian International Auto Show is calmer and more intimate. What do I mean by that?
If a media member wants access to an executive – you will likely find them milling about in the crowd with everyone else. And, unlike other shows (maybe because there are less people and less pressure), they are much more willing to talk to you and answer your questions. The media seem more relaxed at this show – maybe it’s because they are well prepped on what will be unveiled or maybe it’s because they know they’ve got easy access to executives.
While I love getting wrapped up in the hype, the glitz and the glamour of the big U.S. auto shows, the Canadian International Auto Show provided a nice change of pace and the accessibility to media and OEMs that is priceless. Have you been to the Canadian International Auto Show before? Have any tips or tricks to share?
Ann Marie Fortunate is an Account Manager at Franco.