Auto Shows
Diane DiCola, our Product and Merchandising Manager in Philly, sent this image of setting up for the Philadelphia Auto Show last month. For those that have never had the privilege of setting up an event, anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Even for regional shows, like this one, the logistics are daunting. One year, I had to track down one of our Swedish auto show staffers, “He’s out where our packing crates are stored.” I went out back and the warehouse could have been a scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark. There was row upon row of stacked wooden packing crates, a good 15 feet high. I think the worst part of an auto show is all the new carpet being installed. It gives off some fumes, but the nylon that floats around is really nasty. We all end up with ‘auto show nose.’ Coupled with a lack of sleep, food and cold weather, we all end up sick after the week is over.
The next major auto show for us is New York. We love NY. More about this show in a couple of weeks. The only problem is getting a taxi when you need one. Often we stay near the Javits Center, but sometimes we do not. So tracking down a cab during the afternoon rush hour is, well painful.
dan
4 Comments
When ever I get the chance and attend the car shows (mostly NY), I often wonder what goes into pulling this all together. Each year, the display’s are getting more and more elaborate … this takes a good amount of planning, and labor. Dan, thanks for keeping Volvo “in style”. Your hard work is appreciated by this Volvo fan.
I was at the Philly show and I’ll probably go to NYC too. I know it’s alot of work (and expense) for you guys but I think it pays off as long as you bring something exciting!
Mike, my guess is auto shows are a form of ‘one upmanship’. Some are absolutely stunning and worthless. Although over the years, they have gotten better at recycling materials. Our one in NY is usually a second level type stand. Nothing like Frankfurt or Detroit but still very Swedish. Stop in sometime, at NY.
dan
Hi Paul,
Shows have a three tier level of excitment: watching the stand being build, show day, watching it being packed up. Lots of standing on one’s feet…lots.