Show Checklist
Checklist for Car Shows
Here are some helpful suggestions that will make your 1st annual show more enjoyable and avoid conflicts
This is in no particular order below
· PARKING AREA
o Ensure you have an area to handle expected vehicles
o Rope off show area to keep spectator parking separate from show vehicles
· TRASH CANS
o Car Enthusiast are accustom in keeping their show vehicles clean therefore they will keep your show area clean if you provide trash cans or bags throughout the area
· VENDORS
o Contacts vendors to attend your show. This is an attraction to all car enthusiasts and spectators alike. Check out my VENDORS PAGE for a variety of recommended contacts for your upcoming show. You may charge a reasonable fee for having them display or sell products in your show area to help offset any expenses or for additional profit for your benefit
· FOOD
o Having a food vendor to your show very is important. Car enthusiasts after clean and parking their cars for the show don’t usually drive off to get lunch while displayed at a show. Check out my VENDOR PAGE for food vendors
o Ice Cream vendor is good especially in hot humid weather
· JUDGES
o Judging is a touchy and very important area for all car enthusiasts if you want them to return to your next show.
§ You want to have judges that know what they’re looking for when judging show vehicles.
§ Point system can be a benefit but requires more time so allow for additional time when using the point system.
§ Judge engine compartment requiring hoods to be up during show.
§ Judge interior and trunk compartment should be open while displayed in show
§ Judge overall appearance and cleanliness of the vehicle
· AWARDS
o Having a variety of classes to choose from is ideal. Usually about two to three awards for each class
o Top 25 award usually is the preferred method for most 1st annual shows. Additional awards should be presented as your show increases in participation each year
o Specialty awards are usually a favorite and an attraction for all participants. For example: Best Paint. Best Interior, Best Engine, Best of Show etc… or even make up your own such as an inexpensive plaque(s) for mostly likely to get a speeding ticket (fun awards) bad luck award while driving to the show… most distance traveled and so on…
o Have an extra award on hand for any errors that may occur while handing out awards. For example if you accidentally had two vehicles of the same number called you would have an extra award to save an embarrassment or conflict
o Shop businesses to sponsor your awards to keep your profits maximized without dipping into your funds.
o Provide decent size trophies if you prefer this method or
o Plaques are another option that presents well. They’re easy to handle with no additional time required for assembling trophies
· DOOR PRIZES
o Shop for business to sponsor your door prizes to keep your profits maximized
o Many business use this as a tax write off and help promote the businesses so hit them up for door prizes to be handed out during the show.
o Normally about 4-6 prizes each hour for a 1st annual show is respectable
· MUSIC
o Having a DJ at your show is most essential for playing music, making announcements, passing out door prizes, awards, and more
o Having a good energetic DJ enhances participation from all over
o Quality sound equipment to be heard throughout the show
o Determine a specific location for your DJ to be close to the participants
o Ensure electrical power is available nearby for their equipment (usually 120 VAC is required)
o Book early to avoid date disappointments
o Have your DJ provide games for the kids and even games for adults during the show
o Display awards close to the DJ for announcing awards at end of show
· PLANNING
o Plan ahead. Don’t wait for the last minute to advertise your show
o Hand out as many flyers for your show early
o Go to local shows and pass out flyers
o Do you want to restrict vehicles to certain years for your show? For example limit to pre- 1987 and earlier (making 20 year old vehicles only if your parking lot is small or
o Having an open show inviting all vehicles which will help increase participation if you can handle a large number of vehicles
o Get in contact with car show websites, clubs, points of contact that can include your show to enhance participation
o Will your show be a rain or shine show?… if so plan for a rain date - make that date available on your flyer or website
o Have a radio station announce your show, usually an oldies but goodie station because most car enthusiasts like 50 and 60s music within there error
o Try not to schedule your show on the same date as other local shows
· CHOOSING A DATE
o Try to pick a date with the least amount of attractions ongoing in the local area to increase vehicle participation
o Check out local car site to help decide your date to get the most registrations for your show as possible
· LOCATION
o Choosing a busy location can be helpful as well.
o Car shows on a main drag will draw many spectators to help increase profits by charging a small fee to view vintage show automobiles
· REST ROOMS
o Ensure restrooms are open nearby from local businesses or
o Rent Portal Jons for your show
· SHOW, REGISTRATION, and BOOTH
o Advertise in local newspaper, radio stations, websites, flyers
o Get flyers out and distribute early
o Distribute flyers at local shows not on business counter tops - Get out and beat the bush by passing out flyers for your show – It’s the best method in getting for increased participation
o Set up registration forms
o Provide dash plaques for your event
o Set registration start and closing times and stick to it
o Portable table required for filling out registrations forms
o Plan for trailer parking if space is available
· Additional Profits
o Chinese auction - Get donated items from businesses and sell tickets for auction profit
o 50/50 tickets is usually a plus to help increase funds for your show or benefit
o Check local 50/50 laws to ensure what is permitted or not – Some local ordinance require a license to sell tickets or raffles
o Bake goods
o Crafts
· WHATS NOT PERMITED AT SHOWS
o Alcohol
o Burn outs
o Music playing from show vehicles
o Profanity
o Taking up two parking spaces for one vehicle
o Peddle Bicycles
o Four wheelers, go carts, golf carts, unless used or authorized by Show Staff Officials
o Illegal drugs
Best of Luck and Have FUN!!