Students helm top Canadian auto show
When I visit high schools and post-secondary schools, I am inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of the students I meet.
One particular group of students, who attend the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College in Barrie, have never failed to impress me.
What is remarkable about these students is that they produce the annual Georgian College Auto Show, the largest outdoor, student-run auto show in Canada. Automotive students serve as student directors and ambassadors of the show, and each student has a specific role to play in this event.
The Georgian College Auto Show requires a full year of planning. Last year’s show attracted more than 10,000 visitors from across southern and central Ontario.
Five student directors are appointed for various roles: marketing and media relations, student experience, site management and logistics, customer experience, and performance and sponsorship. The automotive students in the ABSC’s degree and diploma programs serve as brand ambassadors.
This type of involvement gives students an opportunity to apply their skills and network with the public and with auto industry people.
For consumers, this is a sales-free environment, so there is no pressure at the event to purchase.
This 2018 Georgian College Auto Show takes place June 1-3, at the Georgian College Barrie Campus, and this year’s theme is “Drive The Future.” This is an appropriate theme to describe the current developments in the automotive world.
The role of transportation is undergoing a fundamental shift as exciting new technologies and mobility options are being introduced.
Marketing is key to driving awareness and attendees to the show.
This year’s show will utilize radio broadcasts, highway signage, Instagram and Facebook posts, and more. Watch out for the show in your social media news feeds.
Exhibitors include Acura, Mazda, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Honda, Ford, Porsche, Volkswagen, Toyota, General Motors, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln, Nissan, Hyundai, and Subaru.
The 2018 Georgian College Auto Show will feature many of the popular exhibits and events as previous years, such as the Photo Booth and Kid Zone.
The popular Pfaff Autocross Track is returning, providing car enthusiasts with an exciting off-road experience. A minimum $5 donation will give attendees their own escorted test drive on the auto track. All donations this year are in support of Youth Haven in Barrie.
Among the highlights are the Plug and Drive station, where electric vehicles will be available for show and test drives, as well as show and shines on Saturday and Sunday for all who want to participate.
Both tuner cars and muscle cars will be featured there as well.
Again, this year there will be an auction on Saturday, with manufacturer merchandise, sports tickets, golf green fees and electronics up for grabs.
All proceeds will be going toward student awards and scholarships for the Automotive Business School of Canada.
New exhibits and features include a bouncy castle and ebikes for kids, as well as new food vendors such as Smoke’s Poutine, Montana’s and Pita Pit.
Georgian College benefits from many corporate sponsors, which include major automakers, retailers, local media companies, dealer groups and also the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association.
The first day of the show, Friday, will be Pay-What-You-Can Donation day. For Saturday and Sunday, admission is $5 online and $7 at the gates. Kids are free.
The auto show hours are Friday, June 1 (12 noon to 6 p.m.), Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
I don’t know how the automobile designs and technologies will evolve over the next 10 or 20 years, but I do know that it will benefit immensely with students like these working in our industry.
For more information about the Georgian auto show, visit georgiancollegeautoshow.ca.