Georgian College puts students in driver’s seat
Each year, students enrolled at the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC) at Georgian College in Barrie get to be part of a unique educational experience.
Students have an opportunity to participate in the Georgian College Auto Show, the largest outdoor, student-run auto show in North America. The event draws thousands of auto enthusiasts over three days from across southern Ontario, and this year’s theme is Driving Innovation Forward.
What makes the Georgian College Auto Show so unique is that it’s run entirely by the students at ABSC. It serves as a networking opportunity that allows students to apply their skills and rub shoulders with auto dealers, manufacturers and car enthusiasts.
Planning for the show starts in October when five students from the diploma and degree programs are hired as members of the organizing committee, including director of community and show events, director of physical resources, director of performance and sponsorship, director of student experiences and director of marketing and media relations.
Throughout the show, more than 150 student volunteers serve as brand ambassadors for the industry and for ABSC, interacting with visitors in a sales-free environment.
The show attracts about 11,000 visitors annually and features most major auto brands, including Honda, Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Nissan, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Fiat-Chrysler, Subaru, Toyota, Hyundai and Volkswagen.
For automakers, this show is an ideal venue to showcase their latest models after the major auto shows each winter.
In addition to new vehicles on display, the show features a live auction with great donated merchandise. A portion of the proceeds will go toward automotive student scholarships. This year, manufacturers will customize their product offerings to align with the show’s innovation theme.
This year’s attractions include the Pfaff Porsche Autocross Wet Track, an expanded Kidzone, the Batmobile and Batman, an expanded Show and Shine that will include mo- torcycles, a Grand Touring Automobiles Exotic Car Display and guest speakers.
With the endorsement of Georgian College, automotive manufacturers, local sponsors, car dealers and the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA), the 2016 Georgian College Auto Show takes place on Friday, June 3 (noon to 6 p.m.), Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Daily admission is $7 for adults, and kids under 12 are free.
A special online rate of $5 per person is available, and parking is included with admission. For more information and for detailed times of all the events, visit gcautoshow16.eventbrite.ca.
TADA has been a long-time supporter of the Georgian College Auto Show.
This year, TADA will be promoting its carsandjobs.com website, a popular hub for men and women looking for careers in the auto sector and for dealers looking to fill available positions; and its education program called Career Start, which includes an educational brochure and YouTube videos.
There will also be involvement from TADA member dealers. This will provide an opportunity to connect with the best and brightest students who are enrolled in one of the most unique automotive education programs in Canada.
If you are looking for an opportunity to indulge your passion for all things automotive, then head over to the Georgian College Auto Show next weekend. For those who attend, it promises to be an unforgettable automotive experience. Bob Redinger is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and is a new-car dealer in the GTA. This column reflects the views and values of TADA. Write to president@tada.ca or go to tada.ca. To learn more about automotive industry news and trends, visit carsandjobs.com.