Surviving the big event
Take it from this seasoned pro: you really need to be prepared
For nearly two decades, Jim Martyn was a mainstay at the Canadian International AutoShow, working for this manufacturer or that one. He was one of those people you find standing around exhibits, ready and able to answer any and all questions. The Star asked him to jot down some notes about how visitors should prepare for the auto show.
After nearly two decades at “The Show” it seems rather matter of fact . . . but it also became almost instinctive. It was never “work.”
It seems only logical, but I’ll say it anyway: get a good night’s rest before setting out. If you want to make the best of it, you have to know that the show runs from noon until 10 p.m. And that’s just the short opening day.
Speaking of the first day, discount ticket prices end at noon on Friday, so if you want a deal, get your tickets early.
It’s a 10:30 a.m. start every day after. Not so early to fight the people who work downtown, but you’ll get a head start on everybody else. If you take it all in, it can be a very full day.
Check the website to make sure you don’t miss any of the special attractions. There are some great ones this year, such as Fifty Years of Grand Prix Racing in Canada, the Art and the Automobile exhibit from the Cobble Beach Concours and the restored masterpiece’ from Legendary Motorcar.
Asking questions will keep your day interesting. Talk to the staff. If they have to ask another representative for an answer, everyone’s the better for it.
Essentials before you leave the house should include debit card, keys, coats, whatever shoes the weather dictates (maybe a backpack if you want to take a second, more comfortable, pair) and fluids. Water is a prerequisite because the comfortably heated environment is usually drained of a noticeable amount of humidity and, by the end of the day, your eyes, skin and throat can get parched.
And your phone. Don’t forget your phone!
Go to the North building first (it’s on Front St.) if you’re travelling with a small party. Go South first if you take the family. Some of the youngsters (8 and under) would probably have a better time in the supervised VW children’s play zone while the bigger kids look at cars.
Speaking of preparation and kids, I’d like to pass along a borrowed idea. Some parents equip the little ones with a “business card.” It’s a little note that can be tucked into a pocket with their name and mom or dad’s cell number.
Make use of the coat checks so you don’t have to lug around bulky winter outerwear and give yourself the freedom to walk anywhere once you get inside. If you’re not crazy about all that walking, though, don’t forget the shuttle buses that run between the North and South buildings, and enjoy the chance to take a load off for the 10-minute ride.
Visiting with a group? Don’t set foot inside without checking that phones are charged and determining a meeting point for everyone. Whether you plan to regroup at the end of the day, for a meal or in case of emergency, it’s crucial to have a plan, including a specific time and a number to call.
Every floor of the show has food available, but if you want to take a break or get a breath of fresh air, Front St. has a dozen great restaurants and coffee shops. In addition to the wealth of product information the product reps can share, they also know where you can get the best lunch deals within walking distance.
The most-asked questions of show staff are: “Where are the restrooms?” “Does this come in another colour?” And the increasingly frequent, “Has anybody found or turned in a phone?” People rely on their smartphones for photo-taking and tracking family members, but that’s when they are most prone to getting lost. A tip: take your phone out of your pants pocket. Put it in your shirt or jacket instead.
It’s not really survival. It’s a great event.