Do some online research. You can find maps, contests, promotions and additional information that will help you plan out your visit. You can also often find tickets this way and avoid waiting in lines when you arrive at the show.

Arrive with the right supplies. You’ll most likely want to take some photos so make sure your camera battery is fully charged. Bring a pen to fill out contest and promotional forms and a bag to fill with any free loot different vendors might be handing out.

You found the map online, now use it. To fit all of those vehicles car shows usually take up a lot of space. Look over the exhibit map and figure out what areas you want to see the most. Are you more interested in the new-car exhibits, or do you hope to see old classics? Are muscle cars your thing or maybe you were hoping to see cars that are actually available to get ideas for a new purchase? If you have certain vendors you were hoping to visit, figure out where they will be stationed and create a plan for yourself to make sure you get to see all of your favorites. If you have extra time after feel free to circle back and wander, you might just find something new that will be your next favorite.

Find the food. After all that walking you’re going to get hungry. There is usually a list of the food vendors so you can decide what you are in the mood for and know exactly which way to head.

A few other things to consider:

  • Available parking and prices, are parking passes available online?
  • Types of cars being shown
  • List of vendors
  • List of entertainers and times of appearances
  • Parents of young children will want to know the locations of bathrooms. Larger venues typically have maps to download
  • List of automotive legends and celebrities that will be present and when and where they will appear
  • Information regarding food and drinks, what will be at the show and whether or not you can bring your own

 

Going into the show with a plan will help to ensure you see everything you had hoped and your day goes smoothly.