The UK hosts several notable motor trade shows every year. Each one drawing enthusiasts, industry professionals, and manufacturers from across the globe. At Starlight we work with several premium brands within the motorsport industry creating bespoke modular display stands that enable them to showcase their brand, their products and their amazing teams at a host of events.
Which UK motor shows should I exhibit at?
While the schedule and prominence of these events vary from year to year, here’s a list of some of the top motor trade shows typically held in the UK:
Goodwood Festival of Speed
Held in the grounds of Goodwood House in West Sussex, this event is a celebration of motorsport and car culture. Featuring hill climbs, supercar runs, and a showcase of both classic and contemporary vehicles it draws in a huge crowd. Hosted in July, it’s the perfect Summer outdoor exhibition.
Bugatti and Ferrari sit alongside Ford and Mini, Lamborghini and Maserati are on show alongside Hyundai and Tesla, it’s a collection of the finest motoring names in the world. With an expected 200,000 guests each year, and 60% of them spending at least half an hour in the exhibition area, this is an event venue where your brand can be seen by like-minded motoring enthusiasts. The team at Goodwood have put together an in-depth guide to exhibiting at the Festival of Speed to help you find yourself placed right in the heart of the action!
Autosport International
Taking place in January at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, this is one of Europe’s largest motorsport shows. It caters to both motorsport professionals and fans, with trade stands, exhibitions, and live racing action. With F1 cars paraded alongside iconic road cars and engineering experts alongside stunt drivers, Autosport International gives brands associated with motor vehicles the ideal opportunity to tap into new and existing audiences. Data provided by the show indicates that 64% of trade attendees say it is THE meeting place for the motorsport industry, and 60% of trade visitors are attending with the purpose of looking for new products and services. Start the process of being seen at Autosport International today!
Goodwood Revival
Also set at the Goodwood Estate, this event focuses on the golden era of motorsport in September. Attendees and participants often dress in period attire, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. With 150,000 guests attending over the three days, there is plenty of opportunity to get seen. You can have your business showcased on the Revival High Street, ideal for vintage brands. Or you could utilise “Over the Road,” a mix of shopping, entertainment, food and drink that brings your business to an audience enjoying themselves late into the evening. Find out more about exhibiting at Goodwood Revival, and see how it could enhance your brand.
Classic Motor Show
Another event held at the NEC in Birmingham, this is one of the largest classic car shows in the UK. It features a vast array of classic cars, motorcycles, and memorabilia, along with restoration workshops and autojumble sales. The perfect event for fans of the cars of yesteryear, it gives enthusiasts the chance to stock up on collectables, iconic vehicles or even insurance for your classic motor vehicle. Exhibiting here is perfect for a wide range of brands, as it is estimated that just under half make a purchase. With over 70,000 people attending, each sharing a passion for classic cars, you have the opportunity to tap into a market that may be new to you but extremely lucrative. Become an exhibitor by heading to the website today.
Salon Privé
Located at Blenheim Palace, this luxury event showcases supercars, classic cars, and hypercars in an exclusive setting. It’s known for its Concours d’Elegance, alongside displays of the latest luxury car models. Taking place in April, the biggest global car brands showcase their best, newest and most iconic creations. With incredible entertainment, first-class hospitality, and of course, plenty of premium vehicles, it gives you an ideal opportunity to showcase your brand to an exclusive audience. You can become an event partner and help elevate your business to a higher level.
London Classic Car Show
Celebrating the best of classic car culture, this show typically features a unique selection of cars from private collections, dealers, and manufacturers, along with live demonstrations and expert panels. From cars that you had long since forgotten, to the iconic marques you’ll always remember, this show brings you classic and it brings it on a huge scale. Normally hosted at Olympia, the 2024 event has required rescheduling due to renovation taking place, wherever it ends up though, you can be guaranteed a huge audience. Exhibition opportunities are open to manufacturers, memorabilia sellers and just about anyone that has a classic car angle attached to their business. And if you don’t, the classic theme is so on trend that whatever your vintage angle is, you’ll be welcomed by a passionate and enthusiastic crowd.
Before planning your visit, it’s crucial to check the official websites or contact the organisers for the most current information regarding dates, locations, and ticket availability, as these details can change.
Exhibiting at a motor show can be a great chance for your brand to be seen by industry experts and enthusiasts alike. Having a presence at such events not only stands to show that you have a position within the industry, but it also gives you the chance to announce innovation, network with other industry professionals and become inspired by the competition.
Perhaps you could even be the inspiration for the competition itself? Bring your product to life with audio visual content at your event stand or offer exhibition giveaways to help your brand become memorable!
Should you need help to elevate your brand at a motor show, speak to the team at Starlight. We are the experts in creating engaging, welcoming and captivating exhibition stands. Whether you need a lightbox display to illuminate a brand message or want to enhance your green credentials with a sustainable exhibition stand, we can help. We even offer a free event stand design service, freeing up the need to hire an additional creative team! Contact us today and allow us to transform your presence at the next exhibition your brand attends.