AutoCon New York 2018

It was only a few hours after leaving PRIME 7’s Day that I was heading back out to attend my first-ever Autocon. When I had first arrived at Pier 94 on the west side of Manhattan, there were already hundreds of cars rolled in and on display. At first, the spectator line to get in looked pretty bleak, but when the doors finally opened to the public, fans of all ages started pouring in.

The Hudson River provided a nice cooling breeze that flowed through the open doors of the large tented area. The skylights and overhead lighting scattered throughout the space produced nice dramatic lighting on many of the cars. Friends that had attended the year prior were continually remarking on how much better the show was this time around and, although the “Lineup” layout was a bit strange, it actually seemed to allow for more owners to put their vehicles on display.

THE INFLUENCER ADVANTAGE

The recipe for a successful car show has morphed dramatically over the past two decades. Innovations in technology and changes in how we interact with one another have altered the landscape, for better or for worse. Not surprisingly, the success or failure of a show that’s put on in the present day depends heavily on how the creators adapt to these changes.

One of the strongest ingredients Autocon used in their recipe for success in New York was having Social Media Influencers in attendance. With both T.J. Hunt and Chris Petruccio of Krispy Media at their show doing meet and greets along with selling their merchandise, the guys at Autocon were no doubt able to pull in a larger, wider audience. Spectators had the added bonus of checking out awesome builds while also getting autographs from and taking pictures with their favorite automotive Youtube stars. The results showed with lines at both T.J.’s and Chris’s booths being consistently long throughout the show.

As someone who’s been in the show scene since the early days of Hot Import Nights, it was particularly cool for me to have seen R.J. De Vera, a legendary competitive builder, not only in attendance but also serving as a judge.

ROLL OUT > ROLL IN

By around 6 o’ clock, the award ceremony was finished and competitors started up their cars to leave. Spectators that stayed until the very end were rewarded with a roll out that was just as good as the show itself. As cars exited the building, crowds of people with phones in hand formed on either side of them. Competitors certainly didn’t mind the attention and often gave thanks with a few revs. As the last of the cars merged onto the West Side Highway, the crowds dissipated and the show was over.

AutoCon LA 2018

Billed as the Automotive Connection and a “global platform to celebrate all aspects of automotive culture,” AutoCon LA showcases the best of automotive enthusiasm and builders right in the heart of downtown LA.

Established in 2010, AutoCon has grown into something far greater than just another car show. Proof should be in its location in Los Angeles. Not just anything can display at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Featuring four halls and home of Automobility LA (formerly known as the Los Angeles International Auto Show), LACC is made for big shows. Should tell you just how large AutoCon LA really is, then. While not overtaking every hall, it still takes up nearly all the 210,685 sq. ft. available of the West Hall. It also comes with the advantage of being an indoor event, so even when it (rarely) rains, AutoCon LA isn’t hampered.

What helps make AutoCon LA unique is the opportunity to roll up to the main stage, something more recent car shows have copied since the inception. Selected vehicles will drive up to the stage and the owner will get interviewed or John “Nads” Naderi will talk about it in front of fans who get to stand right at the skirts or sit in the stands to watch each one roll up and off again.

Its history is more on the import vehicle side, but AutoCon is meant for everyone. So not only will you see the latest Honda Civic Type-R build but Jeeps, Mustangs, lifted trucks, and classic cars from the US and abroad. Custom cars range from R33 GT-Rs, BMW M4s, and even the occasional old and retired school bus. The show connects with the best and up-and-coming builders in California and across the nation.

If you missed the LA show, you can also see AutoCon events with the 2018 Formula Drift season at Atlanta, Seattle, St. Louis, Fort Worth, and the finale at Irwindale. You can also see the next stand-alone event at Pier 94 in New York, NY. It’s an enjoyable show for everyone in all forms of the automotive lifestyle. Hopefully, we’ll see you at the next one!