Auto Shows are a grand affair. Top brands from all corners of the US gather together to show off new models, talk about new technology, and explore new trends in the industry with experts, innovators, and car enthusiasts alike. With so much coverage and exposure, it’s no surprise that brands have taken auto show marketing seriously. But should they?

This article will go on to explore the declining trend in car shows, take a closer look at why so many major carmakers are bailing-out, and even suggest a better way to invest those marketing dollars.

Auto Show Marketing: A Fading Trend

At the time of this article’s release, the New York International Auto Show is just beginning. It is just one of many big annual car shows that, like the NAIAS or The Chicago Auto Show; attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, and feature hundreds of new models each year. Usually, those numbers are nothing to scoff at – however for the first time ever some major car brands are thinking twice about attending.

It’s not because of cost, but rather practicality.

Some of these larger automotive shows really push marketing budgets. Cost of attendance at these things can cost upwards of millions for a single week! Bigger brands don’t have trouble putting forth the money, but regardless of whether or not they can afford it, the question becomes “is it really worth it?”

The Growing Problem with Car Shows

The people who purchase spaces at these events spare no expense. It’s go big, or go home- So of course it’s going to cost millions for the space, the stage, and all of the lights, carpeting, and furniture – all of which are branded, brand-consistent, and designed to stand out and steal the splotlight. The problem? So is everyone else’s space.

Some of the major carmakers who are backing out of these grand auto shows are citing the presence of competition on the show floor as being the reason for calling it quits. It just isn’t worth it – not when they could be getting better mileage out of those millions outside of the show. As a result? The major brands are looking for new ways to invest their money, and achieve true ROI.

A Better Use for your Auto Show Marketing Budget

The same energy, flare, and attention that goes into sprucing up your space at one of these big auto shows could go a long way at your brand’s dealership locations. Making sure the people you have attracted to the door enjoy their visits, and ultimately decide to purchase from you is of the utmost importance. And it’s something you can likely achieve for much less.

By investing that time and money into improving your waiting areas, show floor, and amenities, you’re improving the things that really make a lasting impression on the people who are visiting your dealerships – which are really the people you want to impress, and please, to get them to purchase. Customers are the ones driving your product around, they’re the ones who will buy from you again, and they’re the ones who will talk positively about your brand, for free, and recommend you to friends and family. The right approach, and the right message, go a long way.

Getting the Message Across with It’s Relevant TV

If you’re investing some of your marketing budget on branding and enhancing visitor experience, the TV is a great place to start. How you get your message across to visitors is just as important as the message itself. TVs are effective at getting people’s attention. If you put something on a TV people are watching, 9 times out of 10 someone is going to see it.

It’s Relevant TV is a television service that more and more dealerships are switching to. It doesn’t come with the high monthly cost, lack of control, or risk of competitor ads that cable does. It replaces all of those things with a custom channel that’s easy to manage, is fully customizable, and allows you to showcase your own personal videos, messaging, social media and brand. It’s a great way to get all the things you want noticed, and all the content that comes with it is designed to keep people entertained, and informed. All while keeping brand consistency across the board.