New Auto Show Coalition to be Introduced At California International Auto Show

ANAHEIM, Calif., Oct. 15 -- A new coalition, which expects to network some 60 auto shows held annually in North America, will be introduced tomorrow as the annual show season gets underway. The announcement will be made Wednesday, Oct. 16, on media day at Anaheim's California International Auto Show.

Auto Shows of North America (ASNA) was founded by a group of auto show organizers, who are members of the Automotive Trade Association Executives (ATAE), a national organization representing executives of state and metro auto dealer associations. ASNA hopes to become a clearinghouse of useful information that can be shared between shows of various sizes. The group also plans to develop methods to communicate more effectively with auto manufacturers here and abroad.

Craig Bickmore, ASNA 2002 chairman, says he's confident the group will become an important resource to show organizers and manufacturers alike.

"There is nothing that we know of in North America that compares to ASNA," said Bickmore, who is also executive director of the Utah Automobile Dealers Association, and the Utah International Auto Expo.

"We know that manufacturers are interested in improving communication with shows, and establishing consistent policies, where possible," says Bickmore. "ASNA will help accomplish that."

Rod Alberts, 2002 ATAE president, says he envisions ASNA becoming an important resource for automotive journalists who cover auto shows.

"Before ASNA there was no single source for a writer to contact for diverse information about the business of auto shows," says Alberts, who is also executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association and the North American International Auto Show. "We know that it's critical to maintain good relationships with members of the media since coverage and exposure are key to both show attendance and exhibitors," says Alberts.

ASNA shows account for the annual introduction of more than 100 production and concept vehicles by manufacturers, many of which are worldwide introductions -- never seen anywhere before. Others are North American introductions -- seen for the first time in the U.S. or Canada.

"ASNA shows drive auto sales in North America," adds Bickmore. "Plus, auto shows have become an industry, especially considering the thousands of annual jobs shows create, the excitement and entertainment value of the vehicles and displays, and the enormous direct and spin-off economic impact shows bring to their regions and to dealer showrooms."

Ultimately, says Bickmore, ASNA hopes to help show executives connect directly to the many important audiences that help make auto shows successful.

"Like any other trade group or association, when members come together for a shared purpose, they can be both influential and resourceful," he adds.