Fresh ideas set to lift Speedshow in 2011

A new-look outdoor display area is just one of several ideas in place for the 2011 edition of Speedshow, New Zealand’s most exciting and comprehensive expo for car, motorbike and motorsport fans.

Scheduled to run over the weekend of 23 and 24 July at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds, interest in next year’s Speedshow is gathering momentum by the day. Keith Sharp, the man behind the successful auto-focused show, says the response from previous exhibitors continues to be extremely positive.

“It’s really important to us that we keep Speedshow feeling fresh and exciting every year,” says Sharp. “For 2011, we’re developing a more structured outdoor display area which will work perfectly alongside the live action arena.”

Sharp says the new outdoor display set-up will appeal to businesses selling services and products in or associated with the ever-popular four-wheel-drive sector.

“Four-wheel-drive vehicles, accessories and equipment, clubs and off-road racers are ideal for this prime position near the live action arena. The 2010 show featured the Counties 4Wheelers club offering rides through a specially-designed obstacle course. Fans made queues at least 20 minutes long both days to sample this fun sport of four-wheel trialling with club members, and we’re delighted to welcome the Counties 4Wheelers back to Speedshow in 2011 for more of their excellent demo rides.

Sharp points out that, with exhibitor interest already running hot for next year’s event, premium space is selling quickly.

“While the whole show offers a fantastic opportunity to talk to car, bike and motorsport fans of all ages, the reality is that some exhibitors are looking for sites with specific features, like location beside certain other activities or displays, for example. If you are thinking about exhibiting at Speedshow in 2011, we urge you to talk to us sooner rather than later about your specific needs.”

Sharp says exhibitor feedback highlights the fact that the varied mix of new, old, fast and fun vehicles at the first four Speedshows, each larger than the previous one, has created a unique event that appeals to a wide, yet still targeted audience

Darlene Smits, director of Smits Group which distributes the Meguiar’s range of car care products in New Zealand, says: “We have been waiting for years for that one event that delivered motoring enthusiasts from all walks of life and motoring interests – there is no doubt for us that Speedshow delivered that result. We will be back again next year.”

“Another aspect to the great feedback we get from exhibitors,” notes Sharp, “is that Speedshow visitors come to the show ready to make the most of the fantastic deals many exhibitors offer. From Meguiar’s polish to Holden Advanced Driving courses, from magazine subscriptions for NZ Autocar and NZ 4WD to new Fords, Mazdas and Nissans – the amount of business done at Speedshow in 2010 was phenomenal and defies the current recessionary economic situation. If the price is right and the product appeals, the buyers are there.”

Confirmed exhibitors include some of the biggest names in New Zealand’s automotive sector like Castrol, Ford, Mazda, Nissan and Victory Motorcycles.

Sharp’s team has also tweaked the show’s indoor layout offering a fresh look and feel for the 2011 event. A special track has been set up for radio-control car racing and the mid-size trade sites are slightly deeper so a car can easily go on display.

For companies interested in exhibiting at Speedshow in 2011, Sharp says he has a special offer for bookings secured with a deposit before 31 December 2010. Booking and contact details can be found on www.speedshow.co.nz.