Working an auto show, unlike browsing it like a consumer, is a distinctly different experience. I liken it to being a celebrity: no one sees the work that goes with the perks of being a star.
I joined my colleagues from European Car (EC) and Super Street (SS) at the 2007-Model OC Auto Show around 8 AM on Wednesday, October 4th. Though J.D. Power and Associates was holding a round table discussion with a Mercedes-Benz VIP and the Robb Report in that timeslot, none were relevant to our respective sites.
Mike from EC had already taken a considerable number of pictures. John of SS and I thus spread out, snapping pictures and obtain any available brochures. With the show not opened to the public until 4 PM, there were few available.
The first major event for us, the unveiling of Lamborghini’s new Murcielago LP640, was scheduled at 9:30 AM. A crowd of surprising well-dressed exhibitors, representatives, and reporters had stolen all available seating and decent standing room before 9:00 AM. It didn't help the nearby Dodge Challenger attracted a crowd admirers. We were not only crushed by the two groups but I had yet to having my morning coffee.
The LP640 was unveiled after a mercifully brief presentation around 10 AM. I snapped a couple of shots, then left to attend the debut of the 2007 Nissan Altima hybrid. Mike took the lion share of LP640 pics and obtained the media kit as well.
Staff, representatives, and reporters crowded the Nissan exhibit like the Lamborghini. Fortunately, there was more space around the pre-production car to give me a chance to get some good pictures. I easily obtained the media kit before attending Lincoln presentation.
About that Lincoln presentation. To sum it up, several reporters questioned if the brand even knew there was a presentation. They grumbled there were no monitors, screens, chairs, or even staff on site. That proved false as representatives quickly arrived with press kits. Two VIPs made stirring speeches on the brand’s current success (e.g., the Zephyr/MKZ is in short supply in California) and the upcoming MKZ SUV.
I later joined my colleagues for lunch and spent the rest of afternoon securing more photos and brochures.
You have to realize that, between presentations, I was taking pictures; chatting with colleagues from other magazines like James Bell from Intellichoice; reporters from Autoblog and Autoblog Green; and representatives from companies like CarsDirect. I also zipped up and down to the media room to communicate with my boss and to upload pictures. To borrow again from the celebrate analogy, hours were spent for every minute on the screen. It was no wonder I was late to test drive the eight fuel cell vehicles provided by the California Fuel Cell Partnership.
More shots of 2007 Nissan Altima hybrid:
Lincoln MKX and Navigator