The balance of running a motor show

It is a passion and a hobby as well as a business. Running a motor show is a balance between those things but ultimately the challenge is always to ensure the bills will be paid.

We get a few people asking why we charge a small fee for exhibitors so we explore this here.

Why do we charge for exhibitors to enter the show?

Our shows are located at some of the most prestigious venues across the country. Some are using large open spaces and others historic houses and their grounds. Either one they cost to hire.

The staff on the day, insurance for the business, equipment for the show itself including PA equipment and arena, road signage, marketing and adverts in regional and national publications, PR specialists, the awards, the compare, liaising with the local authority and police – this is not forgetting that all this for a national series of 15 shows requires a full time job for 2-3 people who need to pay the bills.

Quite simply it can cost 5 figures to put on a show. Charging from one side only doesn’t work.

What does the entry cost?

The entry to a show for an exhibitor is a contribution, an administration fee if you like, to help cover the cost of the show and allows entry for the driver and a passenger which is great value in itself.

If you become a full member, the cost of £32.50 equates to just £1.16 per person per show. If you managed to get to 10 shows (the most popular number of shows to attend in 2023) then it is still just £1.63 per person. This is a nominal contribution but a very important one.

We also give our members a limited edition pin badge for the year and they get other benefits from our partners.

It is a difficult balance but one we can not afford to forgo and love seeing the variety of people and their vehicles that attend our shows. We had a record year in 2022 and are looking forward to that continuing as we venture into new venues across the UK – no fewer than 7 new venues in 2023 and we are continuing to grow.

We look forward to welcoming you to our shows in the near future.