Cobo Center Secures the North American International Auto Show for Eight More Years
July 12, 2017
Cobo Center has entered into an eight-year contract with the North American International Auto Show that will keep one of the U.S.’s largest and world’s most influential auto shows in downtown Detroit through 2025, according to Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center.
“With the leadership and work of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA), along with SMG, Cobo Center is truly a world-class venue,” said Rod Alberts, NAIAS executive director.
He continued, “The significant renovation (at Cobo Center) has allowed the auto show to expand our footprint and has provided us with the perfect facility to host thousands of international journalists, industry executives and over 800,000 public show attendees.”
The first multi-year agreement between Cobo and NAIAS was signed in 2012, a five-year agreement considered unprecedented at the time.
Prior to that, The Motor City was in danger of losing the massive, two-week-long auto show that takes up 1 million square feet at Cobo Center, has called the facility home since 1965 and is considered one of the region’s most valuable assets that brought in an estimated economic impact of $450 million to metro Detroit during its Jan. 9-22, 2017 event.
Since that time, Cobo Center has completed a $279 million renovation, SMG management has changed the facility’s business model, the center has been rebranded and advanced technology enhancements have transformed it into a state-of-the-art venue.
“The future is very bright for Cobo Center and we are thrilled to have the NAIAS here for years to come,” Molinari said.
He continued, “The DRCFA’s vision of a world-class convention center has been realized. Working together in cooperation with our regional partners, the DRCFA and SMG are committed to providing outstanding experiences for our guests.”
The contract also includes additional days to the NAIAS in Cobo Center for upcoming years.
Beginning next year, the auto show’s ultra-luxury event, The Gallery, will return to Cobo for the official kick off of the event, including a nearly $10 million collection of the world's luxury and supercar nameplates, along with an activity to benefit local children’s charities.
Additionally, the AutoMobili-D, a dedicated expo focused on the rapidly evolving global automotive and mobility landscape, will expand by 30,000 square-feet to encompass a total of 150,000 square feet and will run through the three-day Press Preview and two-day Industry Preview, as well as the first weekend of the Public Show.
The official dates for the 2018 NAIAS have yet to be announced.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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