Finding Authentic Connection: Lessons from Running a Car Show

Last week, I took on a new challenge: I ventured into the realm of event management for the first time, running a car show tied to the pre-premiere of the latest Fast and the Furious film, FAST X. The experience offered a significant lesson: Money doesn't buy an audience, authenticity does.

In the past, I've been a spectator at numerous car shows and meets. I observed a common trend: the arrival of a Lamborghini or a couple of supercars often stole the limelight. However, this time, I chose a different path for our event. I wanted to create a space that celebrated not just the flashy and expensive cars but the true culture and community of car enthusiasts.

Let's be honest, we all get a thrill watching a McLaren flex its muscles on the asphalt, but what truly makes the car scene is a much more humble, passionate energy. It's about the connections among those who invest their hard-earned money and sweat into their cars - their beloved vehicles which they treat as their babies.

These dedicated individuals spend every spare minute working on their cars or cleaning them with meticulous care. Their love for their cars isn't a fleeting infatuation but an identity and a lifestyle that they cherish and nurture.

To cater to these true car enthusiasts, our event was designed to offer recognition rather than spectacle. We aimed to create an environment where they could feel acknowledged and celebrated. And much to our delight, this approach was met with resounding approval.

We eliminated entrance fees and dispensed with the unnecessary grandeur typical of such events. Instead, we offered a simple gathering place for car people, where they could do what they love most - talk about cars, live cars, and breathe cars. This turned out to be exactly what they wanted.

At the event, the petrolheads thrived in the spotlight, sharing their stories and experiences with an engaged and enthusiastic audience. Our success underscored a valuable insight: an audience cannot be bought, but rather earned through genuine connection and shared passion.

So here's to the authentic car scene, where it's not about who owns the most expensive ride, but the heart and soul each person pours into their vehicle. This is the ethos that truly drives our community and one that will guide us in planning future events.

#carculture #fastx #eventmanagement #communitybuilding