LA Auto Show 2012: Floor Report

 

The final season of any year always brings with it an enthusiasm and will to experience something grand and exciting before one painstakingly attempts to erase the muscle memory, which writes a number twelve at the end of every date line.  With that in mind, it’s no wonder why many of the major automotive shows tend to occur around the months of November and December for the purpose of catering to the needs of an automotive enthusiast.  In the Los Angeles, California area, there really isn’t any other automotive showcase event bigger than the LA Auto Show, which is held every year at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  With many of the major car manufacturers present at this event, the stylish concept cars and new vehicular models definitely take center stage.  However, with racing, pageant and import scene queens abound, it’s not difficult to see the significance of the LA Auto Show for those involved in the modeling industry.

The LA Auto Show is probably one of the more complex events to fully cover.  With various events happening within several different halls and chambers, a person wishing to experience all that the LA Auto Show has to offer must consider visiting each hall several times throughout the day or week, and unfortunately because of the vastness and architecture, they aren’t always that easy to visit consistently while on foot.  Only a true enthusiast will survive.  The LA Auto Show, however, can be divided into two seemingly distinct “cultures,” knowledge of which could help one prioritize a certain number of event destination points.  Below is an overview of these “cultures” within the context of the modeling industry.

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Consumer Culture

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This is the predominant “culture” of the LA Auto Show with the LA Convention Center’s South Hall, West Hall, Concourse Hall, and Petree Hall all dedicated to inspiring curious attendees to buy into the designs and concepts of the major manufacturers and developers of the automotive industry.  Models and spokeswomen with these major companies usually travel with their brand nationwide to the biggest locals and events and often work every day of the show’s duration (usually in half hour shifts for mega two week events like this show).  Because of the worldwide reputation of their brands, they have to present themselves as experts of the design and functionality of the vehicles they stand by, describing them in detail at regular intervals upon showcase platforms spread throughout a convention hall.  In later installments, it will be revealed that many of these women have a great varied history that spans many sectors of the modeling world.

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Lifestyle Culture

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For people looking for aftermarket products, accessories, and equipment, they often find themselves within the LA Auto Show underground, so to speak.  Kentia Hall is the only lower level chamber of the LA Auto Show.  It is the only LA Convention Center hall purely dedicated to these products during the event.  For those adventurous enough to descend away from the main halls, pulsating music and energy will most often greet them at the doors.  Upon entering, the nature and character of the products and vehicles displayed and advertised here have their own distinct character.  In a way, the sights and sounds within this hall are very much reminiscent to the SoCal import scene and, therefore, carry and pass on this dynamic culture and lifestyle.  Therefore, those accustomed with this scene will be pleased to find many of their favorite modeling stars and race queens making appearances at various booths throughout this convention chamber, making the LA Auto Show one of the last events to catch up with the hottest promo superstars before the start of the new year.  Fans have to wary that their favorite stars are often only available on certain days of the week but could very well be there throughout the course of their chosen appearance date.

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Coverage of the 2012 LA Auto Show continues next…