As a child in the mid-1980s, we lived so close to the race track at Donnington that I could always hear the racing from our back garden. So my brother and I begged the parents to take us to find out what it was all about. We visited in the days when noise wasn’t limited and you could pretty much wander around anywhere. Well, that is when Gemma the petrolhead was born and also slightly burnt by the experience.

Wandering around the pits and watching the cars come in and out of the garages was such a thrill, seeing the teams frantically rush around to modify and change parts on the cars was so interesting as to the speed achieved in doing so. I walked over the once-infamous Dunlop Bridge and was disappointed that I couldn’t see the cars going around when I was on it (I was too small). 

The Dunlop Bridge was such a clever bit of marketing and a true icon on the racetrack. which was accidentally bought at auction by famous radio DJ Chris Evans back in 2012 for the sum of £300.

All was going swimmingly on attending my first event. Until… my brother being the true caring sibling he is… took his chance to tell me to touch a tyre on a car that had just come off the track, whilst my parent’s gaze was elsewhere – ouch!!. We were always up to some mischief at events. I remember when we attended the Motorshow at the NEC in the late ’80s (he wasn’t even at the age legally to drive but…) he got on a stand and proceeded to be sold a top-of-the-range sportscar – we had to drag him away.

It’s not just the one type of motorsport that fuels me… here is a potted history of some of the automotive events I have attended over the years.

Moto GP – Donington Park 2000

FIA Summer Finals – Drag Racing – Santa Pod 2012

Plum Pudding Races Mallory Park 2012

Race Retro – Stoneleigh Abbey 2012

Above: Jay Kay from Jamiroquai who showed up with his Porsche 914-6 for a spin around the course.

Superstars World Cup and Auto GP – Donington Park 2013

Above: Meindert van Buuren (I nearly dropped his trophy!) and Narain Karthikeyan.

BTCC Donington Park 2014

Above: Gordon Shedden, Matt Neal and Jason Plato

Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb 2014

F1 in Singapore – 2016

You can read more about this adventure here.

The Historic Festival – Donington Park 2018

How WDA Automotive Marketing can help you.

Event Support, Attendance and Product Launches.

Marketing and design support plays a crucial role at automotive events for a variety of reasons. These events, whether they are auto shows, product launches, or racing events, are essential for automotive manufacturers, dealers, and other industry stakeholders to showcase their products, connect with consumers, and drive business. The images below show the diversity of what we can deliver for you.

Events shown include Automechanika (UK and Frankfurt), Autosport International, SEMA, BSB, Isle of Man TT, Motorsport Days Live, ELMS European Le Mans Series and Russ Swift Stunt Driving to name a few.

• Creating a Strong Brand Identity: Automotive events offer a unique platform for companies to reinforce their brand identity. Effective design and marketing materials help create a cohesive and memorable brand image. This includes logos, brochures, banners, and promotional materials that convey the brand’s message and values.

• • Generating Interest and Buzz: Well-designed marketing materials, both digital and physical, are essential for generating excitement and buzz around new products or innovations. Eye-catching design and effective marketing strategies can pique the curiosity of attendees and the media.
  • Engaging and Attracting Attendees: Automotive events are crowded and competitive, so a strong visual presence is crucial. Attractive booth designs, promotional materials, and marketing campaigns can help draw attendees to your booth, increasing your chances of engagement and lead generation.
  • Highlighting Features and Benefits: Marketing and design materials help communicate the features and benefits of a product. This is vital for educating potential customers and ensuring they understand what sets your vehicles apart from the competition.
  • Creating a Memorable Experience: A well-designed booth and marketing campaign can help create a memorable experience for attendees. This experience can lead to positive associations with your brand, which may influence future purchasing decisions.

• • Supporting Product Launches: When unveiling new vehicles or products, marketing and design support is essential. Teasers, product brochures, and digital campaigns can build anticipation and excitement leading up to the event.
  • Building Relationships: Automotive events provide a unique opportunity to build relationships with customers, dealers, and industry partners. Effective marketing and design can help facilitate these connections by creating a professional and inviting atmosphere.

• Showcasing Technological Advancements: The automotive industry is constantly evolving with technological advancements. Effective design and marketing can help highlight these innovations and position your company as an industry leader.
• Maximizing ROI: These events often involve significant investments. Effective marketing and design support can maximize the return on investment by ensuring your presence at the event is well-attended, well-received, and helps drive sales.
• Market Research: Marketing and design materials serve as tools for gathering market insights. Surveys, feedback forms, and interactive displays can help companies understand customer preferences and needs.

Marketing and design support are critical components of a successful automotive event strategy. They help build a strong brand presence, attract attendees, showcase products, and ultimately contribute to the success of the event and the automotive business as a whole.

You can read more about our Exhibition Pro Tips here.

WDA Automotive Are Here To Help!

In the fast-evolving landscape of automotive events and product launches, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and strategies can be a lot to take in.

This is where WDA Automotive can play a pivotal role. With our expertise and dedicated focus on the automotive sector, we have an in-depth understanding of the industry’s nuances. We can help you stay ahead of the curve and remain relevant and competitive in a constantly evolving marketplace. If you would like to learn more or simply just need some advice, give us a call today at 01332 372728 or send us a message via our contact form by clicking here.

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