The 6 Dos and Don’ts of Car Shows

The 6th Philippine International Motor Show is finally upon us! Are you excited and looking forward to a good, enjoyable time around your favorite cars? As a true blue car enthusiast, you’ve likely attended a good number of car shows and events such as PIMS. And like most attendees, you’re probably happy to mind your own business, enjoy some small talk with acquaintances, and ogle at all the beautiful cars. You’ve also likely encountered ‘that guy’ who suddenly pops out of nowhere and acts like the only car expert out there, dishing out unwanted opinions, asking annoying questions, and invading private spaces when he takes his pictures. He’s become a familiar sight at these events that you know you have to make a hasty exit any time you see him coming.

‘That guy’ that everyone hates? That could be you. When attending car shows, do you notice people rushing away from you anytime you come near a car? Are they intentionally avoiding you? Here are some important car show rules that will help you avoid being a toxic presence at an otherwise fun event.

1. Keep your opinions to yourself

You’re entitled to your own thoughts and opinions, but a public event such as PIMS is not the right place to voice them out unwarranted. If you’re talking to the car owner and they ask for it, then that will be the right time to express your opinions. Even then, you have to be polite with your answers. Be careful about blurting out your point of view in a crowd of people, as the owner might be around and overhear you. Remember: respect begets respect.

2. Don’t be a litterbug

Stalls with delicious grubs abound at events such as the PIMS are all too tempting. After satiating your food craving, don’t simply leave or toss leftovers and empty food packaging anywhere—dispose of them properly. If you can, do your job as a responsible citizen and pick up anything you see lying around. A good deed is its own reward, but who knows, an organizer may spot you and give you free stuff for helping out.

3. Mind your pets

Your furry friends are your responsibility, so you need to make sure they stay out of trouble. Don’t allow your massive malamute to hop into someone’s car display or take a leak on the wheels. And keep your animal on a leash at all times. On that note, be sure to check the official website or contact a representative to confirm that pets are even allowed at the event.

4. Look, but don’t touch

Just as it is with your opinions, it’s best to keep your grubby hands to yourself. Car owners take their vehicles seriously and don’t appreciate seeing fingerprints on their freshly polished car. If you must try out a feature, ask permission first, even if it is a dealer-owned car.

5. Don’t take what isn’t yours

To put it bluntly, don’t steal. In case you’re one of those with a false sense of entitlement, there’s just no good reason to take other people’s stuff from their cars. If you witness someone doing it, report them to the car owner, event organizer, or proper authorities.

6. Follow the instructions from the staff

Some of the staff that man the displays and stalls at car events are volunteers who perform their duties for little or no pay. Some of them are simply there because they love being around cars. Their jobs can get a little hectic, especially if there are plenty of attendees around. Don’t lose your head or give them a hard time—they’re just doing their job. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine if the roles were reversed—if you don’t appreciate your actions, then don’t do them to somebody else.

Remember the first time you attended a car show? Remember how ecstatic you were, and how you were happy to simply absorb the sights and sounds? It was a memorable experience, right? That’s why you kept coming back to these events. People who attend car shows with some regularity will start developing some sort of expertise on the matter, which can develop into cockiness if you’re not careful.

To not be ‘that guy’, treat each car show as if it was your first. You don’t have to make an impact—that’s the presenter’s job. Leave the ego at the door, and just enjoy the car show for what it offers. If you would like to make suggestions for improvement, you can do that later in the comfort of your own home, by messaging or emailing relevant parties.