For auto dealerships and the companies that serve them, the NADA trade show promises unparalleled exposure and business growth. As a cornerstone event in the automotive industry, the NADA auto show presents an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products, forge valuable connections, and get insights into the evolving landscape of this field.

However, navigating the halls of this event requires careful planning and an understanding of what sets successful exhibitors apart. Learn how to maximize your presence at NADA Show 2025 so you can stand out from your competitors and reap the rewards of this exciting expo.

Table of Contents:

• Why Exhibit at the NADA Expo?
• How to Make Your NADA Auto Show Booth a Success
• Our Advice for Staff Working the NADA Trade Show
• Tips for Shipping to NADA Show 2025
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Get Started with Cardinal Expo

Why Exhibit at the NADA Expo?

The NADA car show is an opportunity for exhibitors to network and expand their reach. It attracts a diverse and extensive audience, from dealers and managers to OEMs and industry leaders. Over 23,000 people attended the NADA trade show in 2024.

As an exhibitor, the event serves as a platform for you to share the latest trends, technologies, and products shaping the automotive landscape. More than 500 companies exhibit at NADA Show on average each year, including those who provide:

• Mechanic supplies
• Interior design
• Furnishings
• Car washes
• Software
• Financial services
• Business services
• And more

The NADA expo allows companies to gain invaluable exposure, increase brand visibility, and generate leads that can translate into tangible business opportunities. Whether launching a new product, unveiling groundbreaking technology, or simply reinforcing brand presence, the show provides a captive audience eager to engage with innovative solutions and cutting-edge developments.

Furthermore, with seminars, workshops, and keynote presentations featuring leaders and experts, exhibitors have access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise that can drive business success. By participating in these educational sessions, exhibitors can gain important insights into emerging market trends and consumer preferences. This complements the customer data collected formally or informally from staff working the show floor, empowering exhibitors to stay ahead of the curve.

How to Make Your NADA Auto Show Booth a Success

Creating a successful booth for NADA Show 2025 requires a blend of creativity, strategic planning, and attention to detail. Here’s a breakdown of how to make your booth stand out.

Distinctive Booth Design

Regardless of your niche, your booth’s design should be eye-catching and reflective of your brand identity.

• Utilize bold colors and materials to make your booth visually appealing.
• Use branded banners and dynamic lighting to draw attendees in.
• Incorporate product displays, interactive touchscreens, and engaging show floor staff in key areas of your booth to drive customer interactions.

Interactive and Engaging Content

Develop compelling content that communicates your company’s message effectively.

• Use high-quality graphics, videos, and live product demonstrations to showcase your offerings and highlight their key features and benefits.
• Interactive elements such as touchscreen displays or virtual reality experiences can captivate visitors and encourage interaction.
• Consider hosting relevant contests or giveaways to attract visitors and keep them engaged.

Of course, you’ll also need to make sure your booth is staffed with team members who can support this content. Staff should know how to engage with visitors at the right time, make conversation, elaborate on your products and services, and offer to answer any questions they may have.

Networking Opportunities

Come with plenty of business cards and make your booth a networking hub. While auto shows like SEMA can almost feel like a party at times, the NADA car show leans more toward the buttoned-up and professional side of the auto industry.

• Encourage attendees to leave their contact information or schedule appointments for follow-up meetings.
• Consider hosting your own after-hours networking event and promoting it at your booth.
• Follow up with leads after the show to nurture new connections.

Our Advice for Staff Working the NADA Trade Show

Your booth staff plays a crucial role in representing your brand and engaging with attendees. Make sure all staff are well-trained and knowledgeable about your products or services, industry trends, and any special promotions or offers for the show. They should be prepared to approach visitors proactively, answer questions, and initiate conversations.

Before the NADA expo, task booth staff with the following:

• Review the show layout: With hundreds of booths, it’s important to familiarize yourself with where your booth is located, as well as the booths of any competitors. If you’re looking to make new connections or strengthen existing partnerships with another exhibitor, flag their booth location too. By doing this prep work before the show, you’ll be able to spend more time networking and gathering important intel.
• Study your brand: Be a brand ambassador for your company. Know your products and services inside and out, as well as your key differentiators. Be prepared to not only answer visitors’ questions, but convince them of your company’s value.
• Pack appropriate clothing: Dress professionally yet comfortably. You will likely be on your feet for most of the day, so take special care to pack the right shoes.

Knowledgeable, trustworthy staff are critical for the success of a trade show experience. Plan ahead of time to maximize your investment at NADA Show 2025. 

Tips for Shipping to NADA Show 2025

Never underestimate the importance of planning ahead, especially when it comes to shipping and logistics. It not only can save you money, but also major headaches over lost, delayed, or damaged items.

Choose Where to Ship

Advance warehouses provide a centralized location for receiving and handling shipments. Shipping to an advance warehouse gives you the benefit of an extended window for delivery, as they typically open weeks before the event.

On the other hand, shipping directly to the show site offers the advantage of avoiding additional handling and transportation from the warehouse to the venue, reducing the risk of damage. However, this option often has a tighter delivery window, requiring careful coordination to ensure timely arrival.

Ultimately, the choice between shipping to an advance warehouse or directly to the show depends on your shipping timeline, budget constraints, and logistical considerations.

Keep Track of All Materials 

Crafting an exceptional exhibit often involves many moving parts. From the flooring to display materials, every aspect of your booth plays a pivotal role in creating a memorable experience for attendees. Be sure to create a checklist of everything that must be shipped:

• Main exhibit materials
• Carpet or flooring
• Booth furniture
• Lighting
• Electronics and technologies
• Product samples or displays
• Printed informational materials
• Giveaways or prizes

Ensuring the safe and timely arrival of these materials is paramount to the success of a trade show booth. Be sure to have everything packed and labeled several weeks before the show.

In addition, take photos before items are shipped and request photo documentation any time items are received at a different location. This will help you track each item and make sure nothing is lost or damaged along the way. Save all shipping labels, receipts, and manifests too.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How many people attend NADA?

More than 23,000 people attended the 2024 NADA car show!

Where is the NADA Show located in 2025? 

NADA Show 2025 will take place January 23–26, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

What are NADA’s show hours in 2025?

NADA’s show hours have yet to be announced for 2025, but we expect to see these details on their website as more information about the show is revealed.

Where is NADA’s floor plan?

You can find the 2025 floor plan here on NADA’s website.

Where is NADA’s exhibitor list?

You can find NADA’s exhibitor list for 2025 here on their website.

What are the best hotels to stay at during the NADA trade show? 

With an abundance of hotels, New Orleans is the perfect destination for the 2025 NADA expo. There are numerous accommodation options ranging from boutique hotels to budget-friendly accommodations, giving attendees ample choices to suit their preferences. Some hotels in the city include:

• Hyatt Regency
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Sonesta Suites
• NOPSI Hotel
• Higgins Hotel

Before making a decision, check to see which hotels are closest to the event venue and whether NADA Show 2025 is offering attendees or visitors discounts at specific hotels.

Get Started with Cardinal Expo 

Work with Cardinal Expo to make the most of the upcoming NADA Show! With almost three decades of experience in trade shows, we are experts in crafting the most engaging booths for any industry. From booth layouts to shipping logistics, Cardinal Expo ensures a seamless trade show experience with our end-to-end management services.

Contact us today to make the most of your investment exhibiting at NADA Show 2025. Fill out the form below or give us a call at 504-930-3545 to see how we can help.