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Orange County Auto Show 2025 Exhibitor Roadmap
9 min read
Key Takeaways
- The Orange County Auto Show 2025 will take place from September 25 to 28 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
- The venue is located at 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802.
- Daily show hours are from 10 AM to 9 PM Thursday through Saturday.
- On Sunday, the show will run from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Table of Contents
- Orange County Auto Show 2025: At-a-Glance Essentials
- Spotlight on Vehicles & Hands-On Experiences
- Beyond the Cars: Must-See Attractions & Family Activities
- Exhibitor Playbook: Set-Up, Show Success, and ROI
- Navigating Logistics: Parking, Entry, Accessibility & Troubleshooting
- Orange County vs. LA & Central Florida Auto Shows: What Sets OC Apart?
- Essential FAQs for Exhibitors and Attendees
- Maximizing Your Orange County Auto Show Success
Orange County Auto Show 2025: At-a-Glance Essentials
The orange county auto show returns September 25–28, 2025, at Anaheim Convention Center (800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802). Daily hours run 10 AM–9 PM Thursday-Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM Sunday.
For exhibitors and attendees looking to make a strong impression, a 10x10ft turnkey trade show booth rental is a popular choice for maximizing visibility in high-traffic areas. If you need a larger footprint, consider a 10x20ft pro modular display to showcase more vehicles or interactive tech.
Quick Entry Guide
- Pre-register online: Skip lines with digital tickets via official website
- Arrive early: 9:30 AM for premium parking and test drive slots
- Payment ready: Parking $25 (credit/debit only), kids under 12 free admission
Accessibility features: Wheelchair rentals available (book 48 hours ahead), mobility assistance stations, and family drop-off zones near Hall A entrance.
Spotlight on Vehicles & Hands-On Experiences
Orange County's affluent, eco-conscious demographics drive heavy EV and luxury hybrid representation. Expect 40+ electric models from Tesla, Rivian, BMW, and Lucid alongside exotic supercars and family SUVs.
For brands aiming to stand out in this competitive environment, 20x20ft island turnkey trade show booth rentals offer expansive layouts and high-impact backlit graphics to attract more visitors.
| Brand Experience | Test Drive Duration | Requirements | Peak Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Autopilot Demo | 15 minutes | Valid DL, age 21+ | 12/hour |
| BMW Electric Circuit | 20 minutes | Valid DL, age 18+ | 8/hour |
| Ford Lightning Experience | 25 minutes | Valid DL, clean record | 6/hour |
Pro tip: Sign up for the SoCal Electrified Ride Experience before 11 AM or after 3 PM to avoid 45-minute waits.
Beyond the Cars: Must-See Attractions & Family Activities
Interactive showcases include VR racing simulators, STEM coding challenges, and the popular Kids' Pit Crew zone. Exhibitors offering hands-on demos typically capture 32% more qualified leads than static displays alone.
For those planning interactive displays, modular displays provide the flexibility to adapt booth layouts for family activities and tech demos. You can also enhance your booth with display lights to highlight key features and create an engaging atmosphere.
- Family-friendly highlights: Photo ops with concept cars, junior mechanic workshops, electric go-kart trials
- Quiet spaces: Nursing stations near Hall C, stroller parking, sensory-friendly hours 10-11 AM Sunday
- Dining: Food trucks on outdoor plaza, grab-and-go stations inside
Half-Day Family Itinerary
10 AM: Kids' zone activities | 11 AM: EV test drives | 12 PM: Lunch break | 1 PM: Interactive tech demos | 2:30 PM: Photo ops and departure
If you're interested in how other major shows incorporate family-friendly and interactive elements, you may enjoy reading about the International Motorcycle Shows (IMS) for inspiration.
Exhibitor Playbook: Set-Up, Show Success, and ROI
Exhibitor applications open January 2025 through the orange county auto show official portal. First-time exhibitors should prioritize high-traffic corner booths near main entrances for maximum visibility.
| Booth Essential | Budget Allocation | Lead Time | Impact on ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modular display system | 60% | 3 weeks | High |
| Lead capture technology | 20% | 2 weeks | Critical |
| Branded graphics/signage | 15% | 10 days | High |
| Promotional materials | 5% | 1 week | Medium |
Success story: A Series A startup used Iconic Displays' turnkey rental to showcase their autonomous vehicle tech, capturing 48 qualified investor leads and securing two partnership meetings, all while staying 40% under their original booth budget.
Iconic Displays eliminates exhibitor stress through end-to-end project management: concept development, rapid graphic changes, union labor coordination, and post-show storage solutions.
For more insights on maximizing your trade show ROI, check out the 2023 CES trade show and how top brands leverage innovative booth solutions.
Navigating Logistics: Parking, Entry, Accessibility & Troubleshooting
Parking strategy: Convention Center lots ($25, cash/card only) offer closest access with 2-minute walks to main entrances. Alternative lots: Park at nearby Disneyland Resort structures ($20, 8-minute walk) with complimentary shuttle service during peak hours.
Accessibility support: Reserve wheelchairs/scooters 48 hours ahead through ShowAccess ($15/day, delivered to Gate B). Public transit: OCTA Route 50 connects directly to Convention Way with ADA-compliant boarding.
Quick Fix Guide: Ticket won't scan? Visit Help Desk at Hall A entrance for 2-minute reprint. Lost items go to Security Office (Hall C, Level 2). Emergency contact: (714) 765-8950.
For a broader perspective on the role of automotive trade shows in advancing vehicle technology and accessibility, see this external resource on automotive trade shows.
Orange County vs. LA & Central Florida Auto Shows: What Sets OC Apart?
The orange county auto show delivers superior exhibitor value through Anaheim Convention Center's 1.8 million square feet, 40% larger than LA's traditional venues. Vehicle diversity: 200+ models including 45 electric variants, compared to LA's 180 total displays.
| Feature | Orange County | LA Auto Show | Central Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue Size | 1.8M sq ft, modern facilities | 1.3M sq ft, aging infrastructure | 1.1M sq ft, limited parking |
| EV Focus | 45 electric models, charging demos | 32 electric models | 28 electric models |
| Family Value | Kids free under 12, dedicated zones | Kids $8, limited activities | Kids $5, basic amenities |
| Parking | $25, cashless, 5,000+ spaces | $30-40, mixed payment, congested | $20, limited electric charging |
Exhibitor advantage: Orange County's tech-forward infrastructure supports seamless lead capture integration, while competitor venues require costly workarounds for digital engagement tools.
For more on how large-scale industry events compare, you might also find value in reading about the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show and its impact on exhibitors.
Essential FAQs for Exhibitors and Attendees
2025 Show Details: September 25-28, Anaheim Convention Center. Daily hours: 10 AM-9 PM (weekdays), 10 AM-10 PM (weekend).
Test Drive Registration: Digital sign-up opens 30 days pre-show via official app. Valid driver's license required, 18+ only.
Exhibitor Applications: Submit by July 15, 2025. Booth confirmation within 14 business days, payment plans available.
Refund Policy: Full refunds 60+ days prior, 50% refunds 30-59 days, no refunds within 30 days of show dates.
Maximizing Your Orange County Auto Show Success
The orange county auto show represents Southern California's premier automotive showcase, combining cutting-edge electric vehicle technology with family-friendly accessibility. For attendees: arrive before 11 AM to experience test drives without wait times, and leverage the free mobile app for real-time vehicle availability updates.
For exhibitors: this venue delivers measurable ROI through superior foot traffic patterns and tech-forward infrastructure. The 40% larger floor space compared to competing shows translates directly into enhanced brand visibility and lead generation opportunities.
Strategic advantage: Orange County's focus on electric and hybrid vehicles aligns with California's sustainability mandates, attracting environmentally conscious consumers with higher purchase intent. Exhibitors partnering with full-service providers like Iconic Displays can focus on engagement while logistics, installation, and teardown are handled seamlessly. For those seeking to elevate their booth experience, consider upgrading with Iconic XL trade show carpet for added comfort and visual appeal.
Future outlook: The 2025 orange county auto show positions itself as the West Coast's definitive platform for automotive innovation, making it essential for both industry professionals and car enthusiasts seeking the latest in transportation technology. For a comprehensive overview of auto shows worldwide, visit this auto show resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates, location, and daily hours for the Orange County Auto Show 2025?
The Orange County Auto Show 2025 takes place from September 25 to 28 at the Anaheim Convention Center, located at 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802. Daily show hours run from 10 AM to 9 PM Thursday through Saturday, and from 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday.
What types of vehicles and hands-on experiences can attendees expect at the Orange County Auto Show?
Attendees can explore over 40 electric vehicle models from brands like Tesla, Rivian, BMW, and Lucid, alongside luxury hybrids, exotic supercars, and family SUVs. Hands-on experiences include test drives and demos such as the Tesla Autopilot, BMW Electric Circuit, and Ford Lightning Experience, offering immersive opportunities to engage with cutting-edge automotive technology.
What accessibility features and family-friendly activities are available at the Orange County Auto Show?
The show offers wheelchair rentals (available with 48-hour advance booking), mobility assistance stations, and family drop-off zones near Hall A for easy access. Family-friendly activities include interactive showcases designed to engage visitors of all ages, making the event welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.
How can exhibitors maximize their presence and success at the Orange County Auto Show, including booth options and setup logistics?
Exhibitors should complete setup by September 24 using designated loading docks and follow onsite staff guidance for smooth logistics. Popular booth options include 10x10ft turnkey rentals for high-traffic visibility and larger 10x20ft pro modular displays to showcase more vehicles or interactive technology. Choosing a 20x20ft island booth with backlit graphics can further boost foot traffic and brand impact in this competitive environment.
