Behind the curtains of the events

Behind the curtains of the eventsDiscover how major classic car events are organized from the inside. An honest and passionate look, told by a collector.

When I was invited to help out at my first classic car event…

I never imagined there was so much behind it.

I was always that guy who would arrive, coffee in hand, walk between the cars shining in the sun, take photos, and exchange anecdotes with other fans.

But that year, I decided to get more involved.

A friend from the club told me: “We need hands to organize the annual event.”

I thought: “Come on! How complicated can it be?” Brother… I had no idea.

The key word: planning (and a lot of patience)

Behind every exhibition lies a hidden world. I swear.

From finding the perfect location to coordinating each collector and ensuring the cars arrive on time and in good condition.

Logistics begins months in advance. Some critical points:

• Choosing the space: It's not just about beauty. It has to be spacious, with access for trailers, restrooms, and shaded areas.
• Permits and insurance: Paperwork, bureaucracy, municipal approvals… it's all part of the game.
• Call: Not everyone is quick to accept. Some collectors are reserved or require certain conditions.

And of course, there are the sponsors. Convincing brands, negotiating benefits, and maintaining good relationships requires much more than charisma.

Read more: Inside Expo Clásicos Latam

The importance of detail at classic car events

One of the biggest lessons I learned was that small details make a difference.

From the background music to the order of the cars, everything influences the experience.

For example:

• A mistake with arrival times can cause access to collapse.
• If there is not enough shade, visitors cannot stand the heat.
• Poor distribution can hide gems that deserve prominence.

Seeing an exhibitor's disappointed face because their classic is next to the food court, obscured by tents... that hurts.

Emotions are also part of the event

What struck me most was seeing how many exhibitors carry family stories. Some restored their grandfather's car.

Others bought a model they'd dreamed of since they were children. Every car is filled with memory, effort, and passion.

And as an organizer, I understood I had to respect that. We weren't moving old scrap metal or cans. We were putting together a showcase of dreams.

Advice for anyone who wants to get into this world

If you've ever thought about helping organize a classics event, here are some honest tips:

1. Start small. Help with minor tasks and learn.
2. Listen to the speakers. Your feedback is pure gold.
3. Don't underestimate the weather. Always have a plan B for rain or extreme sun.
4. Take care of your dealings with the public. They are the ones who give life to the event.

And above all, keep the passion burning. Organizing can be stressful, but seeing a kid's smile next to a '68 Mustang makes it all worth it.

Some of the most impressive events I have ever seen

Along the way, I was fortunate enough to participate in legendary events.

Like the Autoclásica in Argentina, he RetroMobile Paris, and the mythical Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California.

Each with its own style, but all impeccably organized. Attending these events will open your mind and inspire you to improve yours.

What's behind the curtain

Organizing a classic car event isn't just about bringing together beautiful cars. It's about creating an unforgettable experience for everyone who loves this culture.

Behind every running engine, there are hours of coordination, attention to detail, and respect for the history each vehicle carries.

If you've ever attended one of these events, I hope you'll see it differently now.

And if you're thinking about organizing your own... go ahead, but be prepared to do some real work.

Did you enjoy this content? Share the article with other collectors and tell me about your experience in the comments.