Search
Resorts & LodgesVacation RentalsDeals & PackagesTravel Guides
List Your Property

Utah International Auto Expo: An Auto Extravaganza For All Ages

Perched proudly between the majestic Wasatch Mountain Range and sprawling Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City is one of the top winter vacation destinations in the Western United States. This friendly and warm hearted city is chock full of enjoyable and unique activities for all backgrounds and ages. Historic sites like The Beehive House and Camp Floyd State Park are entertaining windows into the rich history of the region. Bring the whole family and check out the Utah Olympic Park, home to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Salt Lake City also features a vibrant art and creative scene. You’ll find an abundance of one-of-a-kind art and live performances at the many galleries, theaters, shows, exhibits, and museums that call the city home. Another great aspect of the city and the community, is that they love to celebrate and get together for the region's numerous events and festivals. The events come in every flavor from music festivals to art shows, but one of the most popular and highly anticipated is The Utah International Auto Expo.

 

As one of the top consumer expos in Utah, The International Auto Expo is the ideal event for any person who has an interest in automobiles and the auto industry in general. The expo will feature over 350 of the latest automobiles, from the world's largest auto manufacturers. You’ll get an up close experience with the cutting edge technology and innovative design that drives the industry. The experience is only deepened by the amount of test drives you can go on with the new models. In addition, if you’re attending with the family, your kids will love the zip line that soars over the expo and Imagination Place, which is packed full music and activities for children of all ages. Take your Salt Lake City getaway to the next level and head to the Utah International Auto Expo for a fun and unique experience! We got the chance to interview, Todd Hovsepian, Director of Event Experience for The Enthusiast Network, to talk about this auto spectacular.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

TH: The Utah Auto Expo has been running here at South Towne Expo Center since 2002. Before that time, it was at Salt Palace in Downtown Salt Lake City. This is the largest consumer expo held at South Towne Expo Center. When it comes to demographics, this is primarily a family expo, but we attract everyone from families to individual auto enthusiasts.

 

RAL: What makes the event unique?

TH: This event is unique because it’s a single location where consumers and auto enthusiasts alike can see over 350 new cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers without any pressure to buy. You can also test drive select vehicles from Ford, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, Toyota, and Honda.

 

RAL: What can a attendee expect during a typical day at the event?

TH: You can expect to see over 350 of the newest cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers right at the expo. We have test drives from select manufacturers as well as fun for the whole family. There will be a zipline running during the entire expo, presented by Mavrick. We have tasty refreshments and snacks available at our food vendors. Our expo also will feature a series of speciality vehicle displays including vehicles from the Utah National Guard, Ardell Brown Classic Car Collection, Bonneville Off Road Racing, Utah Highway Patrol and more. If you’re bringing the family, your kids will love the Imagination Place, which is filled with fun and educational activities for kids of all ages.

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

TH: Salt Lake City is a large and beautiful city. There are many lodging options of all types in the immediate area, from cozy bed and breakfasts to major hotel chains. Regardless of the size of your group, the perfect lodging is there waiting for you in Salt Lake City. A couple local options to consider include 1887 Hansen House Bed & Breakfast and Comfort Inn Salt Lake City Airport.  

 

RAL: What does the event mean to the community?

TH:  It’s become a tradition here in Salt Lake. Every year people flock to the Expo Center to see the latest and greatest vehicles on the market. It’s a great opportunity for car enthusiasts to get together and talk about all the new rides and technology that will be on display. It's a family friendly event so car fans of all ages can join in the fun.  

 

RAL: Does the event drive business to the local economy?

TH: Definitely. Although there isn't any selling going on at the expo, what attendees see at our expo definitely helps influence their purchasing decisions in the future. In addition, many of the attendees of our expo come in from the surrounding areas. This helps the local business with increased sales volume, and in-turn they pay more taxes into the community.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

TH: Our Expo is a good time for all to spend with friends and family. The Expo Center is a gorgeous venue and provides the perfect backdrop for people wanting to learn more about what vehicles are on the market.


For more information about the Utah International Auto Expo, please visit their website.