After more than a year of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting shutdowns, one thing that has not changed is the demand for new vehicles and interest in viewing them at auto shows. 

Juliet Guerra, the media relations director at the National Automobile Dealers Association, said that auto show organizers throughout the country are revamping shows to meet COVID-19 guidelines because the value of auto shows to consumers has not changed. 

  

"Bringing auto shows back for our industry is a big deal, and consumers are absolutely ready," Auto Shows of North America Chairwoman Jenn Jackson said, according to the NADA website. "Auto Shows are the quintessential opportunity to contrast and compare different makes and models in a low-pressure environment. For a consumer who is close to purchase, visiting an auto show will often solidify their decision on their next vehicle."

The first auto show that kicked things off was the first-ever summertime Houston Auto Show, which took place May 19-23, Mega Dealer News reported. The Chicago Auto Show will hold a special summer edition July 15-19 at McCormick Place’s West facility.

The Chicago and Houston shows, like others that are in the works for the upcoming months, followed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to protect customers at the venues, which included not requiring vaccinated people to wear masks, but strongly recommending masks to be worn at the show. 

"While offering consumers a first-class auto show experience, attendee safety is the top priority for show organizers. Show organizers have adopted enhanced cleaning and safety protocols, including temperature checks, mandatory mask use, increased sanitization stations and enhanced vehicle cleanings between visitors," the NADA website said. 

According to the NADA, all shows are working with health and safety officials "to ensure that all applicable local, state and federal sanitation guidelines are followed."