The Los Angeles Auto Show took to the Los Angeles Convention Center November 18 through 27—running clear through the bustling Thanksgiving weekend—with press days kicking off on November 16. The century-old show drew its typical consumer and media throng to the cavernous exhibit space, and automakers' related parties took to surrounding venues. Here's a look inside some of the show's notable moments, including Nintendo's life-size Mario Karts, Porsche's racetrack at Vibiana, and the auto show's own quick turnaround for its benefit preview night.
Photo: Nintendo, Bob Riha, Jr.
Nintendo's Mario Karts at the Los Angeles Auto Show
Nintendo made its first-ever appearance at an automotive trade show to unveil life-size models of two Mario Kart-inspired vehicles. The brand teamed with West Coast Customs to create two karts in celebration of the December 4 release of Mario Kart 7 for the portable Nintendo 3DS system.
Photo: Nintendo, Bob Riha, Jr.
Nintendo's Mario Karts at the Los Angeles Auto Show
The karts were on display during the run of the show, November 18 through 27, in the lobby of the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center. Visitors could take photos of the vehicles, sample the Mario Kart 7 game before its launch, and participate in multiplayer game play.
Photo: Nintendo, Bob Riha, Jr.
Nintendo's Mario Karts at the Los Angeles Auto Show
Nintendo of America president and C.O.O. Reggie Fils-Aime (right) and West Coast Customs founder and C.E.O. Ryan Friedlinghaus played Mario Kart 7 for the portable Nintendo 3DS system at the show.
Photo: Nintendo, Bob Riha, Jr.
Nintendo's Mario Karts at the Los Angeles Auto Show
Fils-Aime got behind the wheel of the Luigi Bumble V kart, one of Nintendo's two life-size vehicles at the show.
Photo: Nintendo, Bob Riha, Jr.
Porsche's Los Angeles Auto Show Party at Vibiana
On November 15, Porsche AG in combination with Porsche Cars North America hosted a media-only party at Vibiana for about 400 guests.
Photo: Axel Koester Photography
Porsche's Los Angeles Auto Show Party at Vibiana
Porsche's event had a racetrack setup with three remote-control cars and two car simulators for journalists to race each other.
Photo: Axel Koester Photography
Porsche's Los Angeles Auto Show Party at Vibiana
Dinner and cocktails were also on tap at Porsche's party, where dramatic purple and red tones bathed Vibiana.
Photo: Axel Koester Photography
Porsche's Los Angeles Auto Show Party at Vibiana
Porsche produced the event working with Sandra Bartsch Productions.
Photo: Axel Koester Photography
Los Angeles Auto Show Sneak Preview Night
On November 17, the auto show held its Sneak Preview Night, an annual charity event that allows attendees to experience the show before it opens to the public. The auto show's director of administration, Gina Callari, explained that the biggest challenge was the tight timeline to transform the show lobby into an event worthy of the ticket price, which went up to $250. Eighty percent of the setup took place in the eight hours leading up to the event.
Photo: Courtesy of Alchemist & Company
Los Angeles Auto Show Sneak Preview Night
Colorful sweets topped a table at the preview night. "The day before and the day of Sneak Preview Night hosts nearly 10,000 media and auto industry executives, so it’s a challenge to set up for one event during another," the auto show's Callari said. "In addition to the limited setup time and juggling of events, the venue itself is vast, with high ceilings and thousands of windows. Making that space feel intimate and festive requires creativity. And we have to be conscious of costs since this is a charity event, but we do not want to lose the world-class look of the L.A. Auto Show."
Photo: Courtesy of Alchemist & Company
Los Angeles Auto Show Sneak Preview Night
Alchemist & Company created the floral decor at the event, which popped with arrangements like this towering display of red roses and purple orchids.
Photo: Courtesy of Alchemist & Company
