USA Travel Guide

Gearheads get ready! The largest auto show in the nation is fast approaching and you want to make sure you have your tickets and your accommodations in order.

The North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan may come from humble 1907 beginnings as a regional one-off put on by the local dealer association, but it has since grown into an event of considerable prestige and fanfare. So much so, in fact, that the NAIAS is currently the only U.S.-based auto show to be sanctioned by the (deep breath) Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’ Automobiles, which is a fancy-pants club from France that coordinates automobile manufacturers the world over.

This two-week show, running next year from January 11-25, is actually an amalgam of three separately-styled shows and one special event night. The first three days are press only, followed by an industry-only showcase on the 14^th and 15^th. On the 16^th, they hold the annual Charity Preview, a swanky gala event that benefits select children’s charities. Finally on the 17^th and for the remainder of the show, the floor is open to the public, and the public has taken notice.

In January of this year, the 2008 show attracted over 700,000 visitors from 63 countries, and the projected 2009 numbers are no less impressive. Over 700 vehicles will be on display, including a number of U.S. and even worldwide reveals.

The NAIAS takes place at the Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center which is located in downtown Detroit. Adult admission is $12 and tickets may be purchased online or at the door. Learn more here.

For Detroit area hotels, we’re fans of the Doubletree Hotel Detroit/Novi. It’s a bit of a drive to downtown, but it’s well-located to other local attractions and the prices are always very competitive.