The Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS) has just decided to cancel the virtual edition scheduled for January 20 to 24, 2021. The virtual edition was to replace the Montreal International Auto Show at the Palais des congrès de Montréal from January 15 to 24, 2021. 

Initially, the SIAM team wanted to reinvent itself, propose an innovative technological solution integrating augmented reality, and maintain its presence during the month of January, in the hope of maintaining this traditional event despite the absence of the event at the Palais. “We have been working together for several weeks, with the car manufacturers and the virtual platform provider, to model and implement a beautiful project, which would have been a first in North America. Every effort has been made to ensure good participation and a unique visitor experience for a virtual automotive event,” said Luis Pereira, Executive Director of the event. “We also took the initiative to collaborate with other Canadian auto shows to replicate the same virtual experience across Canada using this unique platform and thus limit the costs in terms of content production for exhibitors,” he continues.

“The pandemic has certainly not spared the auto industry, and with the absence of many of the auto manufacturers who will not be participating in this edition, and despite our best efforts, we are faced with the difficult decision to cancel the virtual edition. We are aware, through our communications with the manufacturers, that they are indeed going through a difficult period related in particular to the coronavirus and its financial consequences, and that they are therefore seeking to limit their expenses,” said Denis Dessureault, Executive Vice-President.

He adds, “One thing is certain: the trade show industry will not disappear and the Internet will take over. Manufacturers will be present at the next edition at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, to the delight of visitors. We continue to focus on the preparation of the Presidential Show, which will return in 2022. Our primary objective is to continue to offer the public a platform that allows them to discover the full range of products and services available on the automotive market, and to facilitate mobility choices, all presented in one place!”

In anticipation of the next edition, MIAS will develop collaborations to deliver free automotive content in early 2021.