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Behind the Scenes at the LA Auto Show

3 January 2000

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    Prep Is Under Way for the Next Big New Year's
    Production: At the L.A. Auto Show, Crews Work
    Against the Clock to Ready Exhibits for Car-Loving Crowds

    The Story -- Prepping For the Crowds:

    For Southland car lovers, the L.A. Auto show begins January 8; but long before the crowds of thousands pour in, and before the showcase vehicles are positioned in their spots, many hundreds of crewmembers work feverishly to put the finishing touches on the exhibits. At the Lincoln and Mercury exhibits, which are among the major environments created for the show by Exhibit Works -- one of the nation's largest design and exhibit firms -- carpet layers, forklift operators, florists and auto detailers work together on a precision-timed schedule. The mission: to ready the exhibits for the crowds -- and the cars that will be "chauffeured in" and admired like stars on Oscar night.

    Details -- Go Behind One of the Largest Exhibits:

    Exhibit Works' installations for Ford's Lincoln and Mercury brands involve seven days of precision-timed set-up, culminating on Monday, Jan. 3 -- the final exhibit set-up day before cars arrive.

--   More than 320,000 pounds of freight are transported to the L.A.
     Convention Center for the two brands' exhibits which comprise
     nearly 20,000 square feet of exhibit space.

--   Crates with exhibit materials fill fifteen (15) 53-foot
     semi-tractor trailers.

--   Approximately 1,500 man-hours are expended over the seven-day
     installation by electricians, carpet layers, forklift operators,
     florists, auto detailers, and other laborers.

--   Together, the workers pay scrupulous attention to the minute
     details such as color composition and floral selection that
     complete the exhibits' themes.

    Private Walk-Thru Time:

    By advance arrangement, build-out representatives will take you on a walk-thru of one of the show's largest exhibits as it's prepped. Walk-Thru Times: Monday, January 3, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; and 1-3 p.m. Where: L.A. Convention Center, West Hall, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles.

--   George Tamer of Exhibit Works will be available for comments and
     a private walk-thru. Crew members will also be available for
     commentary.

    Walk-Thru Arrangements:

    For press clearance and walk-thru by special arrangement, contact Tami Outterbridge or Patricia Johnson at 818/593-5743, ext. 133. Weekend Phone: 818/997-7824; or 818/399-6811.