2022 Automotive News Canada All-Stars

Navigating the perils of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for Jason Campbell, general manager of Canada’s largest auto show.

The Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) was cancelled for 2021 and 2022, but the pre-pandemic 2020 show had a record attendance of 335,000.

Despite on-again/off-again government restrictions on public gatherings since then, Campbell remained optimistic and kept the CIAS buzz alive, working to pull off 2020 and 2021 shows that were ultimately cancelled.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since COVID-19 arrived, but Campbell predicts a return to pre-pandemic public attendance for the CIAS 2023, Feb. 17 to Feb. 26.

Even with health restrictions lifted, getting the auto brands on board hasn’t been easy. But when Ford announced it would not exhibit at the show, Campbell and his team quickly pivoted, turning what was to have been Ford’s space into an indoor EV test track for show visitors.