I've been coming to the Auto Show for many, many, many years ever since I was just a small boy. It was held at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall before the Hawaii Convention Center existed! I have many memories, good and bad. Getting separated from my family inside and having a cop locate me is probably bad, but the good is I had a lot of fun climbing in and out of many brand new cars, pressing all the buttons, and imagine myself driving behind the wheel. Decades later, I still have fun! Cars and driving has always been a passion. The most recent years, the Auto Show has been very consistent with the way it is run, the free Motor Trend subscription registration out front, the layout, the same, usual vendors, and etc. The show is dominated by Toyota, Mercedes, Lexus, Honda, Ford, and Chevrolet. The Hawaii Convention Center is the perfect venue for this show. Throughout the years, it hasn't been getting better, but slowly worse, because there used to be a lot more makes (Porsche, Volvo, Mini, BMW are absent), the Ferraris and Lamborghini's weren't enclosed, there used to be a lot more activities for kids and adults (now it's just spinning a wheel to get garbage prizes), ticket prices keep going up, and there were beautiful car models(!). The Auto Show is really just for car enthusiasts. If you're not, it gets really boring and tiring because there's nothing else going on. I'll definitely come every year. I hope First Hawaiian Bank keeps on sponsoring and give out free Friday tickets! read more

See all

Entering into the Hawaii Convention Center, the first thing you saw was a pink Cadillac. As far as parking, they have approximately little under 700 parking stalls. The crowd covered the lounge area wall to wall. The entrance fee was a flat rate of $9.00. There were lots of vendors selling car care products to customize tires. There was a booth called, Protect Our Waters which had a spinning wheel to win prizes. It talked about storm water and quizing us with questions like, Where does storm water come from? We won 2 disposable box for oil change, Thank you, Thank you! (Answers on the brochure, lol) Walking in those doors, you see cars everywhere. We were on a look out for an SUV. We sat in and looked at many finding the Acura our fav. Mercedes, BMWs, and Lexus didn't have what we were looking for and the feeling we was hoping to have. My fav was the Dodge Challenger. I sat in and it brought back memories of high school daze. But then again, I had many fav's that night. We entered to win free GC's for taking and posting pictures of ourselves next to a car, Free Gas in another, and other stuff. Just having fun, Yaaay! We saw the Rail and it's projected goals, Volkswagons to Corvettes. Overall, they did a good job putting this event together. Mahalo to all involved! read more

See all

We attended the Auto Show late Saturday afternoon since we had complimentary tickets. It was packed with people and vendors. We played a few "spin the wheel" prizes and won notepads/pens, bags and sunglasses. Also entered to win a few gift cards. We did a survey on www.stormwaterhawaii.com We learned how to Protect HAWAII Water; How our Highway Storm Drain System works. They had Essential Education pamphlets with Actions to prevent polluting Hawaii's oceans. A really good awareness on what people can do to not put trash and chemicals down our storm drains; even during everyday cleaning from chemicals, car washes, etc. We also got a free oil change kit. Had a great time viewing the cars, sitting in a few, and ofcourse taking pics. read more

See all

You can't teach an old dog new tricks. Or can you? Well, I would certainly hope that someone would be able to teach this old dog (the car show) some new tricks. I've been attending this First International Auto Show for the past couple of years and each year has been pretty much the same with just a few variations on the car models. This show is basically for the dealerships to showcase all their new cars and for people who are interested in purchasing or leasing new cars. You are given the opportunity to check out the new cars and all their features and you can sit in most of the cars to see if you like them. If you're familiar with the Convention Center, you know the floor is made of concrete but for the show, they dress it up with a nice carpet. There is a section for each type of vehicle make and there are huge signs to lead you to each section. Classic car enthusiasts also have the opportunity to check out some of the classic and custom cars that some of the Hawaii car clubs put on display. These cars are usually staged on the second floor of the convention center while the new cars are place on the first floor. Over the years, I've seen the custom cars display shrink. The Hawaii Convention Center is almost the perfect venue for this car show with its spacious showroom and clean restrooms. I say "almost" perfect because the parking is always $10 per event and you would think they have enough parking stalls but the lot often gets full. I've seen people park at Ala Moana Center and walk over to the Convention Center. So getting back to the tired car show...The title sponsor is usually the same each year: First Hawaiian Bank. They always set up shop at the entrance of the car show and have some type of game where you can win free prizes. GEICO is also among the sponsors and they have a large booth at the front where you can also win prizes after you provide them with your driver's license and contact info. Papa John's also gives away free slices of dried out pizza near the ticket booth. They have a concession booth all the way at the rear of the car show where they sell overpriced food and drinks. Overall, this particular car show isn't a bad to peruse if you're in the market for a new car but that's about it. Sometimes they have a few random vendors who sell sunglasses, car wax and massage chairs but there aren't a whole lot of them and there really isn't any added value to the car show like live entertainment. I enjoyed going the first year or two but if you're like me who has been attending for the past few years, don't expect anything new. read more

See all

It was a decent show. We went on Sunday afternoon towards the end of the three day run so the crowd was light. The models and displayed seemed to be more average consumer driven, Like the new 2020 models and a couple of high end displays. No really new tech displays or prototype models and exotics. But I was in the market for a new car, so it was great to check out multiple models, sit and them and learn. They had a couple of collector displays. Cobras, Corvettes, supras, and a bunch of antiques. I'd check it out again. read more

See all

5 stars for getting in free thanks to Yelp. THANKS Emi! Another 5 stars for finally getting to see the Lexus FLA IRL. The Subaru BRZ was a nice surprise too. Ahh we can all dream....... read more

First Hawaiian International Auto Show - $375,000!!!!!! - Festivals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My better half loves going to this show every year, so we try to get discount coupons from First Hawaiian Bank. It's free on the 1st night if you get there with the coupon before 6 pm, which is what we try to do. So many cars to look at, so little time. There are promotions before you get into the auto show, as well as promos and contests when you get into the show. A fun show to attend whether you're car shopping or not. read more

See all

Whether you are into cars or just looking for a new car, you should definitely check this once a year show out. The 3 day event is held every year in April at the Convention Center, sponsored by First Hawaiian Bank which means make sure you stop by their branches to get coupons for admission. Usually the coupon let's you have a discounted entrance fee or free entry on the first day in the afternoon! Otherwise the ticket is kind of pricey, $10 for regular adult admission. There are discounts for military, kids and senior citizens. It is a fun event for all ages. I've been going to this car show for years and I will continue going. Why? Because I can see all the new car models and even sit in some cars that I will probably never be able to afford in my lifetime! It's great to have all of the different dealerships in one place without auto salesmen trying to pressure me to buy! All the car dealerships are here whether it's luxury like Maserati or Hawaii's favorite, Toyota (why? look at the cars that pass when you're on the road, lol). I saw an NSX last year (my dream car) and sat in in the backseat of a Range Rover. I also sat in a Tacoma and Lexus. Now back to reality. Because of the car show, I have a list of the cars in my mind that are in my budget and that I think I can actually drive when I'm ready to buy a new car. Make sure you also check out the vendors who are there also, especially the Daiwa massage chairs! ******** ready for a new car look at and sit in the cars super fun event read more

See all

I ususally attend because my father wants to go and check out the new cars. I'll admit in a way it's good to check out because I am always on the look out for a new car. Preferably a beach car. After all, I do live in HAWAII. It can get boring because I'd rather be in and out but my dad likes to wander, and seems like check out EVERY car. The set up is always the same. There are car clubs on the third floor of the convention center. There is parking there but I am unsure the price of parking and how the lot is set up. I usually go to Ala Moana Shopping Center, grab food and head over to the convention center afterwards. read more

First Hawaiian International Auto Show - Festivals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

So many car dealerships spend a lot of money to hold this show. It is very unfortunate that so many of the sales people who are there do not take the time to speak with customers. I found many of the sales people busy talking to each other or checking out their cellphones. I make the trip to the show to check out the various cars so I can better evaluate which car I'd like to buy this year. It was a struggle finding sales people wanting to share their information...aren't they there to pick up leads?...or did I misunderstand one of the objectives of the show? There were several girls there, I guess they are supposed to be "eye candy", but I would think they should he at the very least hospitable....The only 2 ladies that I found to be really interested in representing their brand well were the Tesla ladies. I found only one gentleman, Mr. Kochi, who took the time to answer questions on the Hondas. The other salesman would answer a question, then walk away to check his phone. I don't think I should have to chase down a salesman. The young girl in that area was very busy looking at her phone and advised me she was not a salesperson. I'm not sure why she was there. Jared in the Acura area was helpful, Mike in the Corvette section was very personable and took the time to go over the various models. Other than that, we could not find a Lexus person to talk to. While there was a wide range of cars represented from budget to luxury, I certainly expect the sales people to be professional. Since it is supposed to be a high end, luxury line I would expect Mercedes Benz sales people to have some class. Very sad to say that the guy (I can't even call him a gentleman) I spoke with was very rude and lacked any level of class. When I asked how the size of his Mercedes SUV compared to a Honda CRV, his reply was "I don't look at Honda's. They are killer cars". He then started telling me to look at the safety ratings...Whaaat?...never mind. I don't listen to snobby people like that. I have had 3 Mercedes and don't think people who drive Mercedes are any better than people who drive Hondas! Good sales people do not disparage and make rude comments about other products in the marketplace. They sell the benefits of their product and if they don't know the answer to a question, they tell you they don't know. Despite of the annoyances of the lack of good salespeople, I did enjoy seeing all of the cars. Always love looking at the beautiful fancy cars and learning about the new features. I was nice to be able to walk from one dealership to another and quickly eliminate those I would not seriously consider. read more

I have never been a car person, but I do love the design and ingenuity of it all. Walking through the show room you are overwhelmed with shiny new models- from Fords to Hyundai and beautiful Bentleys. Most of the cars you can enter, feel the wheel and even hop into the back seat to see if it is "make-out" worthy, but the high end models are usually locked. At each end you get to take a break from the new and travel back to the old. From the 1930s to 70s we see the transformation of cars- the changes in shape, engine, and model details. The transformation is distinct as we go from the luxury of time and detail to fast and mainstream. Besides all the car love, you can take a break at the different vendor tables whether it's spinning a wheel or pulling the jackpot wheel. In the Kia area you'll find Star radio with their slot machine giving away hard rock coupons, pins, as well as two Kias. At the Geico table you can win water bottles, koosies, or cute plush geckos. So whether you love cars or just appreciate the art of design this is a great event to attend. My only wish is that they bring me some Rolls Royce and Porches next time. read more

See all

My son who is all about cars was planning this visit for at least two weeks and even found a flier somewhere. We've been to auto shows in St Louis, Washington DC, and elsewhere so were expecting something comparable. This was no comparison at all, especially for the cost of the entrance ticket. I realize this is an island and cars are a little more scarce so we appreciate having an auto show to begin with but it could definitely use some beef. It was one floor of cars and didn't have some of the cars my son...or my wife were interested in seeing. Still cool to see what they had but would hope future auto shows expand the show. read more

I love cars and seeing new technology in cars. Nothing really catching my eye this year. A lot of nice cars but, I think I'm starting to lean towards vintage. read more

See all

I attended the First Hawaiian International Auto Show because because a friend gave me two free passes for Friday night. The regular cost was $8 and quite frankly I don't understand why people would pay to see cars that you can typically see at a dealership for free. However, it makes car shopping easy. To be honest, I haven't attended and Auto Show since they started charging. I always thought that paying to seeing cars would be similar to paying to go shopping for anything else. This Auto Show had everything from inexpensive Honda and Toyotas all the way up to Ferraris and Bentleys priced well over a quarter million dollars. I've been driving my 2005 Toyota Camry XLE since 2005. It was time for a change. It was great to be able to look at Toyota, Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti cars all at one time. The huge problem was not having enough sales people. If I was a card dealership owner, I would have basically my entire staff at the Auto Show like 1 or 2 sales people by each car to answer questions, get phone numbers, and be able to do follow up with all the people that were interested. Ford was the only one that had ample sales people and were taking names, phone numbers, and emails to follow up with people. It was a fun evening and even some giveaways at the Geico booth and an unrelated wastewater management booth outside. read more

This auto show always brings in a huge crowd. There are many cars from local dealerships that you can check out. When you walk in you are bombarded with all the cars that pack the showroom. Do you go left? Right? Straight? Or sign up and win money at the FHB booth. So many choices. You are sure to be entertained by the new and sleek cars of the show. Don't be shy to ask the workers questions. They are friendly and always willing to help you. read more

Really gets my motor running to see so many beautiful cars under one roof. In the market for a new car? One stop and you can check out all the makes and models. Found it interesting this year that Ford locked the doors and would not let you sit in the Ford Explorer. Its a Ford, not a Maserati, for crying out loud! Anyhow, buy your tickets online to save a buck or two on the admission. read more

I think I like the last auto show better, or maybe I was just wearing the wrong foot ware since I came straight for work and didn't get the chance to bring slipper. I was actually bummed that I didn't read my yelp invitation to the auto show so i just payed for the ticket :/ super bummer because I could have gotten in for free, but it' ok because I get to see some cars! I was really expecting that I'd fall in love with the FRS that's why I put a down payment on it but when I saw the brz and frs in real like I was more attracted to the BRZ, but then again I feel like Scion made such an ugly presentation on the FRS, they just placed on the floor and put a railing on it. What the heck! while Subaru put the BRZ in a pedestal state. and thanks to my friend Kai for hooking me up with a chevy bag hahah! read more

First Hawaiian International Auto Show - And so I think I like the BRZ better??? ~pie - Festivals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

My first time going to an Auto Show such as this one. I've paid for my tickets online so I thought it would be quick to get in. When we got there, I didn't know we could go straight to the door, stayed in line for a long time before realizing what I should have done. Note to self: ask workers questions! Entering the area it was quite overwhelming. I didn't know where to begin! I basically went to cars that were sporty looking. There were booklets for every brand of car. Some of them are so fancy! Some of the cars I wanted to get a closer look at were roped off, but that's okay must cost a lot if they want people to keep a distance. There was also a charging station for electronics, clever and there were other interactive stations but I didn't really know until I took a look at the map which was in their booklets that were available at the entrance. Another thing I liked were the signs that pointed everyone to the different brand of cars and the carpet that were made to look like a road. It made me want to pretend I was in a car and follow the road the whole time we were there. With workers for the various brands, it still made me feel like I was at a dealership. I would definitely go next time, and bring my younger cousins who's under 17 cause they can get in fo free. Ah, there was also a sample for Papa John's pizza and the Yelp booth, always there this time with their Yelpmobile (: read more

Second year coming. We love cars! No parking payment booth in the building this time. Caused a traffic jam when leaving since everyone had to pay at booths. Saw our favorites. Didn't understand why some were locked with sales persons right there. But hey! Cars are cool and we were stoked to see, sit in and touch. Will be back next year. Please have a cool Yelp booth!! read more

First Hawaiian International Auto Show - Mercedes-Benz - Festivals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

I know nothing about cars, but this is still a cool event. It was my first time and I had fun! Here's what I liked... -Affordable admission; $8 per person -Comfy environment in the Hawaii Convention Ctr. -Great for car shoppers; one stop shop -Friendly and helpful car salesmen -You get to sit in the cars and check out all the new features -Free pizza samples from Papa John's -Free stuff from the Yelp booth, too! -Giveaways and prizes Things I don't like: -$10 parking -__- -Only one entrance to the HiCC parking lot (Kalakaua Ave) -The electronic ticket toll booth is never working :( -Confusing parking structure; poor layout read more

Well..... first of all, I was soo sad and disappointed to not see the Yelp booth this year because it was 3 years ago, that led me to the Yelp booth at the FHIAS and enticed me in to a free evite to my first Yelp magical evening event at the Honolulu Zoo, and molded me into the Elite Yelper that I am today ! I am giving a SOFT 3 star for this year's event for certain reasons- -It is always a well promoted event with a good turnout, but they did not give out discount coupons, which seemed to slghtly slower than last year. - I noticed less particpation from a variety of vendors(i.e. YELP and major radio station) and the Mini motoring club(a mixture of classic and new MINI Coopers ) was not invited due to certain reasons, yet I saw empty spaces where they were last year not being utilized. And there was space for a Yelp booth too :(... - it was only $5 to park in the past, and now it is $10! - Less giveaways and no radio station doing the slot machines, and offering vendors to say little blurbs out. -BORING food! They REALLY NEED to open a up extra exit booths at the end of the show, its always a 20 minute minimum hold up in leaving the parking lot due to less manpower. Now don't get me wrong, I encorage people to go to the Auto Show every year, I just wish that FHAS didnt scale it down, and to encourage adding fun vendors backnext year. I will always be a fan of the Auto Show, but lets try to liven it up a bit for 2015! read more

See all

My favorite place to just walk around and enjoy all the cars new and classics. Love to come every year and dream about cars I will never have!!!! read more

First Hawaiian International Auto Show - Festivals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Been taking my son here for the past few years now. He loves sitting in all the different cars and trucks. He really has fun in the cars that can turn the radio on. My friend has a car that is displayed on the 3rd floor that we go to see also. This year we took the bus so didn't have to worry about parking. read more

I LOVE THE FIRST HAWAIIAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW. It's always marked in my calendar for march/april. I look forward to going every year. I've gone for the past 4-5 years already with my boyfriend. We park at Ala Moana to avoid the cramped convention center parking. This works out very well because it's walking distance from the convention center (GRANTED you park on the right side of Ala Moana ahaha). The car show is an EXCELLENT place to check out what the new models of each brand are going to be. I like it because they show MANY MANY different car brands from for all different walks of life. Luxury, sport, green, foreign, bus-like, everyday... everything! I also like to come because they do trivia for prizes, and have all kinds of car related, insurance related, and environmental (in relation to cars) booths that give out prizes. This year I got a Geico bag, pens, notepads, a free carry on type duffel bag from AAA (I wanted to sign up at the car show because they usually give you something AND I've been meaning to sign up anyway), a bucket with sponge for car washing, a reusable hard plastic Subaru cup, and of course all my favorite car brand reusable tote bags. We also met people that were FLOWN in from a different state specifically to work the car show. I was surprised to find out that they do this. One lady came all the way from Florida, and BOY did she know her stuff! She even owned cars of the brand she worked for. I like that the people and reps are actually enthusiasts themselves. It makes the experience so much more exciting and interesting! Can't wait for next year! read more

Where else can you drool and slobber over cars from every manufacturer in one spot? The First Hawaiian Auto Show of Course!!! Great show with many models to sit and push buttons. Prizes and giveaways galore. They've generally had free pizza from Papa Johns the last few years I've gone. Only things I recommend.... Look for coupons early in the Honolulu Advertiser..like the prior Sunday/Wednesday. They are better then what's online or in the paper the day before. Also park at Ala Moana. The parking at the convention center is a steep $10. Yes TEN BUCKS. read more

Have you noticed? I've been M.I.A from yelp the past 8 months!!! But let's just call that my "Yelp Sabbatical!" I'm back now! Woot! .........so how does affect the review you ask? It means I'm going to be rusty, so bear with me as I tap into my old reviewing flair... The First Hawaiian International Auto Show, really is a long title to type out now that I actually had to do so. In that case, let's just refer to it as the Auto Show or "AS" for those who like acronyms. The AS is great! It's family friendly, full of people with jobs and careers, and they don't try to make you deaf unlike other "car shows." But what's there to say about the AS that isn't self-explanatory, it's an AS -- it has cars, car products, and more cars! So let me be original and offer something that will apply to future AS at the convention center... 1) PARKING: You can park inside the Convention Center. I don't know how much parking is, but it always looks like a mess, so I don't bother. INSTEAD, try parking in the ILWU parking lot ($5 donation) or if you don't intend to stay long, park behind Femme Nu, along the side of the Ala Moana Hotel, it's 25 cents per 15 minutes, but that's still a bargain! Plus it's not really busy along that street till about 7PM, so you can easily drive off once you're done. If you REALLY WANNA BE CHANG, park at Ala Moana and walk over, but who wants to stay in shape, that's so 2011! 2) SUPER FREE STUFF: Depending on your level of frugality, there are various levels of "FREE-STUFF." If you are SUPER-CHANG (that mean's you're like the Superman of people who like to save money) then don't even pay to go into the Auto Show, just goto all the booths on the outside and collect your free loots! There's a bunch of chumps that always give out free things in exchange for a little bit of your personal information/email. This years SUPER CHANG swag entailed: Lip Balm (courtesy of Yelp), Oil Change Box, Geico Goodies (Bag, Shirt, Foozie, Pez, etc.), Stress Relief Ball, Hawaii Rail Goodies (Pens, bags, etc.), Gym Bags, Prize Drawings, and Samples. 3) FREE STUFF: Okay to get this stuff you're going to have to dish out some cash (as in, pay to go in). But if you continue on with your SUPER-CHANG super powers, you'll net enough goodies to make that entrance fee worthwhile. First off, almost all major car brands that are hip, give SOMETHING away. Recyclable bags seem to be the "I'm Green Too! Trend." Toyota, Ford, Subaru, and Scion were giving away such type of bags. Toyota arguably had the best design, no bias intended, I swear! Additionally, spend some time scrounging around each dealer's area, you might find that you can pick up additional trinkets if you invest the time. If you're game, also stick around for the "Quiz" type activities that dealerships will play from time to time, they pass out unique goodies. Oh and for the 2nd year now, the AS offers a FREE magazine subscription to Motor Trend, so not only did your entrance fee net you some neat goodies, you've got bathroom reading material down pact for the next 12 months! Woot! 4) ENTER THE DRAWINGS: Let's be real, you have a SUPER small chance at winning that $100,000 they always entice people to sign up for. But hey, you at least still got a chance! So go ahead and sign up! It might just be worth that 5 minute wait in line! Occasionally, other dealers and vendors offer drawings, take some time to fill out the forms, who knows, you might just be the next lucky ducky! 5) GET TO THAA CAWS! (*to be read in an Arnold voice): This is the FUN part! Act like a prostitute, be a hitchhiker, act like you're stealing cars because chances are you're not gonna be able to put your butt into so many different cars all within the span of 2 hours. Unless you're Nicholas Cage in Gone in 60 Seconds! Take pictures, make ridiculous speeding sounds, and eye out people like you own that car because you paid for that experience! Plus the AS is boring if you don't! read more

I had a lot of fun at the 2012 FHB International Auto Show. Big ups to the Yelp head honcho Emi for the pair of tickets. I went down with my sister and a friend on Sunday. The first thing that I saw when I stepped in was the Yelp booth and that was cool to see. I saw that they had a photo opportunity with the little go cart. I took a picture later. I kinda saddened my because I missed out on the Tallageda Nights event. They had a decent amount vendors. Free pizza slices from Papa John's was da bomb. All the other booths gave away little knick knack stuff like Geico with their little spin the wheel thing. The Rail transit project was there as always. Other auto related booths outside of the showroom were cool too. The FHB booth was poppin' all day with people trying to enter the 100 grand giveaway thing. I was surprised to hear that the first 3 drawings/finalists were no shows! They had a little slot machine thing which I won nothing just like Vegas. Seeing all of the makes and models of cars was heaven for me. We went down to every make and checked out the cars from trucks, vans, and SUVs. I just bought a new pre-owned car not too long ago. At the end of the day, it was a good thing that I had no regrets with the vehicle that I have. However, I kinda dude wish I never purchased a new vehicle before going to the auto show as it would have given me better options. There were a couple of sections of makes that stood out. I think the best one was Scion because they give out the best freebies like the little bags, key chains, and microfiber cloth phone folder thingy. Honda one was cool too because they had CR-V giveaway. I would say the staff and customer service at most of the make's sections were good. They were friendly and very helpful in answering any questions on the vehicles. There were some pretty unique sections in addition to the dealerships which were the oldmobiles old school cars, the sports cars, and some pimped out customized cars. I heard you could test drive the cars outside the convention center which I didn't get a chance to investigate. Overall, it was a good expo I would say. Yelp 365 Challenge #248/365 read more

Lots of cars and a couple motorcycles. Lots of sweepstakes to sign up for. Bring a pen.

I wasn't looking for a car so i guess i didn't think the show was that great. Some companies didn't have or had only a few people to answer questions about the vehicles. The price of admission was ridiculous in my opinion. read more

The 2016 car show was a disappointment. Fortunately, I was looking for the Toyota Prius and they had the different models for me to drool over and you could tell Toyota had their stuff together taking up a good size of the floor. Honda Accord was another model I wanted to see but they only brought in the 2-door Accord. How many 2-door Accords do you see on the road? No 4-door models to be found on the floor. And $10 parking?! I'm not sure the UH Basketball Warriors and Wahine were the only reasons for the 15% decline in attendance this year. read more