Auto shows remain in decline, with industry challenges forcing the cancellation of this year’s Columbus event
The Auto Show Downturn Claims Another Victim: 2025 Columbus Auto Show Canceled
The decline of auto shows continues, with the 2025 Columbus Auto Show being the latest casualty. The event, long a staple in the Ohio community, was abruptly canceled just weeks before its scheduled March 13 kickoff.
While not as high-profile as Geneva or Frankfurt, the Columbus show has played an important role locally, even raising $150,000 for charity in 2024. However, organizers cited “headwinds in the auto industry” as the reason for scrapping this year’s edition, though they remain hopeful for a return in the future.
Officials stated they are working to overcome these challenges and remain committed to bringing the show back in the future. They are also exploring innovative event formats to keep consumers and auto enthusiasts engaged with manufacturers and dealers.
Auto shows have been struggling for years. The 2025 Detroit Auto Show, for example, saw disappointing attendance, drawing just 275,000 visitors—down sharply from 774,179 in 2019. As the industry shifts, it remains uncertain how many more auto shows will survive the trend.
