Paul Mathers is one of a small team which every year brings together one of Australia’s most prestigious and beautiful events. As the Director of Motorclassica, his remit is clear – to bring to light in Melbourne’s iconic, world heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building – the very best and most covetable examples of “rolling art” Australia has to offer, for its most discerning, high end collectors.
The Australian International Concours d’Elegance, or Motorclassica for short, is the southern hemisphere’s biggest and most important beauty pageant for classic, vintage, veteran and exotic automobiles, and second only to the Australian Grand Prix as the glamour, society event of the year for Australia’s elite. Celebrating its 10th year in 2019, it’s no mean feat pulling together the elements of Motorclassica’s annual festival of motoring for its small team of event professionals and motoring enthusiasts. Nevertheless, every year they succeed in surprising their audience and the event continues to prove a valuable soapbox for brands like Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, McLaren, TAG Heuer, Longines, Pommery and Mitchelton Wines to promote their brands and entertain new and existing customers in a unique and rarified environment.
Over $80 million worth of cars and motorcycles form a backdrop for a range of sponsorship and corporate hospitality options for those who wish to engage with an Australia-wide audience of business leaders, entrepreneurs and captains of industry all united by a common love of exquisite design and engineering marvels. Paul and his team work very closely with potential new sponsors to create tailored, bespoke opportunities which offer “money can’t buy” cache. “From sponsorship of the popular opening night cocktail party for over 500 guests, to the more intimate 10th anniversary dinner, our offerings are only limited by your imagination”, he says. “And for those companies looking for promotional, lead generating or direct sales opportunities, our expo provides an opportunity to meet our high-value audience face to face. For destinations, apparel, watches, antiques and lifestyle brands, exhibiting is an ideal way of interacting with this hard-to-get-to consumer market”.
Motorclassica might be seven months away, but it’s all systems go for Paul and his team. With anniversary celebrations for Bentley, Citroen, Alvis, Abarth and Mini, and with a special first-time tribute to the history of Japanese sports cars featuring the $1 million+ Toyota 2000GT, this 10th anniversary event is sure to be unmissable.
Motorclassica will be held at the Royal Exhibition Building from 11th to 13th October with opening night on Thursday 10th October. For sponsorship or exhibitor enquiries please contact Event Director, Paul Mathers at pmathers@etf.com.au or visit www.motorclassica.com.au