SET-UP DETAILS | MOVE OUT SCHEDULE | RULES & REGULATIONS | JUDGING | AWARDS | ELECTRICAL | BOOTH RENTALS
| MTCC EXHIBITOR NOTICE & ONLINE ORDER TOOL (PARKING PASS, INTERNET, CLEANING) | HOTEL | TRAILER PARKING | F.A.Q’s
Exhibitor and competitor setup will take place on Friday, July 11, 2025, between 10am and 7:00pm.
Competitors, please do your best to arrive at your selected time slot – 11am to 12pm | 1pm to 3pm | 5pm to 7:00pm. If you are running late and will not be able to arrive in time please inform us by emailing reg@importfest.com. (If you’re unsure of your time slot, please log into your profile to check).
If you are no longer able to display your car but still plan to visit the show please inform us via email at reg@importfest.com. On show day please visit the Competitor Information Desk located in the main lobby, between 11am to 3pm only, and show a valid ID (i.e. drivers licence) to claim your TWO tickets and competitor t shirt.
Please note that we do not offer refunds, transfers or mail out competitor t shirts.
Due to the heavy downtown traffic, delays are expected, possibly up to 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your arrival time and the congestion near the venue’s entrance. Please be patient and stay in your vehicles until our staff has escorted you to your floor location. Drive with caution and at a reduced speed while inside the venue.
Exhibitors please park transport/cargo vehicles within your designated booth space.
Parking outside of your assigned space, along walls, in aisle ways, or leaving vehicles unattended is strictly prohibited.
*All participants must leave the building by 8 PM.
Children under the age of 16 are not permitted on the exhibit floor during Move-In or Move-Out as per Ministry of Labour safety regulations.
Pets are not permitted on the exhibit floor during Move-In or Move-Out as per safety regulations.
Set-up time is reserved solely for drivers to prepare their vehicles for the show. If you need assistance, only one passenger will be allowed. Additional passengers will not be granted access to the venue. We also request that your passenger remain by your vehicle and refrain from filming or recording videos during set-up, as some cars are being prepared for their debut on Saturday.
To avoid overcrowding in the aisles during setup, please limit the number of cargo and transport vehicles. Schedule your booth cars to arrive only after your setup is finished and parking is ready, so they don’t have to wait in the aisles.
Wristbands will be given to each competitor and exhibitor at the Registration Tent when you first arrive at the venue. Please keep your wristbands in a secure place, as lost bands cannot be replaced. After parking, head to the ImportFest Tent near the main escalators to pick up your Competitor T-shirt. *Competitors and exhibitors will have early access to the show starting at 10 a.m., with doors opening to the public at 11 a.m. (You will need your wristbands securely fastened to enter the show on Saturday, so be sure to take them before leaving setup).
This year, our participant window decals have a QR code that judges will need to access to judge your car. Please don’t remove or mess with the decal until the show is over. When you arrive, our staff will place the decal on the top driver’s side of your front windshield.
The MTCC requires that battery terminals be disconnected for safety reasons, and all visible gas caps must be sealed with tape. Vehicles should not contain more than a 1/4 tank of gas.
The MTCC prohibits the use of tire shine inside the venue for safety reasons. Please ensure that your tires are shiny before entering the venue. Additionally, no outside food is allowed during setup.
With over 400 vehicles expected to be moving in on Friday, space within the venue is limited, especially for large trucks and trailers. To minimize wait times during entry and exit, it’s suggested to unload your vehicles outside the venue before accessing the loading ramp.
Our staff will continue to allow trailers into the venue provided space is available. When unloading your trailer inside the venue, please do so promptly and safely, ensuring that you remove your trailer immediately after unloading. Once your trailer has been removed, our staff will escort you to your floor location.
To park alongside your team, make sure everyone arrives together. Consider assigning a Team Leader to coordinate with our staff for placement onsite and aim to arrive between 9am to 12pm (Time Slot #1) or 1pm to 4pm (Time Slot #2)
For teams consisting of 6 or more members, the setup of Team Flags is permitted. However, these flags should not exceed a height of 8ft – 10ft and must be securely fastened to a base. It is important to place the flags safely to avoid blocking aisles or causing disruptions to foot traffic.
Floor banners are not allowed.
Please make sure to clean up your designated booth space before leaving. This includes properly disposing of any trash, dirty rags, and bags. Additionally, playing loud music is not permitted at any time during the setup or show day.
Set-up will conclude at 7:30pm and all attendees must exit the premises by 8pm latest.
Don’t’ forget your tickets! You will need your ticket to enter the show on Saturday!
American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport. For more information please click here
To learn more please click here
Parking outside of your assigned space, along walls, in aisle ways, or leaving vehicles unattended is strictly prohibited. Please assist us in ensuring a smooth move-in process and minimizing delays by parking only in your assigned space.
Each vehicle registration comes with 2 tickets – one for the driver and a guest. If you would like to purchase more tickets you may do so online or on the day of the show.
The move-out process will begin at around 10:30 pm (20 to 30 minutes after the conclusion of the award show) on Saturday, July 12, 2025. The security team will open the loading bay doors once the general public has been cleared.
*This hold is to ensure the safety of everyone leaving the building, allowing sufficient time for a smooth and secure exit.
Please wait patiently and refrain from starting your engines or moving your vehicles towards the exit until you have been given further instructions. Please ensure that you clean up your area before leaving and dispose of any dirty rags and bags.
Each year, we issue a formal reminder to all drivers to refrain from starting their engines until they receive specific instructions at the conclusion of the award show. This reminder is reinforced through multiple emails leading up to the event.
In addition, Move-In & Move-Out Notices are given to each vehicle driver upon entry to the venue, and a final reminder is announced live on stage to all competitors during the award show.
We make every effort to ensure that all drivers are thoroughly informed of the procedures and guidelines for moving in and out of the venue through all available communication channels.
Despite these efforts, last year a few vehicles disregarded these reminders and started their engines prematurely while revving inside the venue. We kindly ask that you refrain from revving your engines or leaving your vehicles running for extended periods while on the venue premises. Any individual found engaging in revving, speeding, performing two-stepping, or tire peeling while inside the venue will be banned from future ImportFest and MTCC events and may face fines imposed by the venue. Additionally, any damages caused by reckless behavior will result in fines and legal action.
Our security team will open the loading bay doors once the general public has cleared the venue. As you exit the venue, please proceed with caution at a slow speed. Do not stop on the ramp at any time to rev your engine, take pictures, or to get out of your vehicles. We aim to ensure a smooth move-out process with minimal delays, and your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
Exhibitor trucks and trailers will be permitted to re-enter only after the majority of competitors have exited the show floor, approximately around midnight.
As you approach the bottom of the ramp, please proceed carefully, as there is a small dip just before the sidewalk. Please follow the instructions of the Police Officers and Security personnel directing traffic. This year, we are working closely with the Toronto Police and the City of Toronto to ensure both your safety and the safety of those watching the roll-out. In addition to the Police and security personnel, we will have crowd barriers in place to provide you with a clear and unobstructed view as you exit the venue.
DO NOT rev your engines, speed, or squeal your tires, as a large crowd will be observing your exit! Toronto has noise by-laws that restrict unnecessary noise, including loud engine revving, particularly in residential areas or public spaces. Additionally, revving your engine aggressively or excessively can be seen as reckless driving, which can lead to fines or other legal consequences under the Highway Traffic Act. Always be mindful of local laws to avoid penalties.
Toronto’s noise bylaw prohibits unnecessary noise, including engine revving, that is clearly audible at the point of reception. Specifically, the bylaw states that “unnecessary noise, such as engine revving and tire squealing that is clearly audible at the point where the sound is heard, is not permitted.”
Revving your engine can also lead to charges under the Highway Traffic Act. For example, a driver could be charged with stunt driving after revving their engine and squealing tires, actions that are considered reckless and disruptive
Everyone must leave the venue by 1:59am with no exceptions. Any vehicles remaining past this time will be tagged and towed at the owner’s expense.
All left over booth items will be discarded.
For safety reasons, media is not permitted on the ramp during move-out. Please refrain from making any arrangements with personal media.
All vehicle competitors and exhibitors must follow the Rules & Regulations set forth by IMPORTFEST INC. and MTCC while participating in IMPORTFEST 2025.
Stamps/WristBands must be visible in order to gain entry or re-entry into the show. Anyone found tampering with stamps/wristbands will immediately be removed from the event. Unfortunately, lost or forgotten tickets will not be replaced, with no exceptions. The resale of tickets is not allowed and will result in fines and legal consequences.
Any installation, service, or repair of vehicles must not be done inside the MTCC. This is strictly prohibited and will not be allowed under any circumstances
Displaying flags, floor banners, past awards, or displays on the floor next to your vehicle is not allowed. Please keep your setup clean!
It is prohibited to bring vape, alcohol, drugs, weapons or any other illegal materials into the venue. Starting your engine during the event is strictly forbidden and will result in immediate removal from IMPORTFEST.
Any damage to the venue caused by your actions, such as skid marks, residue from adhesive floor stickers/decals or tape, etc., will result in fines and legal action.
The MTCC requires that battery terminals be disconnected for safety reasons, and all visible gas caps must be sealed with tape. Vehicles should not contain more than a 1/4 tank of gas.
All individuals must abide by all relevant local, municipal, and provincial laws and regulations concerning safety, health, and other matters. It is mandatory for all vehicles to have a quarter tank of gas or less, with no exceptions. Starting your engine is strictly prohibited during the event hours.
Exhibitors with tents must have a 5 lbs ABC fire extinguisher visible and readily available as per the MTCC regulations. Fire extinguisher are available for rent at cost of $35 provided you order by May 1, 2024. To order, please email your sales rep!
IMPORTFEST Inc. holds the authority to enforce all terms, rules, and regulations, as well as any other requirements for the proper conduct of the show. All competitors are required to follow these terms, rules, regulations, and all relevant laws and codes. Furthermore, IMPORTFEST Inc. reserves the right to deny entry to any person(s)/vehicle at their discretion.
IMPORTFEST INC. will not take responsibility for any losses or damages that occur during the setup or event day. All competitors and exhibitors are responsible for securing their vehicles and belongings and product.
Our insurance policy does not extend coverage to any exhibits and requires exhibitors to submit a Certificate of Insurance to info@importfest.com
Please request a certificate of Insurance from your Insurance company with the following requirements below: • ImportFest Inc. listed as an additional insured. • Dates of the show – July 11 to July 12, 2024 (includes move in and out dates) • Comprehensive General Liability of $5,000,000 • Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability subject to a maximum $1,000 Deductible. • Products and Completed Operations Liability • Contingent Employers Liability • Broad form Property Damage • Cross Liability clause • Severability of Interest Clause
Exhibitors with paid booth spaces are allowed to distribute flyers, business cards, banners, signs, and related promotional materials.
Vehicle competitors are not allowed to market or promote any products or services, including distributing business cards and car show flyers, etc.
No offensive language or vulgarity is permitted on signs, banners or vehicles inside the venue.
Only exhibitors are permitted to sell merchandise at ImportFest from within their designated booth space.
All competitors hereby assume all costs and expenses associated with copyright, trademark, trade name and any other statutory protection.
Please note that the ImportFest logo is not to be reproduced on merchandise, including apparel, decals, and other items, without explicit permission. Unauthorized use of the logo is prohibited and may result in legal action.
IMPORTFEST INC. assumes no responsibility for any use or infringement of Vendors/competitor’s name, logo or any types of materials used in filming or marketing pieces i.e. event coverage
IMPORTFEST INC. shall have no liability whatsoever from any cause beyond its control resulting from strike, fire, weather, lockout, civil disobedience, acts of God.
Vehicles left after 1:59 AM on Saturday, July 12, 2024, will be tagged and towed at the owner’s expense. Any unattended booth items, including banners and products, will be discarded.
Please remain patient and refrain from starting your engine or pushing your vehicle toward the exit until you receive instructions. Revving your engine indoors is strictly prohibited.
No Refunds or transfers. If you are unable to attend the setup but still wish to be a spectator, please email us at reg@importfest.com by 8 pm on Friday, July 12, 2024, to secure your tickets. We will email you ticket(s) for entry on the show day. You will need to enter the show through the designated “Ticket Line” with these tickets visible on paper or phone. Once inside you can pick up your Competitor T-Shirt at the ImportFest Store.
Food is not allowed on the show floor during setup. However, on the day of the show, you are allowed to bring personal snacks and drinks.
Please be advised that bringing food into the venue for a group of people is not allowed.
This is a friendly family event! Please dress accordingly and do not wear anything that may be considered too revealing or offensive to guests. If you are an exhibitor, please share this dress code with spokesmodels and staff.
Our judging process involves a comprehensive evaluation of your vehicle’s overall customization, including all exterior, interior, engine, audio/video, undercarriage, and suspension modifications.
We consider overall fit and finish, quality of workmanship, type of aftermarket parts, and relevance of modifications. Vehicles displaying high competitiveness in their respective classes will have the chance to place 1st and 2nd. In the event of a tie or very close scores, judges may conduct a second review.
Although we would love to recognize everyone’s achievements, only the top two winners in each class and other award categories will be selected. Specialty and Overall Awards will each have one top winner, with the Overall Awards also including a $200 cash prize.
Judging will begin as early as 11am on Saturday, starting in one section and gradually moving across the show floor. We strongly recommend that you stay by your vehicle during the evaluation to answer any questions the judges might have. You can highlight specific modifications, but it’s not necessary to mention every detail.
If you cannot be present, we suggest you arrange for a friend or teammate to assist and provide access to your vehicle. Your vehicle will be scored as shown if you are not present when judges arrive. Once scored, a sticker will be placed on your participant decal.
Our judges will review all scores to determine the winners. The award show will start at 8pm and conclude around 10pm, followed by the move-out process thirty minutes later.
Please do not approach the judges at the end of the night to discuss your scores, as they are instructed not to respond to questions after the show. If you believe your vehicle should have placed 1st and are dissatisfied with the results, please email us at reg@importfest.com.
The following notices are for ImportFest Exhibitors. Please click to download.
*Early bird deadline for Parking, Cleaning, and Internet – Friday, June 27th , 2025
Please access the direct online ordering link below with Google Chrome to view pricing and/or order online. To take advantage of the discount pricing, please order online by Friday, June 20, 2025.
Click the link below and create a new account with a username and password
https://e.showtechordering.com/ST-00069181
SHOWTECH has a three-tier pricing structure for exhibitors as below:
THREE-TIER PRICING
For example, here’s the 2025 pricing for a basic power outlet:
*When prompted for a booth number please write TBA if you are a competitor, and your company name if you are an Exhibitor
To rent items such tables, chairs, stanchions or fire extinguishers please log into your account and select the items you wish to purchase.
If you do not have an account, please follow the steps below to create one:
All booth rental orders must be placed by June 12, 2025.
The MTCC’s new marshalling yard encompasses three acres of paved truck and/or trailer storage area. The site is located approximately 14km from the MTCC and is easily accessible from major highways (Hwy 427, QEW/Gardiner, Lakeshore).
The new yard is fenced, well-lit, and equipped with video surveillance.
Address: 130 Horner Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 4X8. View on Google Maps.
To secure your spot, please complete the online order form and email it to docks@mtccc.com. *Any related questions can be sent to docks@mtccc.com
As an alternative, you may also try the Bus Parking Lot directly in front of Gate 8 at the Rogers Centre (next to the MTCC) located at 305 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON, M5V 3V3.
Here is a link to this parking lot – https://www.torontoparking.preciseparklink.com/rogers-centre
All trailer parking arrangements and payments must be made directly with the lot. ImportFest Inc, is not responsible for any trailer/parking arrangements.
Judging will take place on Friday during setup, starting at 11am and continuing until 5pm. Judging on Friday is limited and will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to be judged on Friday, please inform the registration staff when you check in to collect your tickets.
Additionally, anyone not judged on Friday will be judged on Saturday. Friday judging times may vary, so please be patient. If you are unable to wait for the judge on Friday, you may leave and return on Saturday to be judged.
Unfortunately, we do not make parking arrangements. We suggest contacting your hotel for a secure valet parking option, or you may contact the venue directly to see if they can assist you in finding secure parking in one of their docks. You can contact MTCC Docks at docks@mtccc.com or call (416) 585-8345.
The MTCC’s new marshalling yard encompasses three acres of paved truck and/or trailer storage area. The site is located approximately 14km from the MTCC and is easily accessible from major highways (Hwy 427, QEW/Gardiner, Lakeshore).
The new yard is fenced, well-lit, and equipped with video surveillance.
Address: 130 Horner Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 4X8. View on Google Maps.
To secure your spot, please complete the online order form and email it to docks@mtccc.com. *Any related questions can be sent to docks@mtccc.com
As an alternative, you may also try the Bus Parking Lot directly in front of Gate 8 at the Rogers Centre (next to the MTCC) located at 305 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON, M5V 3V3.
Here is a link to this parking lot – https://www.torontoparking.preciseparklink.com/rogers-centre
All trailer parking arrangements and payments must be made directly with the lot. ImportFest Inc, is not responsible for any trailer/parking arrangements.
Each vehicle registration comes with two general admission tickets. One for you and a guest. You will need these tickets to gain entry into ImportFest on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
If you would like to park next to your friend please arrive to the venue for setup at the same time. Our staff is not permitted to hold space for anyone. We must fill in all of the gaps on a first come first serve basis.
If you’re arriving with a group of six or more cars, please arrive together and notify our staff that you’d like to park as a group. Additionally, if you have more than six cars registered under your team name, please email us at reg@importfest.com with your final car count.
We will place your car according to our floor plan. We do not reserve space. If you wish to park next to a friend please ensure you both arrive at the same time.
You will be permitted one passenger only. All other passengers must exit the vehicle prior to entering the building.
Trade show approved stanchions are permitted. If you are unsure please email us at reg@importfest.com
No. You are not permitted to lay down carpet, flooring or any type of covering on the floor including tape. If you would like to rent carpet from our exclusive service provider please email us at reg@importfest.com.
Acceptance emails will be dispatched within 5 days; if you haven’t received one by then, unfortunately, your application was not successful. For further details, please refer to the information below.
IMPORTFEST INC. has an experienced panel of judges that will review each submission against our criteria including fit and finish, quality of workmanship and parts and relevance of modifications.
Our selection process is a subjective review of your “images” and “listed modifications”. IMPORTFEST INC
“With increased* traction, handling and wet-braking capabilities, the NT555 G2 will get you off the line quickly, provide stability in the straights and confidence in the corners.”
Nitto Tires is the Official Tire of ImportFest.
Click here to Learn More
