SET-UP DETAILS | MOVE OUT SCHEDULE | RULES & REGULATIONS | JUDGING | AWARDS | ELECTRICAL |
| MTCC EXHIBITOR NOTICE & ONLINE ORDER TOOL (PARKING PASS, INTERNET, CLEANING) | HOTEL | TRAILER PARKING | F.A.Q’s | VEHICLE REGISTRATION
• Large trucks and transport vehicles will be given line-by pass access only if they are clearly carrying booth materials for unloading.
• Exhibitors, please limit the number of vehicles you bring for setup to reduce congestion.
• Only vehicles with visible booth or display materials will be allowed into the loading area.
• If your vehicle has minimal items, please use underground parking and carry items in instead.
• Staff and additional helpers should NOT enter through the loading bay. Please park elsewhere and enter the venue on foot.
• Exhibitors with unloading vehicles should proceed to the front of the line and notify staff upon arrival.
• Any accompanying show cars must remain in line and will be directed by staff to your booth once inside.
Show car competitors have assigned move-in time slots:
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Please make sure you arrive during your assigned time slot. If you’re running late or unable to make it, email us at reg@importfest.com as soon as possible.
If you’re unsure of your time slot, please log into your profile to confirm.
If you’ve been approved for Saturday morning setup, please do not arrive on Friday.
If you’re no longer displaying your vehicle but still attending the event, please let us know at reg@importfest.com.
On show day, go to the Competitor Information Desk in the main lobby between 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM with your ID (driver’s licence etc.) to pick up your two tickets and competitor T-shirt.
Just a reminder:
Because we’re downtown, traffic can get pretty heavy — expect possible delays of 1.5 to 2 hours depending on when you arrive.
Please stay in your vehicle until staff comes to guide you to your spot. Drive slow and carefully inside the building.
Make sure you only park in your assigned booth space.
No parking in aisles, against walls, or leaving vehicles unattended.
Everyone must be out of the building by 7:30 PM.
Kids
No one under 16 is allowed on the floor during move-in or move-out (Ministry of Labour rules).
Pets
No pets allowed during setup or teardown.
Setup time is mainly for drivers getting their cars ready. If you need help, only one passenger is allowed in.
Extra passengers won’t be permitted inside.
Please keep your passenger with your vehicle and avoid filming during setup — some cars are still being prepped for the show.
Try to keep the number of transport trucks and cargo vehicles to a minimum to avoid blocking things up.
Only bring in booth cars once your setup is done and your parking spot is ready.
You’ll get your wristbands at the Registration Tent when you arrive.
Keep them safe — lost wristbands can’t be replaced.
After parking, head to the ImportFest Tent near the main escalators to grab your competitor T-shirt.
Early access starts at 10:00 AM, and doors open to the public at 11:00 AM.
You’ll need your wristband on to get in on Saturday.
Your windshield decal has a QR code for judging this year.
Don’t remove or mess with it during the event.
Staff will place it on the top driver-side corner of your windshield when you arrive.
We can only identify teams through your profile. If you haven’t added a team name and want to park with your group, just update your profile so it’s visible.
If you’re just trying to park with a few friends, arrive together during setup and let our staff know onsite. We’ll do our best to line you up together, but it depends on space and can’t be guaranteed.
To help keep things moving and avoid congestion, we’ve set aside dedicated spaces for teams with 6+ vehicles. These spots are already planned and marked on our floor layout.
When you arrive, our team will direct you into your assigned area.
We can’t make changes or move team placements onsite since we’re working on a tight schedule.
Please try to have a team leader or coordinator who can help communicate with staff and keep things organized so your group gets parked together smoothly.
Once team spots are full, we won’t be able to add or adjust vehicles.
With 400+ cars moving in on Friday, space is tight—especially for big trucks and trailers.
If possible, please unload outside the venue before heading in to help reduce congestion.
Trailers will be allowed inside when space permits, but unloading needs to be done quickly and safely. Once unloaded, trailers must be removed right away.
After that, staff will guide you to your floor spot.
For safety, battery terminals must be disconnected, and all visible gas caps must be taped. Vehicles should have no more than a ¼ tank of gas.
No tire shine is allowed inside the venue for safety reasons—please make sure your car is detailed before arriving.
Outside food is also not allowed during setup.
This is strictly a show car competitor space only—no promotional or commercial activity allowed.
Flyers, business cards, banners, posters, or any kind of advertising aren’t permitted.
If you want to promote a business, you’ll need an official exhibitor space.
Teams of 6 or more can bring team flags.
Just make sure:
Floor banners aren’t allowed.
Please clean up your space before leaving—throw out garbage, rags, and anything else.
Loud music isn’t allowed during setup or show hours.
We wrap setup at 7:30 PM, and everyone must be out by 8:00 PM latest.
Don’t forget your tickets—you’ll need them to get in on Saturday.
Please only park in your assigned space.
No parking in aisles, along walls, or leaving vehicles unattended. This helps keep everything moving smoothly during setup.
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
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.
Move-out will begin at approximately 10:20 PM, about 15–20 minutes after the conclusion of the award show. The loading bay doors will be opened by the security team only after the general public has cleared the venue. This brief hold is in place to ensure a safe and smooth exit for everyone.
Please wait patiently and do not start your engine or move your vehicle toward the exit until instructed to do so. Once the loading bay doors open, you may begin exiting slowly and with caution. As you drive onto the ramp, continue at a safe speed and do not stop to rev your engine, take photos, or exit your vehicle. Our goal is to ensure an efficient and safe move-out with minimal delays — your cooperation is appreciated.
Exhibitor trucks and trailers will be permitted to re-enter only after most competitors have cleared the show floor, which will be around midnight. As you approach the bottom of the ramp, please be mindful of a small dip near the sidewalk and follow all instructions from Police Officers and Security personnel directing traffic.
This year, we are working closely with Toronto Police Services and the City of Toronto to prioritize your safety and the safety of spectators during the roll-out. Crowd barriers will also be in place to provide a clear, safe exit route.
Please note that all vehicles must exit the venue by 1:59 AM — no exceptions. *Any vehicles left beyond this time will be tagged and towed at the owner’s expense.
Please remember:
Revving engines inside the venue is strictly prohibited and will result in a permanent ban from future ImportFest events.
Do not run your vehicle for extended periods indoors.
Speeding, excessive revving, two-stepping, or reckless behavior may result in fines, bans from future ImportFest and MTCC events, and potential legal action for any damages caused.
Thank you in advance for helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment. We appreciate your support in making this year’s show a success.
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.
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.
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.
All vehicle competitors and exhibitors must follow the Rules & Regulations set forth by IMPORTFEST INC. and MTCC while participating in IMPORTFEST 2026.
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. Please remain patient and wait for staff instructions before starting your engine or moving your vehicle toward the exit. Revving engines indoors is strictly prohibited.
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. Please contact your sales rep to order.
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 17 to July 19, 2026 (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 will be subject to tagging and towing at the owner’s expense. Any unattended booth items, including banners and products, will be discarded.
No refunds or transfers will be issued. If you are unable to attend setup but still wish to attend as a spectator, please email us at reg@importfest.com by 8:00 PM on Friday, July 17, 2026 to secure your tickets and details on how to claim your tickets.
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 MTCC Exhibitor Services Online Ordering Tool offers a variety of onsite services and rentals, including:
• Exhibitor parking passes
• Cleaning services
• Internet and telecommunications
• Trailer, truck, and onsite loading dock parking
To place orders online, visit:
www.mtccc.com/order (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, July 3, 2026)
Search for ImportFest, and when prompted for your booth number, please enter “TBA.”
Marshalling Yard – Trailer Parking
Secure tractor-trailer storage parking is available at the MTCC Marshalling Yard, located at 560 Commissioners St, Toronto, ON M4M 1A7, for $70 per day. The facility is equipped with security surveillance and a locked gate.
Marshalling Yard – 5-Tonne & Smaller Vehicles
Secure parking for 5-tonne trucks and smaller vehicles is available at the same location for $35 per day.
Onsite Loading Dock Parking
Secure loading dock parking is available at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for $85 per day, providing convenient access to your exhibit materials throughout the event.
All parking requests are subject to approval. You will receive a response within 48 business hours.
Directions to Marshalling Yard with QR Codes
Traffic Flow Map for Marshalling Yard
To place orders online, visit:
www.mtccc.com/order (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, July 3, 2026)
For more information please contact:
Exhibitor Services
(416) 585-8387
exhibitor-services@mtccc.com
For guests that require trailer parking at the Marshalling Yard (or have any questions/inquiries)…… they can connect with MTCC Docks Team
Search for ImportFest, and when prompted for your booth number, please enter “TBA.”
Submission Deadline: Friday, June 19, 2026
The MTCC requires all exhibitors to complete the Fire Safety Reply Form in accordance with venue regulations.
The form is now digital and can be submitted directly through the Exhibitor Services Kit or by using the link below:
• If you plan to install a tent, be sure to check the box marked “Exhibit has roof / mezzanine / second storey / tent.”
• All tents must be constructed from flame-resistant fabric.
• A visible 5 lb ABC fire extinguisher is required at all times.
If you require a fire extinguisher, we can provide one for rent at $35.
To reserve a rental:
• Send an e-transfer to reg@importfest.com
• Include your company name in the e-transfer subject line
• Deadline to order: Friday, June 19, 2026
Fire extinguishers can be picked up at the ImportFest Tent during Friday setup and must be returned to the same location at the end of the show on Saturday.
The online ordering portal is now live and accepting orders.
Please create a new account with a username and password before placing your order.
Order online here:
https://e.showtechordering.com/ST-00071818
Electrical Order Deadline
Advance Pricing Deadline: Friday, June 26, 2026
SHOWTECH uses a three-tier pricing structure:
• Advance Pricing – Available until June 26, 2026 – • Advance: $237.00
• Standard Pricing – After June 26 and before move-in – • Standard: $340.00
• On-Site Pricing – During move-in – • On-Site: $408.00
Marshalling Yard – Trailer Parking
Secure tractor-trailer storage parking is available at the MTCC Marshalling Yard, located at 560 Commissioners St, Toronto, ON M4M 1A7, for $70 per day. The facility is equipped with security surveillance and a locked gate.
Marshalling Yard – 5-Tonne & Smaller Vehicles
Secure parking for 5-tonne trucks and smaller vehicles is available at the same location for $35 per day.
Onsite Loading Dock Parking
Secure loading dock parking is available at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for $85 per day, providing convenient access to your exhibit materials throughout the event.
All parking requests are subject to approval. You will receive a response within 48 business hours.
Directions to Marshalling Yard with QR Codes
Traffic Flow Map for Marshalling Yard
To place orders online, visit:
www.mtccc.com/order (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, July 3, 2026)
For more information please contact:
Exhibitor Services
(416) 585-8387
exhibitor-services@mtccc.com
For guests that require trailer parking at the Marshalling Yard (or have any questions/inquiries)…… they can connect with MTCC Docks Team
Search for ImportFest, and when prompted for your booth number, please enter “TBA.”
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.
Yes! Please take a moment to review the move-in and move-out details on our website. Set-up is scheduled only for Friday, July 17, 2026, unless you’ve made special arrangements with ImportFest to arrive on Saturday.
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.
Marshalling Yard – Trailer Parking
Secure tractor-trailer storage parking is available at the MTCC Marshalling Yard, located at 130 Horner Ave., Toronto, ON M8Z 4X8, for $70 per day. The facility is equipped with security surveillance and a locked gate.
Marshalling Yard – 5-Tonne & Smaller Vehicles
Secure parking for 5-tonne trucks and smaller vehicles is available at the same location for $35 per day.
Onsite Loading Dock Parking
Secure loading dock parking is available at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for $85 per day, providing convenient access to your exhibit materials throughout the event.
To reserve your spot please use the MTCC Exhibitor Services Online Ordering Tool at www.mtccc.com/order (Early Bird Deadline: Friday, July 3, 2026)
Search for ImportFest, and when prompted for your booth number, please enter “TBA.”
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 18, 2026.
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.
Please take a moment to review the move-in and move-out details on our website.
We can only identify teams through your profile. If you haven’t added a team name and want to park with your group, just update your profile so it’s visible.
If you’re just trying to park with a few friends, arrive together during setup and let our staff know onsite. We’ll do our best to line you up together, but it depends on space and can’t be guaranteed.
To help keep things moving and avoid congestion, we’ve set aside dedicated spaces for teams with 6+ vehicles. These spots are already planned and marked on our floor layout.
When you arrive, our team will direct you into your assigned area.
We can’t make changes or move team placements onsite since we’re working on a tight schedule.
Please try to have a team leader or coordinator who can help communicate with staff and keep things organized so your group gets parked together smoothly.
Once team spots are full, we won’t be able to add or adjust vehicles.
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.
The online ordering portal is now live and accepting orders.
Please create a new account with a username and password before placing your order.
Order online here:
https://e.showtechordering.com/ST-00071818
Electrical Order Deadline
Advance Pricing Deadline: Friday, June 26, 2026
SHOWTECH uses a three-tier pricing structure:
• Advance Pricing – Available until June 26, 2026 – • Advance: $237.00
• Standard Pricing – After June 26 and before move-in – • Standard: $340.00
• On-Site Pricing – During move-in – • On-Site: $408.00
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 are dispatched within 5 days; if you haven’t received one by now, unfortunately, your application was not accepted.
Each application undergoes a screening process that includes a review of submitted photos and listed vehicle modifications, with priority given to entries that demonstrate strong competitiveness within their respective class.
Due to the large volume of applications, we will exclusively be sending out notifications for accepted applicants. If you do not receive an acceptance email within 7 days of your application, it indicates that you were not accepted.
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Nitto Tires is the Official Tire of ImportFest.
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