Jader Gil
Marketing Expert
January 12, 2026
9 min read
You are going to have a car show. This might be your first event or your tenth. You know that how you show off your cars is just as important as the cars themselves.
Most of the time, organizers find out the hard way that regular display equipment only lets you use one setup. Ramps are fine until you need to see better under the body. Fixed platforms seem good, but they can't change as the floor can. You'll have to deal with lower-quality displays since your equipment can't keep up.
Based on what event planners are picking and why, let me show you what really works for car shows right now.
You might see the same thing at any car show. Some cars are parked on the ground where no one can see the awesome exhaust or underbelly work. Some are raised up on small ramps that make it hard to get to them and look bad. What are the expensive builds? They are sitting on enormous, permanent platforms that took three hours to set up and will take three more hours to take down.
In 2024, the Canadian International AutoShow drew more than 371,000 people, which was more than in any other year. For events this big, you need equipment that can handle a lot of people, fit in small spaces, and provide great presentations without costing a lot of money.
Basic display ramps lift cars off the ground, but they have some issues:
Permanent platforms are sturdy but not very flexible:
Tools for the shop are for working with, not showing off:
You can't sell vendor space or advertise the next event while you're putting together the exhibit equipment. If you say no to a unique display layout because your equipment can't handle it, you're losing money.
Motor1.com claimed in 2023 that prominent car shows like Chicago added 100,000 square feet of exhibit space. They are also spending money on infrastructure that can be updated as needed.
Portable vehicle lift systems affect how automobiles are shown at events. These aren't the large lifts that stay in place on retail floors. We mean gear that is made just for moving, setting up swiftly, and looking nice.
Modern portable lift systems employ electricity or hydraulics to lift cars to preset heights. The main difference between them and permanent equipment is that you can move them about, set them up wherever, and change their heights exactly.
It's normal for people to look at a car that has been lifted. Exhibitors employ a portable vehicle hoist to lift a car and make it stand out from the crowd. It gives the display a higher, deeper, and more distinctive look. It puts a lot of pressure on the quality of the effort that goes into creating luxury cars. It focuses on tuning, suspension, and exhaust details for high-performance cars. It gives old cars a classy aspect, like they're in a museum.
When businesses buy the right auto show gear, it shows that they care about their work. If the display is clean and raised, the exhibitor is worried about safety, looks, and the quality of the presentation. Portable lifts are a great way to communicate the proper message, whether it's a dealership showing off a new model or a manufacturer talking about a new product.
You can either put in shoplifts, use concrete anchors, or create a dedicated bay for them. You can take portable elevators with you wherever, even outside. This mobility is especially useful for preparing events when the floor layouts change a lot.
Portable elevators that are well-made should be stable. They are made to safely lift heavy things and make live events safer. Many modern elevators also have locking systems, reinforced platforms, and frames that can handle shocks to keep everyone as safe as possible during the show.
More and more event planners and car experts are choosing portable vehicle hoists over static lifts because they offer features that static lifts don't.
Setting up a portable lift doesn't require a lot of heavy machinery or complicated installation. This is perfect for auto shows that pop up out of nowhere.
Event teams like that they can set up and operate a portable vehicle hoist in a matter of minutes.
Most events don't have adequate floor space. You can utilize portable lifts to lift the car, which gives you space below it for: Decor for lighting
This multi-level display makes the event feel like it's in 3D without making the space feel too crowded.
Most portable lifts are small and light for how much they can raise, and easy to transport. Trucks, vans, and enclosed trailers can transfer them, which makes them great for car shows and other events that happen more than once.
Most outdoor events happen on concrete, asphalt, or other surfaces that aren't perfectly flat. Portable event lifts have adjustable leveling feet that keep them steady and balanced on any surface.
After the event, you can use the same lift at garages, workshops, or detailing bays. It's not just for show; it's also an important tool for keeping cars running and fixing them.
There are some very important things to think about while choosing car show equipment, especially lifting systems. The equipment needs to be portable, which means it should fit in regular cars and be easy to put together without needing special tools or a lot of technical knowledge. Two individuals can set up most good systems in less than an hour.
Another important thing to consider is how much weight it can support. Most portable lifts can lift between 8,000 and 15,000 pounds, which is enough for everything from new SUVs to old sports cars. Make sure that the lift can safely hold a greater weight than your heaviest display car.
There is no room for negotiation on safety and stability certificates. Check that the equipment you buy fulfills safety requirements and includes features like safety bars, automatic locks, and surfaces that don't slip. No event planner wants a safety risk that could hurt people or damage expensive cars.
The auto event company can use a number of different portable lifting tools, each with its own set of benefits and cons.
The Portable Car Hoist Model A is a robust lifting tool that was created to be as handy and simple to use as possible. You can fold down the top brace, which makes it easy to carry and store. The two-post raising arms are likewise quite strong and keep the car safe and steady. It has a KTI single-acting hydraulic power unit and an electric motor that work well with the hydraulic power unit to lift things smoothly, consistently, and reliably. Model A has numerous power options that let you utilize it in a lot of different circumstances. For example, it can run on power in a workshop that doesn't move or on batteries for work that is completely mobile. This is useful for both fixed facilities and services that happen on-site.
The Portable Car Hoist Model C is a strong and dependable two-post hoisting tool that can be set up quickly and doesn't need a concrete base. The robust lifting arms, electric motor, and hydraulic cylinders make it incredibly stable and easy to move about. Users can start right away with little to no planning because it only takes a few minutes to set up. Model C comes in two versions: one that runs on batteries and one that runs on electricity. It works just as well when it's still as when it's moving. Its automated top brace moves up and down smoothly, which makes it safer, easier to use, and more productive overall.
The Portable Semi Hoist Model No. PCH 76 is very adaptable and can lift big things in both commercial workshops and at home in the garage. You can move this movable truck hoist device around, and it works quite well. Each unit can hold up to 38,000 pounds, and when two units are used together, they can hold up to 76,000 pounds. It has a built-in 24-volt hydraulic pump, so you don't have to put it up permanently or on concrete. It only takes a few minutes to get the system ready. This keeps things moving along and minimizes downtime. The PCH 76 also has several upgrade options that can be used to satisfy specific performance needs. This makes it a robust and flexible alternative for tough jobs that need a lot of power.
You can do a lot more with a portable vehicle hoist than just show off ancient automobiles. Car dealerships utilize these devices to show off new models in high-quality presentations that focus on the engineering aspects. Service centers use them at trade exhibits to show off how well they know their stuff and how well they can do maintenance.
Schools and colleges employ portable lifts for automotive technology programs and STEM events so that students can work on real car systems. At trade shows, repair and insurance businesses show off their work by putting up raised exhibits that illustrate how well they restored things and how much care they took with the details.
Racing teams and performance shops use these devices at motorsport events so that fans may get a close-up look at how race cars are created. Static displays can't show off the sophisticated alterations to the undercarriage, aerodynamic parts, and other specialized features of racing automobiles as well as they can.
You need to plan to make sure that a portable vehicle hoist works well during events. Check that the flooring of the venue is level and can hold a lot of weight. Concrete floors are the best, although some exhibit hall floors may need plates to help spread the weight.
There should be enough space around elevated cars, usually 6 to 8 feet, so that people may see them without touching them. Use the right kind of light to highlight the car's features on the bottom. Uplighting makes the engineering details stand out.
The staff is very knowledgeable and can talk about technical concerns and answer inquiries. You may learn the most and stay interested by hearing and seeing what experts have to say at the same time.
Put up barriers and signs, and have someone monitor the area to make sure everyone knows the safety rules. Don't let anyone go under automobiles that are hanging from the ceiling, and make sure that no one is watching when you lift something.
1. Is it safe to use portable auto hoists when people are around?
Yes. To keep everyone safe during the event, a safe portable auto hoist has locking mechanisms, robust frames, and firm platforms.
2. How much weight can a portable lift lift at most?
Depending on the model, most portable lifts that are good for events can lift between 5,000 and 7,000 pounds. Some mobile column lifts can lift a lot more.
3. Are portable elevators safe to use outside?
Yes, of course. Many lifts may be used both indoors and outside, and many of them have leveling feet that can be changed to work on uneven ground.
4. Do you need to do anything specific to make portable lifts ready?
No. Most portable lifts are plug-and-play, which means you don't have to put them together or mount them permanently.
Portable lifts have changed the way cars are shown at trade displays, car shows, and other events. They are one of the best pieces of auto show equipment you can get right now because they are easy to move, can be used in many different ways, are safe, and look great.
A portable vehicle hoist is the best method to raise the bar at your next event in a practical and clear approach.
Are you ready to improve the look of your car? Check out our high-end portable auto hoist solutions and make every event a huge affair.
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