For Peter Alexander what a difference a year makes.

The long-time producer of the Hampton Roads International Auto Show says in November of 2008 plans were already in play for the 2009 International Auto Show. The event was touted by local participants as a major success for the industry.

In the second quarter of 2009 the economy tanked and everything came to a standstill. Alexander says, “People were afraid to commit to anything and were second-guessing their decisions if they did choose to participate in 2010. Then, at some point, the environment slowly started to turn around and we began moving in the right direction.

“Our veteran sponsors are back and some new ones have come on board. The very best news is that ALL of our major manufacturers have either signed up for the same amount of space as last year, or increased the size of their square feet.

“The ad plan is in place. Media sponsors are Cox and WTKR, 2WD and WVKL (Entercom), WNIS, WTAR, and BOB-FM (Sinclair) and Eagle 97 (MAX). The Pilot returns as presenting sponsor.

“We’re going to continue with our VIP night. That in itself is a miracle since a lot of organizations are taking those kinds of events out of their budgets. The committee insisted on keeping it intact for the members. We promise that we will be a very nice evening, with no cutting back on elegance.”

For the first time, students at Tidewater Community College’s automotive technology program will have a presence at the show. According to Bud Breuggeman, who heads up the program, the school’s display area will be covered by the automotive technology department’s distinctive canopy. It will be will be manned by students giving away shirts and hats and will feature such props as transmissions and engines. There will be a backdrop featuring shots of TCC’s new 30,000 square foot Atrium building at the Portsmouth Campus.

Breuggeman plans to feature custom cars designed by students, as well as a 2000 Honda that has been converted to a racecar.

He hopes to create photo Hall of Fame plaques featuring the students and place them at their respective dealers’ stations. This will help to better connect the dealer and the student who worked with the dealer.

Breuggeman is especially excited about the Drag Racing Christmas Tree, where drag racers can line up and compete. The contest is started by means of an electric device commonly called a Christmas tree because of its multi colored lights.

Alexander says that for the first time there will be a Motorcycle/Powersport section sponsored by Geico. Harley Davidson has signed on, as well as newcomer Tomberlin Electric Cars.

As an added attraction to the event, two new vehicles will be given away.