The annual Charity Preview, a black-tie gala and one of the world’s largest single-night fundraisers, also would have had an outdoor component. Organizers planned at least two ticket prices and a looser dress code to allow for flexibility in the warmer weather.
North said the show still plans some type of event this year, possibly in September, to raise money for the charities the event usually supports.
In the meantime, organizers already are crafting plans for the 2021 show. They hope much of what they wanted to do this year will remain, but Rod Alberts, chairman of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, said the show will need additional safety measures, such as hand sanitizer stations or crowd size limitations. The outdoor aspect could be an advantage there, he said.
“We want to be that global stage to create that environment where people can come see that product,” Alberts said. “We can do it better than anyone else.”
Hannah Lutz contributed to this report.
