November 15 – 17, 2013 the Circuit of the Americas will open its doors to Austin’s racing fans and Formula 1 tourists from all over the world. Serving as a professional race track and location for the Austin 360 Amphitheater, Circuit of the Americas has brought more than its fair share of business, international athleticism, and local networking events to the Hill Country. For the second annual Austin Grand Prix the world will be looking at Texas, and Austinites will be engaging in a week of race events and networking opportunities.
A Brief History
Bragged about as the most expensive and the most watched sport on the planet, Formula 1, formally known as FIA Formula One International Championship, consists of a series of international Grand Prix races between the fastest mulch-circuit race cars in the world. Last year Circuit of the Americas hosted the United State’s first Grand Prix in five years on the only race track in America built specifically for Formula 1 racing. With over 200,000 fans attending the 2012 US inaugural events, a media broadcast worth of $200 million, and the creation of 300 permanent jobs (3,000 seasonal) Central Texans are quickly embracing the F1 hype.
F1 Events
Few things bring people together better than a global sporting event like Grand Prix. Taking advantage of the opportunities to meet people from all of the world and Austin’s weekend full of official and unofficial meet-ups provides everyone with a chance to expand their business and social networks. After all, last year there was an estimated $150.9 million worth of advertising within the racetrack alone, so why should local professionals miss out on what Sports Business Journal previously called the “Sports Event of the Year”
Austin’s Formula 1 events kick off Wednesday November 3rd with an official Formula One Teams’ Association Forum at the Cedar Street Courtyard. For super fans this registered only discussion provides attendees a Question and Answer session with some of their favorite drivers. This is a free event for fans and curious locals alike hoping to get an up close look at the normally super speeding athletes. For car buffs, Thursday begins Motostalgia’s auction preview at the Austin Convention Center. Tickets for the three day preview of 90 vintage cars start at $25 making this an affordable event to mingle with top experts in the automotive industry or a great event for entertaining clients.
Families and tourists looking for free parties in Austin’s renowned downtown district will be pleased by the 12 blocks of free entertainment from South Congress to San Jacinto. Till 12 am throughout Grand Prix weekend, “Austin Fan Fest fueled by Shell” will provide visitors with free entertainment including 6 music stages, an X Games sports zone, and educational booths featuring racing simulators. Local businesses will be out in numbers offering drinks, food, and crafts, making this a perfect setting for anyone hoping to reach out to Austin companies and professionals.
For those curious about F1, but not enough to attend the 2013 festivities, Liberty Tavern on East 4th St is airing the race all Sunday while offering drink specials and a comfortable social setting to better acquaint new fans with Formula 1 mania.
Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Grand_Prix
Original Source: https://www.networkingaustin.com/austin-news-events/how-to-take-advantage-of-formula-1-festivities-in-austin