On a hot Friday in Melbourne I headed out to Albert Park to take in the 2018 Australian Grand Prix Formula 1 and always impressive fan engagement set up at the Albert Park race precinct in the heart of the city. 

The AUSGP always go the extra mile with a team that really seems to understand fans and who brings in unique and creative customer experience ideas from other areas to make the AUSGP a truly exceptional day out for the whole family. While I’ve previously written extensively about this event in past years there were a few new highlights this year which went down well too like the priority lines and fan engagement stands.

The precinct was pumping with:
– A massive fan zone with fan forums, hands on activations, autograph sessions, talks from drivers and I also thought it was great that the car cut outs and photo ops were at kid height so parents don’t need to hold their kids up to be in the photo

– 25+ photo ops scattered around the various fan areas

– Kids zone featuring racing and Disney and Lego stands

– Classic car displays from Landcruiser Lane to V8’s and muscle cars

– Legends Lane had a ‘Test Your Reflexes’ stand, photo ops, classic cars and parkour fun

– Industry and Innovation section featured workshops, VR wheel change, STEM activities, drone exhibits, tech activations and a section where you can use a VR headset to treat a snakebite!

– M Lane featuring  tropical mocktails, quality local Melbourne food and street art

– V8 Supercars Paddock with VR activations, classic V8’s, pit walk, and cool to be able to get up close with the V8 teams

Having done this event a few times in the past it was very impressive to see the lowering in prices on F&B and merchandise as in the past some tee’s have been extremely overpriced at $50-70 per shirt. 

An exceptional array of fan first initiatives such as the ‘Here To Help’ crew, free cold water, nursing suites, free public transport, priority access lines all added to making the day run smoothly with these little touches going a long way for fans.