Media News

MEDIA INFORMATION
Contact: Mark Bilek
Senior Director of Communications and Technology
Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Office: (630) 424-6082
Cell: (847) 652-0632
Email: mbilek@drivechicago.com

Contact: Jennifer Morand
Director of Public Relations and Social Media
Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Office: (630) 424-6084
Cell: (630) 391-1986
Email: jmorand@drivechicago.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO AUTO SHOW CONTINUES TO CULTIVATE SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS

CHICAGO (Jan. 8, 2015) – The Chicago Auto Show is no stranger to social media. In fact, show organizers were among the early adopters and implemented a Social Media Day during its Media Preview seven years ago – an industry “first” when it comes to auto shows – sparking digital conversation around the industry.

What’s now evolved to become the Social Media Preview, the event has since grown tremendously and become a cornerstone of the Chicago Auto Show’s Media Preview. The Social Media Preview’s purpose is to provide as a conduit to help automotive manufacturers reach a broad demographic outside of the automotive space.

The Social Media Preview is just one day, but the Chicago Auto Show engages fans through social media and amplifies manufacturer messaging yearround. Just last year, the Chicago Auto Show grew its Facebook fan base by 81 percent and its Twitter fan base by 76 percent – on trend with previous years. To continue to excite and engage fans, the Chicago Auto Show has put together a series of interactive multi-channel social media campaigns leading up to the big event.

Below is a listing of some of the social media campaigns and contests the Chicago Auto Show will be hosting for the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.

#Excuse4CAS
Now through the end of the January, the Chicago Auto Show is asking fans to share their best #Excuse4CAS as to why they need a day off of work/school/being a stay-athome mom to attend the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. What’s more, the Chicago Auto Show management even crafted a downloadable excuse letter for fans to print off and fill out before turning into their boss/teacher/spouse. The Chicago Auto Show will select random winners via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram throughout the course of the month and will grant a few people their wish of playing “hooky” to explore the nation’s largest auto show.

#FirstLook
Beginning on Jan. 12, fans can submit why they can’t wait to get a #FirstLook of at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show to win a pair of tickets to the 2015 First Look for Charity black-tie event. One winner from Facebook and one from Twitter will receive a sneak peek at the industry’s hottest vehicles and cutting-edge technologies, get to sample upscale cuisine from Chicago top resturants, have the chance to win one of two Ford vehicles (a 2015 Ford Fusion and a 2015 Ford Explorer) given away at the event and experience a meet-andgreet on the red carpet with local TV personalities Ryan Chiaverini, Val Warner and Ji Suk Yi from ABC Chicago’s “Windy City” LIVE show.

#CAS15 Challenge
Beginning on Feb. 2, fans can tweet or post an image of the Chicago Auto Show logo or an ad for the chance to win tickets leading up to the show – using the show’s official hashtag #CAS15.

While at the show, fans will automatically be entered to win fabulous prizes throughout the show – as well as a grand prize – by completing one or all of the following #CAS15 “Challenges” and sharing their show experience:

• Take a CAS Selfie.
• Share your dream car.
• Snap a picture under the iconic Chicago Auto Show globe.
• Post a group photo with family or friends.

#CASLOVE
The Chicago Auto Show is truly a winter tradition for many families and couples in Chicago. It just so happens that the 2015 Chicago Auto Show opens on Valentine’s Day. Show organizers are giving women and men the chance to surprise their loved ones with a date night to the Chicago Auto Show on Valentine’s Day. To further sweeten the deal, restaurant gift cards and overnight hotel stays will be provided to winners. This contest runs Jan. 30 – Feb. 13.

For more information about how to work with us on these promotions, connect with the Chicago Auto Show via its channels below, or tweet with #CAS15. We would be more than willing to create custom graphics or tailor a campaign for your media outlet.

• Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow
• Twitter.com/ChiAutoShow
• YouTube.com/ChicagoAutoShow
• Instagram.com/thechicagoautoshow
• Pinterest.com/ChiAut​oShow
• Vine – Chicago Auto Show

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About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show on the continent, spanning more than 1 million square feet of production, concept, and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North America vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2 million annually for 18 vital Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2015 public show will be February 14-22. For more information, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.

About The Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is the nation’s oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. It is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit CATA.info.

The 2015 Chicago Auto Show is officially sanctioned by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Founded in Paris in 1919, it is known as the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles.

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