Chicago Auto Show 2010

We got a few thousand survey responses from online ticket buyers, and some of them are absolute gems. Here are a few suggestions we're "working on" for next year.

"I liked the balloon slide."
Not really a suggestion, but we're glad the cars made such an impression.

"My husband wants more beautiful women modelling next to the cars like at the Fiat 500 :-)"
Your husband has great taste, the Fiat 500 was a hit in Europe.

"Remove all the carpeting! I was getting shocked by static electricity every time I touched a car!"
I had the same problem, but I ran with it. Shuffle your feet, then shake hands with a salesperson.

"ARRANGE FOR LESS SNOW AND COLD"
We've got a plan for that. Next year, we're going to hold the show indoors.

"Maybe have two Starbucks stands instead of just one?"
Got it. We'll put them right next to each other so they're easy to find.

"TOO MANY WHITE CARS"
That sounds like a personal problem.

"Free admission to people who submit this survey. That's the ticket."
What a shame, the survey's anoynymous and we're all out of time.

In all seriousness, thanks for the great responses. We're already abuzz with ideas and upgrades for the 2011 show.

Chicago not only plays host to the largest auto show in North America, it's also the only show that let's the consumers pick their favorite vehicles and exhibit. It's called Best of Show and 2010 marks the fifth anniversary of this exclusive contest. Show goers select their favorite production car, concept car, green car and exhibit. In addition, they can choose from any vehicle on the show floor to select the vehicle they would most like to see in their driveway.

Shoe goers can vote at the show on touch-screen kiosks and via text message. You can vote as home by going to www.ChciagoAutoShow.com and clicking on the Best of Show link.

Last year, Chicagoans selected the Ford Taurus as the Best All-New Production Vehicle, the Ford Fusion Hybrid the best Green Vehicle, and the Ford display the Best Exhibit. The Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray garnered the remaining awards for Best Concept Vehicle and Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway.

Who'll be the winners this year? Only time will tell -- but you have the chance to vote right now at ChicagoAutoShow.com.

The saying, "So much to do, so little time," fits the Chicago Auto Show to a tee. With nearly 1000 vehicles on the show floor, there's plenty to see for the car nut, but what if you're just looking for a fun day out? From slot cars, to driving simulators, to inflatable slides, the Chicago Auto Show has more than got your covered.

Just about every exhibit has at least one interactive display, many have three or four. In addition, exhibitors have contests and giveaways going all the time. There are musical acts, performers, and celebrity appearances. In short, the auto show offers entertainment for the whole family.

We've created a list of both the Interactive Displays and Events & Appearances. So if you looking for more than cars at the Chicago Auto Show, you won't be disappointed!

As the week is coming to a close, the other interns and I are really starting to realize the scope of what we have taken part in and the valuable experience we have received. Not only have we learned how the media center operates, but we also sat in on press conferences as though we were working members of the press and wrote capsules to post on the Chicago Auto Show website. Several events took place where we had a break from working and the opportunity to meet automotive and public relations professionals, giving us the chance to further our connections and find out what their jobs entail on a day to day basis.

In the weeks leading up to this internship, I was somewhat nervous about covering a press conference. I’d never been to a one and had only written press releases and coverage for a few musicians outside of classes and school projects. We were in pairs this week for each event we covered, and my partner and I made sure to arrive over 20 minutes early for our first conference with Ford. Much of the media had arrived that morning due to plane delays and cancellations from severe winter storms around the nation and were shooting photos and video footage everywhere. Though we sat with the rest of the media for each conference, I’m sure everyone wondered what media outlet had young women our age covering for them!

During our many trips around the show floor in the days before and while it was open to the media, I met people in marketing and public relations for several car companies and had the chance to interview the Product and Technology Public Relations specialist for Mercedes-Benz. Getting the chance to attend the First Look for Charity may be a once in a lifetime thing for me, but by the time we made it to Thursday night we felt as though we owned the place, having seen all the cars, presentations and people several times since we arrived Monday.

It has been the chance of a lifetime, and I have to say none of us are really looking forward to returning to school next week and are ready to head out into the real world instead.

At a press conference for Suzuki I learned Ashton Kutcher and Ellen DeGeneres have more Twitter followers than the entire populations of Ireland, Norway and Panama combined. Carmakers know that they need to be more involved in social media to connect with customers and solve problems quickly. Most are establishing Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube pages, but Suzuki is trying to approach social media differently.

Instead of just jumping in Suzuki is approaching social media by first listening and finding where their active consumers gather on social media. Currently they are reaching out to the surfing community and sponsored a movie called Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D. The trailer is currently on the Suzuki's Facebook page and the movie will open on February 26, 2010 at the Museum of Science and Industry Omnimax Theater.

It is great to see a company think carefully before joining social media channels. I don't mind when companies decide to plug products or their brand on social media as long as it is valuable and not only about them. Hopefully other companies will follow this model of listening and evaluating and reach out to customers more effectively.

“Thank you for giving, thank you for caring, and thank you for a job well done,” Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State, said as a closing to his speech at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony this morning. Open to interpretation, but I believe that the White was referring to not only the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) Board of Directors and staff, the vendors, the exhibitors, everyone working hard to put this fabulous show together, but also to the public for attending the event and getting out there to help boost our local economy. White encourages everyone to check out the new automotives and buy some vehicles today “because in Illinois we are in dire need of some revenue, but I guess enough said,” Secretary White stated in a comical yet serious tone.

David Sloan, President of CATA and Co-General Manager of the Chicago Auto Show, kicked off a brief ceremony this morning recognizing former CATA President Jerry H. Cizek III’s retirement after 37 years with the organization. Because of his extremely long history with the Chicago Auto Show, Cizek accepted a lifetime ticket of admission to the show represented by a one of a kind pin. With great memories of attending the show with his Grandfather, Auto Show Chairman in 1955, I am sure Jerry looks forward to taking his own grandchildren to the show with more time to enjoy the show as a very special guest. Only the sixth general manager of the Chicago Auto Show of the past 109 years, Cizek held the position of President of the CATA for 22 great years. You can tell Jerry has extreme passion for the show with his laid back sense of humor, yet prominent manner in which he presents himself.

“1-2-3,” Cizek counts off as the eight gentlemen cut the official ribbon to start the ignition of this remarkable show. Rev up your engine and attend this fantastic experience at the Chicago Auto Show 2010!

As senior public relations students working for the Chicago Auto Show, Rose Mayo and I have been on the lookout for real world experience and advice. While working here, we met several helpful and inviting individuals from Mercedes-Benz. They offered us advice and insight in regards to the auto industry.

We had the privilege of meeting the Product and Technology Public Relations Specialist, Dan Barile, of Mercedes-Benz.

We learned that one of the most important things in customer service; it’s the basis for building a successful company. Every single Mercedes comes with a roadside assistance package, no matter where a person is in the U.S., if something happens to the car they’ll come pick you up no matter what. Dan started with Mercedes in 2007; he talked about how networking and meeting different people is crucial to a person’s future. He stresses the importance of being outgoing and friendly because you never know who you’ll meet.
At Mercedes there is a three-part public relations department break down. Dan works in the product and technology department. They’re main concern is how the car performs and who’s noticing that performance. Other departments include a corporate department and an “entertainment” based department. One very special and exciting event that Mercedes holds for their press is driving presentations. Mercedes brings in journalists from different countries and has them drive the new vehicle for roughly 300 miles to get a feel; it’s a unique marketing tool that gets journalists buzzing about new Mercedes vehicles.

Rose and I learned that as a PR professional you won’t have all of the answers. Dan said that the important thing is to be prepared and accommodating to the media and public. They are your life support and the same goes for any large automaker. When a new product comes out Mercedes will release a long lead which means the event will be happening in several months. This type of media tool is more suited for large print publications while a short lead is for local events such as a new dealership opening or closing. The fact is Mercedes-Benz is a world-class automaker with offices all around the world. They are dedicated to continually creating luxury vehicles and will remain one of Forbes “100 Best Companies to Work For.” If you have a chance, check out the Mercedes-Benz floor space at the Chicago Auto Show!

One of the most entertaining, hands-on attractions at the Chicago Auto Show can be found at the Jeep exhibit. The Jeep test track allows you to ride in one of its vehicles with a professional driver over uneven, slanted surfaces and a steep hill. The drive demonstrates the maneuverability, traction control and other features of the Jeep line.

Heidi and I took a ride in a dark green Rubicon through the exhibit’s course this morning. I have to say, I had my doubts that we wouldn’t make it through without tipping over or getting stuck along the way. We were jostled around as we went over some rocky terrain, but we made it through without a scratch.

As we sat at the bottom of a 35-degree angle hill, I felt like I was waiting to go up the first huge drop of a rollercoaster. I was nervous, but excited for the big drop on the other side. Our driver started moving, but then stopped in the middle of the steep slope. I thought for sure I would fall out the back! From the side, I imagine that we looked almost vertical in the air. As we reached the top of the hill, my nerves faded, and soon we were riding downward at the same angle we went up. The surprising part was that our driver didn’t even have his foot on the brake! We were just free falling. Well, almost; the car’s braking system kicks in automatically at steep downgrades.

After a few more bumpy roads and uneven terrain, we were back where we started in the circuit. The Jeep exhibit test track will be open all throughout the Chicago Auto Show for the public to take a ride. Check it out in the back of the South Hall.

When I think about surfing, Chicago does not usually come to mind, but Suzuki brought the idea of surfing and summer to my attention this morning as I walked around the 2010 Chicago Auto Show floor. A bright orange car with surfboards on top of it jumped out at me – not literally. Even the inside of the car reminded me of summer with its seats resembling beach chairs. This vibrant car is the Suzuki Makai.
Brittney, Rose, Victoria and I were able to sit in the Makai for a photo. While we sat in the Makai all thoughts of winter and snow disappeared from our thoughts which brought smiles to all of our faces. Now, all we need to do is change out of our business suits, put on shorts and travel some place warm, instead of back to Bradley this weekend. Since that is mostly likely not a possibility, at least we know Spring and Summer are only a couple of months away.