Wednesday, February 15, 2017
All Day Event
Chicago Auto Show | Wed. Feb. 15 | 10 am - 10 pm | Women's Day
McCormick Place - North & South
ALL WOMEN'S DAY ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE AT EVENT STAGE IN THE NORTH HALL
The 2017 Chicago Auto Show has something for everyone, but on Wednesday, Feb. 15, women will find special programming geared towards the female demographic.
Automakers are increasingly aware of the influence women have when it comes to purchasing a vehicle, a key topic of discussion at the inaugural “What Drives Her” panel, which took place during the Media Preview for the 2017 Chicago Auto Show. Women control 51 percent of the nation’s wealth and make 70 to 80 percent of household spending decisions, so finding new ways to engage and honor this demographic is key.
“Research shows that our female audience continues to grow each year,” said Jennifer Morand, director of public relations and social media for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which produces the Chicago Auto Show. “Foresight Research measures that nearly 50 percent of Chicago Auto Show attendees are women, and that’s really exciting for us.”
In addition to the more than 1,000 new and exciting vehicles from approximately 40 automakers, the Chicago Auto Show, in coordination with the Chicago Tribune and ChicagonistaLIVE, will bring its fifth annual Women Driving Excellence program to Women’s Day. The full-day of events is designed to honor, celebrate and connect women and inspire them to utilize their social networks to empower and engage one another.
The Women Driving Excellence program includes a networking power hour, Trailblazing Women presentation and panel discussions on topics of technology, social media, business, food and wine.
Attendees on Women’s Day will receive discounted admission of $7 and access to an array of additional programs, including:
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10 a.m.: Jumpstart Your Network – A power hour hosted by Chicago’s top networkers
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11 a.m.: Honoring Trailblazing Women Presentation emceed by Irika Sargent, co-anchor of the CBS2 Chicago (WBBM-TV) weekday evening news at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. This year’s honorees include legendary broadcast journalist Merri Dee, Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois CEO Celena Roldan, award-winning pastry chef and TV personality Gale Gand, strategic corporate adviser Christie Hefner, and DuSable Museum president and CEO Perri Irmer.
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1 p.m.: Leading Women in Tech sharing their thoughts on trends, collaborating, startups and how to foster relationships for business growth
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2 p.m.: Discussion with MJ Tam, Beth Rosen and Nancy Loo, hosts of ChicagonistaLIVE Talk Show, Chicago’s first social talk show
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3 p.m.: Leading Women in Food & Wine Panel
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4 p.m.: Leading Women in Business and Marketing Panel
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