Recent 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 REVEALS COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN

CHICAGO (Feb. 7, 2018) –  With more than one million sq. ft. of exhibit space, nearly 1,000 of the latest cars, trucks and SUVs, three indoor test tracks and a wide variety of interactive exhibits, there are plenty of memories to make and photos to share at the nation’s largest auto show.

“As the place to connect with consumers, Chicago is perfectly positioned to harness the power of its crowds and incentive attendees for sharing their show experience via social media,” said Chicago Auto Show General Manager David Sloan.

A leader in social media engagement, in 2017, the Chicago Auto Show generated 45 million hashtag impressions, continued as the No. 1 national trend on Twitter during its Media Preview and garnered 1.1 million views of its Snapchat event geofilter.

For 2018, show organizers have a robust lineup of social media and interactive fun in store for attendees, including:

1) #CAS18 Challenges 

• Show organizers have teamed up with brand-new BUZZHUB sponsor, Cars.com, to encourage attendees to feature their Best of #CAS18 moments using the show’s official hashtag – #CAS18 – for the chance to win prizes all show long. Trending themes will be displayed on a 21-ft. social media wall located in the BUZZHUB near the Grand Concourse.
• Show organizers are working with local Instagram influencers to generate creative, compelling content from the show floor. Each morning, a new image will be shared via official Chicago Auto Show social media channels challenging fans to beat that image on Instagram. The hashtag to use is #instaCAS. 

2) ChicaGO Show Us Your App
The official Chicago Auto Show mobile app, available for Apple or Android smartphones, is the virtual tour guide to the nation’s largest auto show. Street team #CAS18 Social Squad members will be checking with show-goers to see if they have the app on their phone; if they do, they will win instant show swag and apparel. 

3) Fast Car Social Challenges 
New premier partner Wintrust will team up with the show on a Super Car Social Challenge. Fans can share a picture of their favorite “super car” or concept car on the show floor with #WintrustSuperCar for the chance to win exclusive access into the show’s popular Super Car Gallery, which features rare, exotic vehicles.

Speaking of fast cars, #XFINITYFast will also host a social media challenge where fans are encouraged to share a picture of their dream car for the chance to win prizes.

4) Snap 2 Win
Show organizers will continue to engage the Millennial demographic via Snapchat. Beyond featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fans will be encouraged to:

• Add the Chicago Auto Show on Snapchat
• Snap a pic or video from the show floor
• Send the Chicago Auto Show snaps via direct message
• Submissions could be featured in the show’s daily story

5) Insta Prizes
Show-goers who spot Chicago Auto Show #CAS18 Social Squad team members on the show floor, take their picture in an enlarged Instagram frame and post to social media with #CAS18, will also be entered to win prizes such as gas gift cards.

Attendees can connect with the Chicago Auto Show’s vibrant communities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube for a virtual backstage pass to learn about the hottest cars, special events and contests.

For more information on the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, visit www.chicagoautoshow.com or www.Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.

###

About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America, spanning more than one million square feet of production, concept and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2.5 million annually for 18 vital Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2018 public show is Feb. 10-19. For more information, visit www.chicagoautoshow.com or www.Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.

The 2018 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.

About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is one of the nation’s largest metropolitan dealer organizations. It is comprised of more than 420 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ about 20,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit www.CATA.info.

Back to News