Partner with the Chicago Auto Show
Chicago winters are cold, but in February all the action is inside McCormick Place at the Chicago Auto Show where it’s always 72 degrees. With over 90% of Chicagoans aware of the show, it’s the place to be where hundreds of thousands of people come to check out the latest in the automotive industry, test drive new vehicles, take an immersive ride on one of the indoor tracks, and engage with vendors throughout the show. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of all the action.
For sponsorship inquiries & pricing, please contact:
Jim OBrill, Senior Director of Marketing, Sponsorship & Strategy
jobrill@drivechicago.com | 630-424-6085
Sponsor Benefits & Opportunities:
- Integrated into the show floor among auto manufacturers
- Opportunity to engage with media
- Inclusion in official show press releases
- Inclusion in the First Look for Charity black tie gala
- Social media integration
- Branding and banner opportunities
- Engaged consumers spend over 5 hours at the show
Family Zone
Returning to the 2026 Chicago Auto Show is the Family Zone – an exciting, dedicated area on the show floor designed for families and aimed at entertaining children aged 2-16. We invite you to take part in this feature and connect with families in a fresh and engaging way. Whether through presenting sponsorships or individual exhibit spaces, there are numerous opportunities to get involved. Unique to this space is the flexibility to activate booths for a single day or throughout the entire duration of the show. This safe and fun environment allows kids to enjoy themselves while being immersed in the auto show experience.
Overlanding Chicago
Overlanding Chicago is a space on the show floor dedicated to overlanding and outdoor lifestyle. In its first year, Overlanding Chicago draws a unique crowd of show goers looking to explore a life outside the urban jungle with their vehicles. With a focus on the overlanding lifestyle, the space features manufacturer displays of specialty vehicles, upfitting vendors, off-road accessories, and much more. Look for a dedicated space focusing on demonstrations, education, and specific product features. This area will attract media and consumer attention as it is one of the newest spaces to join the show.
Chi-Town Alley
Chi-Town Alley-Enthusiast Marketplace is a new space on the show floor dedicated to car culture. This designated area will reimagine the show’s former marketplace as an area where car enthusiasts can join together to connect with other local car clubs, modification vendors, auto-themed merchandise, accessories, and more. Immerse yourself among likeminded car people, share stories, share content, and connect as if you were at a local car meetup.
First Look for Charity
First Look for Charity stands as one of Chicago’s greatest one-day fundraisers, regularly generating more than $2 million annually for 18 area nonprofits. Held at McCormick Place the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens, the benevolent event is anticipated by socialites and car buffs alike. Guests are treated to champagne, wine, soft drinks, elegant hors d’oeurves, and desserts all while being the first to explore the annual edition of the nation’s largest auto show. Additionally, gala attendees have the chance to win a brand new vehicle. Involvement with First Look for Charity puts your company and brand in front of an affluent group of Chicago leaders, business owners, and influencers. To maintain the exclusive and high-quality nature of the event, sponsorship availability is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
