Sponsors Line Up to Reach Consumers
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
SPONSORS LINE UP TO REACH CONSUMERS
CHICAGO (Jan. 14, 2016) – Based on sheer size and attendance, there's little doubt that Chicago is the nation's consumer auto show. In fact, every mainstream automaker will be on display this coming February at McCormick Place. Because of that, consumer-facing sponsors are lining up to participate in the Chicago Auto Show. The roster of sponsors includes State Farm, Fifth Third Bank, Shell, Cars.com, Chicago Tribune and new sponsors, Rand McNally and Comcast Xfinity.
"More important than their financial impact on the show's bottom line is the activation each sponsor brings to the show and the fact that the sponsors improve the experience for show attendees," said Tim McBride, director of sponsorship and marketing for the Chicago Auto Show. The show's three premier partners lead the way with both on-site and in-market show-focused campaigns. Longtime sponsor State Farm returns with its attendee-favorite Garage experience, Better State help center and adds to the lineup a customer lounge for 2016.
"Fifth Third Bank will again enjoy sponsorship and activation at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show," said Robert A. Sullivan, CEO & regional president, Fifth Third Bank (Chicago). "Our partnership with the Chicago Auto Show has provided us with an exceptional way to promote both our brand and our commitment to serving Chicagoland consumers and communities, as well as enjoy new, significant consumer and auto dealer business acquisition." Fifth Third Bank enjoys status as exclusive bank of the show, along with lead sponsorship position as a Grand Benefactor of the opening night, First Look for Charity, and an interactive exhibit space where bankers and promotional team members enjoy connection with show guests. Fifth Third Bank helps drive excitement for the show with special opening weekend discount campaigns and an interactive exhibit, while also serving as a Grand Benefactor of the First Look for Charity preview night.
Shell continues as the retail partner of the popular market-wide Weekday Discount Coupons program and engages attendees at the show where consumers can win prizes and earn discounts at Shell Fuel Rewards Network-themed displays.
"Over the last several years State Farm has had enormous success at the Chicago Auto Show and we have increased our consumer engagement activities within our space as a result. We try to create an environment that compliments all of the show's experiences so that consumers see State Farm as the solution for all their insurance needs," said Tamara Harvell, State Farm Sponsorship senior project lead.
New sponsor Rand McNally, fittingly, becomes presenting partner of the official Chicago Auto Show map, will make news with a special product announcement during the Media Preview and offer attendees the opportunity to test out its line of navigation products on the show floor. Comcast Xfinity steps up this year to offer a unique way for consumers to check out some of the most popular attractions on the floor through the Future of Awesome Concept Cars Mobile App Guided Tour and Social Media Challenge. Comcast will also provide show goers the opportunity to take a much needed break and learn more about its offerings in a Xfinity-themed lounge.
Finally, Cars.com will make sure attendees can stay connected by sponsoring dedicated show WiFi that will cover the entire showfloor. "Attendees are more connected than ever, and providing free WiFi to guests will no doubt enhance the Chicago Auto Show experience for all," said Mark Bilek, director of communications and technology for the Chicago Auto Show. "The Cars.com sponsorship of the WiFi gives Chicago a leg up on other major shows asthe only one to offer attendees free high-speed connectivity throughout the showfloor."
The show's 2016 media preview will be Feb. 11 through Feb. 12, and the show's black-tie benevolent event, First Look for Charity, will be Feb. 12, 7 - 11 p.m. Please visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow for more information.
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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 2016 public show will be February 13-21. 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.
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