LAUKES TO OPEN 2020 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
CHICAGO (Dec. 23, 2019) - Group Vice President – Toyota Division Marketing at Toyota North America Edward (Ed) Laukes will be the keynote speaker at the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Breakfast, which kicks off the Media Preview of the 2020 Chicago Auto Show. Laukes is responsible for all Toyota division market planning, advertising, merchandising, sales promotion, incentives, NASCAR and motor sports, and all social and digital media.
Attended by more than 400 journalists and corporate executives, The MAMA Breakfast has provided a platform for industry executives to map out brand direction. Recent keynoters include Alan Batey, Bob Carter, Thomas Doll, Ralph Gilles, Mark LaNeve. Also at the breakfast, MAMA President, Damon Bell, will announce the MAMA Family Vehicle and Luxury Family Vehicle of the year.
No stranger to Chicago, Laukes holds a bachelor’s degree from DePaul University in Chicago. Prior to his current position, Laukes was vice president of Integrated Marketing Operations, and vice president of Engagement Marketing & Guest Experience. Since joining Toyota in 1989, Laukes has held various positions in both the Lexus and Toyota divisions, including management positions in the field. Before joining Toyota, Laukes worked for Buick and American Honda.
“It’s an honor to have someone of Ed’s caliber to open the nation’s largest auto show,” said Dave Sloan, Chicago Auto Show general manager. “Toyota has long supported the Chicago Auto Show with executive addresses, important product introductions and one of the largest displays it produces worldwide. This year we are happy to welcome back an indoor test track within the Toyota display as well.”
Doors open for the MAMA breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 6. Valid media or exhibitor credentials are required for admission.
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