CHICAGO — As auto show season shifts into high gear, Chicago Auto Show organizers announce the 2019 public show dates, Feb. 9-18, and reveal the show’s new website featuring responsive design, improved online ticketing, social media integration and dedicated exhibitor, media and sponsor microsites.
The nation’s largest and best-attended auto show, held annually at McCormick Place, will open to the public on Saturday, Feb. 9 and run through Monday, Feb. 18. The show is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.each day, except for the final day of the show, Presidents Day, when it closes at 8 p.m.
Show organizers are ramping up for another robust show, promising visitors access to nearly 1,000 of the newest cars, trucks and SUVs; demonstrations of the industry’s latest technology; interactive exhibits; family-friendly activities; special appearances from celebrities and sports icons; and much more. In addition to the latest production, concept and exotic vehicles, the show is packed with opportunities for attendees to get behind the wheel through multiple indoor and outdoor ride-and-drive experiences.
“The Chicago Auto Show not only boasts more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space treating guests to the industry’s latest and greatest glistening automobiles, but it also offers attendees indoor test tracks, where they can ride along with products specialists, and outdoor street driving opportunities that demonstrate vehicle capabilities and handling as well as the latest technology and safety features,” said Chicago Auto Show Chairman Ray Scarpelli Jr.
“The Chicago Auto Show has offered test track and ride-and-drive experiences to our attendees for quite some time now, as we know a key component to our show’s success is to allow consumers to experience these vehicles,” said Chicago Auto Show General Manager David Sloan. “We’re also incredibly fortunate to have a great venue like McCormick Place, with its expansive design and convenient, single-level layout.”
“We constantly strive to provide ROI to our exhibitors, which is reflected in the spring auto sales figures that are posted following our show. It’s no coincidence that manufacturers see an increase in vehicle sales following our show, as nearly 70 percent of adult attendees who visit are 12-month vehicle intenders – according to Foresight Research. The Chicago Auto Show is the destination in February where people come to shop for their next vehicle, have a great time with friends and family, and shake off those blues in the dead of winter.”
“A successful show begins with an unmatched consumer experience, and that’s exactly what Chicagoans have come to expect at the Chicago Auto Show,” said Scarpelli Jr.
In fact, showgoers make a day of it and spend, on average, four hours at the Chicago Auto Show, according to Foresight Research. Chicago Auto Show organizers strive to provide the premier consumer experience which, for many attendees, begins with an online interaction.
Website, App Redesigned and Optimized for Mobile Transactions
The restyled 2019 Chicago Auto Show website and mobile app received key enhancements designed to handle the more than 1 million visitors they receive each show season. The changes under the hood are even more significant as the online ticket purchasing process has been completely re-worked to be simpler and more mobile-friendly.
With detailed information, interactive maps and a complete vehicle listing, ChicagoAutoShow.com and the official Chicago Auto Show app (Android or iOS) provide attendees with a one-stop-shop as they prepare to visit the nation’s largest auto show. More than one-third of all attendees use the website to purchase tickets or validate coupons prior to attending the show. This year, online ticket buyers can store, share and print tickets across all devices.
The website’s comprehensive listing of vehicles on display adds real-time inventory from Chicagoland’s new-car dealers, provided by DriveChicago.com. This allows site visitors to sort through more than 60,000 new cars directly on ChicagoAutoShow.com as they are browsing their favorite vehicles.
“We want our attendees to connect to the show on every level,” said Scarpelli Jr. “We will be providing free high-speed Wi-Fi at the show to allow showgoers to share their experience through social media, our website and our official Chicago Auto Show app.”
Online Media Registration Now Open
Media visiting the website are now able to register for media credentials, download high-resolution Chicago Auto Show images and video, locate recent news releases, view a show floor map and obtain the show’s 2019 press kit. The media section of the site is found at www.chicagoautoshow.com/media/.
Social Media and Beyond
The Chicago Auto Show will also continue to offer new and exciting opportunities for fans to get into the action through social media. New and returning digital experiences include the official Chicago Auto Show mobile app, a virtual tour guide taking fans behind the scenes; #CAS19 BUZZHUB, a social engagement space featuring real-time news feeds and impressive photo backdrops; and ongoing social media contests leading up to and during the show, accessible by connecting with the Chicago Auto Show on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
Special-themed days include Women’s Day on Feb. 13, Telemundo Hispanic Heritage Day on Feb. 15, Family Day on Feb. 18and A Safe Haven Chicago Auto Show Food Drive Feb. 13-15. Tickets will be available for purchase online at www.ChicagoAutoShow.combeginning in November or at McCormick Place ticket booths throughout the public show. Ticket prices are $13for adults, $7for seniors aged 62 or older, $7for children ages 7-12 and free admission for children 6 and younger when they accompany a paying adult.
The show’s 2019 Media Preview will be held Feb. 7-8and its black-tie charity gala, First Look for Charity, will be held the evening of Friday, Feb. 8at McCormick Place.
For more information on the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com, or watch this promotional video. Media can visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com/mediafor more information or to register for media credentials.
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 millionannually for 18 vital Chicagoorganizations in a single night. The 2019 public show is Feb. 9-18. For more information, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com or www.Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.
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 19,000 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.
Source: The Chicago Auto Show