Auto shows provide an ideal opportunity for automakers to shake hands with customers and potential customers. As a result, several have gone "all in" on large consumer shows in an effort to engage with the public.
 
In a Dec. 9 Automotive News article, Honda’s Sage Marie, assistant vice president for public relations said: "From a consumer standpoint, auto shows are stable and growing in importance. From a media standpoint, the dynamic is definitely changing. The way automakers leverage auto shows to deploy news is changing."
 
He added, "It’s fishing where the fish are."
 
The nation’s longest running auto show, the Chicago Auto Show opens its doors to the masses Feb. 8, but lots will happen before then. On Feb. 5, the show’s Concept & Technology Garage gives automotive media a fantastic opportunity to take a deep dive into the latest automotive trends.
 
Group Vice President – Toyota Division Marketing at Toyota North America Edward (Ed) Laukes will be the keynote speaker Feb. 6 at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Breakfast, which kicks off the Media Preview of the 2020 Chicago Auto Show.
 
Also during the media preview portion of the show, Cody Thacker, head of electrification for Audi of America, will be the keynote speaker on Feb. 6 at the Economic Club of Chicago Luncheon. Thacker leads the team whose mission is to ready the organization for electric vehicles and other emerging automotive trends.
 
Show hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 8-16, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 17. Tickets are $13 for adults; and $8 for seniors aged 62 and older and for children ages 7-12. Younger children are free.