Chicago 2011: Preview

On my 40th birthday, I worked the second press day of the Chicago Auto Show. It was in 2004 – and, eventually, I celebrated my birthday hours after I left McCormick Place and the Bentley stand. But, I will admit thoroughly enjoying my first ever press days at any event and delivering my work to the two online publications I was writing for at the time.

Seven years later, I return to McCormick Place to work Press Days again – my third time covering the show in an official media capacity. It is also the first time since 2008 that I set foot into the enlarged space that the show now occupies. I went as an attendee.

What would you expect from my coverage of the 2011 Chicago Auto Show? The show will be huge to begin with. Thirty-four mainstream brands will be represented, along with a compliment of ultra luxury products, and representatives from parts, accessory and automotive lifestyle suppliers. There will be five test tracks inside the show for you to try out the latest in automobiles – presented by Chevrolet, Fiat, Ford, Jeep and Toyota.

On Wednesday, I will be attending much of the morning’s press conferences as possible. Chevrolet just leaked that up to two new cars based on the Australian-American Zeta rear-drive platform will make their appearances that morning. Acura is said to introduce a revised version of a current model. Hyundai will bring out their latest rally car based on the new Veloster coupe. I will also stop by several booths to discuss previous work covered by this website and, hopefully, some new ideas for them per this blog. Thursday will feature some special activities, including some breakfasts and lunches with several auto brands and some ride-and-drives others.

If you go, the show starts on Friday, February 11 through Sunday, February 20. Tickets are $11.00 each for Adults, Seniors and Children aged 7-12 pay $7.00, while children under 7 accompanied by an adult enter in free. The Chicago Transit Authority will route three bus lines to McCormick Place South during the show: the 127 North Western/Madison, 3 King Drive and 21 Cermak. Otherwise – and this is based on experience – have fun getting a parking place and a shuttle form nearby lots to McCormick Place!

I’m looking forward to bringing you MotorGeek’s first official coverage of the Chicago Auto Show. Check it out on Facebook, Twitter and on this site February 9-11!

Photo by Randy Stern