In recognition of the growing purchasing power and expanding role of women in automotive, show organizers, manufacturers and exhibitors will coordinate a full day of special events and programming for the Chicago Auto Show's annual Women's Day on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Women are also offered a discounted entry at $7 per ticket.
New this year, A Girls Guide to Cars Founder Scotty Reiss will host a breakfast, discussion and show tour geared specifically to women. Emily Miller, founder of Rebelle Rally, a women-only off-road competition, will keynote the event and encourage women to become masters of the road - both in their personal and professional lives. Scheduled events include:
- Emily Miller to keynote breakfast
- Exclusive Test track experiences at Camp Jeep, Kia SUV Gym and Toyota Camry course
- Prize drawings, show tour led by A Girls Guide to Cars Founder Scotty Reiss, beginning at 10 a.m.
The afternoon program, called #DrivingWomen, will be hosted by Chicago Woman Magazine and is an evening of networking, connecting and inspiring women. The lineup of events includes:
- 5:30 p.m. - "Networking with a Purpose" session with complimentary wine from Trinchero Family Estates and appetizers
- 6:30 p.m. - Fireside chat with Anna Valencia, City Clerk, City of Chicago and Kendra Chaplin, publisher of Chicago Woman Magazine
- 7:15 p.m. - Panel discussion called "Courage, Grit and Leadership" featuring Ana Dutra, president and CEO of the Executives' Club of Chicago; Cheryle R. Jackson, vice president of global business development, AAR; and Mindy MacKenzie, speaker, CEO advisor and author of The Courage Solution
"There continues to be a remarkable uptick in female attendance year over year," said Chicago Automobile Trade Association [producer of the Chicago Auto Show] Board Member Kelly Webb Roberts. "As the nation's largest consumer auto show, the Chicago Auto Show is proof that males and females are equal players and the gender gap has closed."
The 2018 Chicago Auto Show is open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Feb. 10-18, and 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19.
