Every year right around Valentine’s Day, the Chicago Auto Show takes over the city. It’s the nation’s largest auto show and if you visit, you will see how serious they take their title. More than 1 million square feet of exhibit space and over 1,000 vehicles. The past few years I have had the opportunity to get a sneak peek during the media preview. My first time seeing the show floor, empty of visitors and full of cars, trucks and activations. I was speechless. The auto industry is HUGE and this show is a chance to view it like an insider.
Last year I learned a statistic that stop me in my tracks:
Women are the most influential auto buyers; they buy or influence the purchase of 85% of all cars. Yet they only hold 27% of jobs in the auto industry and can be elusive for marketers to reach.
What the? I had so many questions?
Who are the women behind this 27%? In what capacity do they work in the industry? How did they find their path? I wanted to know it all. Is there a network where women can support each other? How can I hear their stories?
That last question caused me to attend the What Drives Her luncheon and Panel, hosted by A Girls Guide to Cars and Women in Automotive. This is a honest and transparent conversations with women who are leaders in the automotive field.
This year’s program will focus on how women are shifting the public conversation, how they are building careers in automotive and how they are impacting sales and economic trends. The event will take place during the Chicago Auto Show’s Social Media Preview on Friday, Feb. 7 at McCormick Place.
Last year I had my notebook out to jot down inspiration from women who are driven by the same thing as you and me. Family, purpose driven work, striving for your personal best. This year I am attending and plan on doing the same. Follow me live as I take you along to event. I will share clips from the panel on my facebook and Instagram. My hope is the passion they share will come right through the screen.
Drive on Mama Fresh….Great goal!!!