Finding potential in blogs in an uncertain economy

From Sheri McGill ‘09…

This is literally the 12th time in the past three days that I have sat down to write this. Every time I get started, I am assigned a new task or asked to help on another project.  I knew I would be very busy this week, but whew!

I covered the Acura press conference where Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, spoke about his appreciation for the shared stage provided at no cost by the Chicago Auto Show. Acura revealed its new V-6 model on the Grand Concourse stage for its TSX sports sedan lineup.  Much of the presentation was focused on the economy. “I tip my hat to the Chicago Auto Show for coming up with a solution to keeping expenses reasonable for manufacturers to hold the press conferences during this difficult economic time. The automotive market may be slowing down but not Acura,” Conrad said.

The seminar, “Engaging the Blogosphere,” was well attended. J.D. Power presented information obtained by a survey regarding the untapped potential of blogs as a marketing tool.  A panel discussion including industry representatives Dutch Mandel (AutoWeek Editor/Associate Publisher); Terry Rhadigan (Communications Director for Chevrolet’s division of GM); John Neff (AutoBlog.com Editor-in-Chief); David Thomas (KickingTires Editor).

This has been a whirlwind of a week, and, as pleased as I am to have been here, I am definitely ready to head home.