Chicago Auto Show
Ten Bradley PR majors are interning at the 101st Chicago Auto Show from Feb. 9-13. The Department of Communication has provided selected interns for seven consecutive years.
From Alex Navrotski ‘09…
I spent a lot of my time last week working with pictures and video for the Chicago Auto Show Web site. My internship is best described by the multimedia galleries at http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/multimedia/2009VideoGallery.asp and http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/multimedia/gallery/index.asp.
Professional photographers and videographers captured most of the footage, but I did chase Gov. Quinn around with my camcorder after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. I mixed it up with the network news guys from ABC, CBS, Fox and WGN while the Governor toured the show floor. Standing 6-foot-4 is definitely an advantage because these camera crews like to crowd each other out to get a good shot.
I also spent a bit of time on the Chicago Auto Show Twitter account at http://twitter.com/chiautoshow09. It was very good at getting out only the most interesting and important stuff from the show.
From Melody Legge ‘08…
The cars were waxed and polished so they would be ready to shine for the auto enthusiasts who were attending the opening day of the show. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White introduced Illinois’ new license plate that honors President Barack Obama.
The media center is a little less hectic and a calm has settled over the room and everyone in it. I can tell this is going to be a great show. During these tough times, this is what people need. It gives them hope and a fresh look at the auto industry.
From Melody Legge ‘08 and Kristin Rich ‘09…
The Army has quite the interactive exhibit featuring a rock-climbing wall, a parachute photo opportunity, and a variety of Army vehicles that auto show enthusiasts can experience firsthand by having the opportunity to climb inside.
We talked to Brigade Commander Iacocca when he paid a visit to the Chicago Auto Show and the Army exhibit yesterday. Iacocca oversees 3,000 soldiers in 15 states.
The Army has chosen to display what it has to offer at the show. The National Guard, Army Reserves, ROTC, and Active Duty are also being represented at the show this year.
One of the great reasons to have an exhibit at the auto show is because it is such a large event and so many people from different areas come to it. This year at the Chicago Auto Show there will be representatives from other states and brigades. It also gives the Army a chance to give people from all walks of life a more up-close and personal experience with it. With today’s troubling times, jobs are rare. Not many companies are hiring, but the Army is.
From Kristen Rich ‘09…
Following Mark Bilek around the show floor on the first day of this internship was a tad frightening. Maybe it was the cranes hanging dangerously above my head, the sounds of distant engines revving, or the daunting task of weaving my way around the show floor. I couldn’t imagine that just a couple days later, I would be navigating myself from exhibit to exhibit with such ease. I don’t even need to use a map anymore!
This morning, newly appointed Gov. Pat Quinn, along with Jesse White and a bunch of other bigwigs, cut the ribbon to open the auto show. I was more than excited to see Jesse White, because I have not only been an Illinois driver for six years, but I’m a huge fan of the Jesse White Tumblers. Besides being completely star-struck, I was also excited to see my first ribbon-cutting ceremony. It was everything I imagined, big scissors and all. And once the ribbon was cut, the floor opened up to the public.
At first, I was apprehensive. I was afraid that the First Look for Charity event last night and all of my behind-the-scenes access had spoiled me and hindered my ability to enjoy the show. But I was definitely wrong. I was sent down to the floor to perform some intern duties and as I did, I sensed a completely different energy throughout the show. People were everywhere, jumping in cars, taking pictures, collecting goodies, running from exhibit to exhibit to see the coolest, fastest, and prettiest cars. I was finally seeing the show in action and that was definitely the best part of this whole experience.
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.
From Aaron Flatt ‘09…
Man, oh man, oh man, oh man. The past two days have been a whirlwind for the interns. We definitely have stepped out of the classroom and into the real world. My partner and I covered Chrysler’s press conference Wednesday. The new line of Dodge heavy-duty pickup trucks and chassis-cab trucks were the highlight of Chrysler’s conference. What makes these new trucks different from the others is their ability to operate as their own mobile Internet hotspot. Being a part of a generation that is virtually connected to the Internet 24/7, this raised the eyebrows of a few youths in the audience. Their concern was there wouldn’t be interest from consumers because most have Internet access on their cell phones.
After the conference we interviewed Scott Kunselman, a vice president at Chrysler. He commented on the high number of people who use these vehicles for work. ”They serve as mobile offices for those customers,” he said. That made more sense.
We later covered MotorWeek’s announcement of the Driver’s Choice Best of the Year award. The Volkswagen Jetta won.
This entire trip was a wonderful addition to my Bradley experience, and will surely help when looking for a full-time job during this rough economic time. The opportunities offered to Bradley students, like this one, set our institution apart from the rest.
From Melody Legge ‘08…
It has been another hectic day of covering events and assisting with credentials. The Media Center is winding down and the interns are finishing today’s tasks. We are all anxiously awaiting to dress in our finest attire and go to the First Look for Charity black tie event. On the exhibit floor, the tables of wonderful appetizers and beautiful flower arrangements are slowly being put together. Tonight is sure to be an amazing and fun night to enjoy!
From Alexis Tice ‘09…
The smartest professional women have one secret: Comfortable shoes. I’ve worked in an office before, but the Chicago Auto Show has proven to be a test for my most valuable asset: My feet! If my feet could talk, they would not be happy with standing and walking so much Wednesday, but they would get over it. They would realize the incredible opportunities I have had thus far at the CAS. One of the most exciting experiences was going to my first press conference. Media from all around the world congregated to see the newest cars being revealed for the first time! All the photographers shifted in their seats to get the first snapshot as the sheets were lifted from the newly designed Acura and Hyundai cars. As many may know, I’m not a car person, but even I couldn’t stop drooling over the shiny, one-of-a-kind cars.
After the press conference, the pressure was on! We came back to the media center to quickly write a press release and summary about the conferences. Journalists hammered away on their computers about the same event. To our amazement, articles and releases were posted online just 30 minutes after the event! It made me realize we are still inexperienced compared to the journalists and professionals here, and that the Chicago Auto Show is highly regarded around the world, not just by manufacturers and consumers, but also the media.
I’m not only learning about public relations, but also how to be a smarter professional woman: No heels for me!
From Aurora Felty ‘09…
We have been so busy here at the Chicago Auto Show. Our days start at 6:30 a.m. and end at 10 p.m. Afternoons are spent going to and from news conferences and creating media capsules for the manufacturers we saw. Evenings are filled with social networking events.
I covered the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) breakfast, Bridgestone and Mazda on Wednesday. The MAMA breakfast featured an uplifting speech from John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. Krafcik issued a call-to-action aimed at automotive executives to fix the negative perception of the auto industry. At Bridgestone’s lunch and news conference, we witnessed the launching of a new tire, the Ecopia EP100, and new safety program, “Think Before You Drive.” Mazda’s news conference was the most fun because of the ambience. Mazda’s booth was full of upbeat music and sushi. The 20th anniversary of the Mazda Miata is this month. To celebrate, the 2009 Mazda Miata MX5 was recharged with a new rear and front exterior, new interior and a more fuel-efficient engine.
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to see Bumblebee - a character from Transformers - being constructed for the first time in public. I went to the show floor to get pictures for our CAS blogs and had the pleasure to meet the designer and sculptor of Bumblebee, Dewaldt Hicks. He owns a sculpture design business in Los Angeles and does sculpture work for Steven Spielberg. The Bumblebee sculpture had scenes in the first Transformers movie. In one scene, he was lying down on the Hoover Dam, and in another, he was being dragged down a street.
Amidst all the work, we’re still having a great time and learning so much. It is a great real-world experience.
From Rachel Anderson ‘09…
Each intern was assigned to cover an event Wednesday and write a press release and summary that will be posted on the Chicago Auto Show Web site. It was important for us to capture intriguing photos and get quotes from the event’s speakers in order to summarize the conference for the media. I had the pleasure of attending the Ford media conference to view the release of the 2010 Harley Davidson F-150 truck. Attendees also could hop into a mechanical contraption designed to simulate what it would be like to drive through rugged terrain in the monstrous truck. Melody Legge ‘08 and I were assigned to work together to cover this event. We had the opportunity to talk to Ford executives about how their new car releases will help the economy by increasing sales within the car industry.
It was quite an interesting experience watching both traditional and social media flock to the Vice President of Ford and Kia Motors for quotes on how they expect to see their business grow in 2009. Wednesday’s events have been fun, interesting, and exhausting. All continues to be going well at McCormick Place, and, like always, we will keep you “in the know” on what the Bradley interns are up to next!
From Melody Legge ‘08…
Thursday morning came early for the interns. We were invited to a private party at Buddy Guy’s Legends last night. A great blues band, the backup band for Buddy Guy when he is in town, was playing. Earlier in the day, I attended Kia’s press conference and saw the new Forte unveiled. At the blues club, I saw Kia’s vice president of sales for North America and was able to talk casually with him about the car. He was very down to earth and friendly. Wednesday night was fun because we were able to unwind after a hectic week. It was also nice because we were able to talk informally and hang out with people from Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA).
We will be busy with more press conferences Thursday and the First Look for Charity at night. So far, this definitely has been a learning experience and a fun journey.
From Sheri McGill ‘09…
Tuesday was another busy day preparing the media center–the hub of the Auto Show. As interns, we organize, sort, and verify the credentials for the thousand or so journalists who come to the Auto Show. Here, they can find the information and assistance they need. We are their primary resource for computers, press kit information, updates, food, and drink. It is imperative that we are professional, knowledgeable and pleasant so that the coverage of the Auto Show is favorable.
We spent a lot of time getting familiar with the exhibit halls and the manufacturers. Aurora and I went down on Chevy’s showroom floor during the assembly of the official “Bumblebee II” Camaro from Transformers 2. The entire process took several hours, and the end result stands about 18 feet high. Check out the official photo gallery <http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/multimedia/gallery/images/index.asp?F_GALLERY_ID=188> to see its construction in progress.
After closing the media center, we all went to the Bridgestone media reception where we were able to let loose just a bit. The President and CEO of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) Jerry H. Cizek III ‘68 was also there. He was very engaging and shared some stories about his own Bradley experience. Due to strict confidentiality (and fear of being sent home) I cannot reveal any information disclosed in this conversation…but I can say that he had some great stories!! LOL!
From Melody Legge ‘08…
Today has been a busy day for the interns. We have been going to various press conferences on the exhibit floor and assisting with tasks in the media room. My partner and I have been working together on a press release and a summary of the Ford press conference. The press conference was on the Ford stage, which was vibrant blue with splashes of bright orange. The stage had two huge video screens that were crystal clear, and it almost felt like we were right there with the vehicles they were showcasing. Media were seated and eagerly awaiting the new line that Ford had to showcase. Ford was proud to introduce the F-150 Harley Davidson, Transit Connect, and Taurus SHO.
The Taurus was well-received. There were 26 SHO enthusiasts from 11 states. Ford generously gave away five Transit Connects to small business owners. The winners were present, and the big surprise was when they found their Transit Connects were personalized, with business logo and information advertised on the vehicle. The winners did not expect such a great touch to their big win.
February 11th, 2009 in
Chicago Auto Show |
1 Comment
From Jackie Beaudry ‘09…
It’s like Christmas here at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. The excitement and anticipation is building as the floor is open to all media! And just like Christmas, there are some “standard” gifts or, in this case, cars, that make their annual appearance. However, there are many surprises waiting to be unwrapped, and the media are here to do the honor. The interns are busy handing out credentials, covering press conferences, and distributing press kits. Just like Christmas, it’s chaos. So much to do, too little time! I just finished covering Chrysler’s press conference. Stay posted!
From Anna Hellgeth ‘09…
On this rainy morning at the Chicago Auto Show, the media center is up and running with journalists and bloggers from around the world. Since 6:30 a.m. today, journalists have been lined up outside the media center door as the interns have created and passed out credentials with free Bridgestone bags filled with the media schedules.
The media center tables are filled with journalists working hard on creating their schedules, deciding what press conferences and exhibits their crew will cover throughout the packed day. Bloggers are typing away, uploading pictures, and publicizing their thoughts on their first day at the auto show. Throughout the week, we will continue to welcome prestigious media and converse with well-known anchors, presidents of media conglomerates, and magazine journalists.
On the show floor, we are covering press conferences and manufacturers’ events. The first one started at 7:30 a.m., and multiple conferences will continue into late afternoon. Our biggest challenge will be covering the press conferences, where I’m sure we will gain the most experience. Afterwards, we will develop a summary of the event and a Chicago Auto Show press release to post on the Web site for other journalists to view. Today, our schedule is packed with media opportunities that other college public relations students may never experience. We have a long day ahead of us and are looking forward to the opportunity for more real-world experiences.
From Melody Legge ‘08…
The interns have been busy in the Chicago Auto Show media center. The press kits for the different car manufacturers are slowly arriving. We are organizing the kits for the media who are arriving tomorrow. We are walking the exhibit floor taking pictures, video, and interviewing automobile enthusiasts. The exhibit floor is still in the making for one of the greatest auto shows in the world, and it gives the interns a new perspective concerning how it is all put together. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association administration has been busy getting things ready, and has been more than accommodating to us. Of course, as college students, we are loving the great spread of food that has been provided for us daily.
To check out more on what the interns are doing, visit the Chicago Auto Show blog: http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/multimedia/blog/index.asp
From Kristen Rich ‘09…
In all my life, I’ve never been around cars so shiny, so new and so darn expensive.
Well, I take that back. I’m almost positive I saw a replica of the Batmobile at Six Flags Great America during a middle school field trip. It might not have been the real one, but it had to cost a good chunk of change, right? I’m going to go out on a limb and say the cars I saw today while touring the floor definitely put on more of a show than the Batmobile. And most of the displays aren’t even close to being finished! As an avid reader of various celebrity tabloid magazines, I was obviously a little disappointed when I saw Rolls-Royce and Bentley had yet to move their vehicles in, but I’m crossing my fingers that tomorrow I’ll get a glimpse of the fancy vehicles I have only seen on MTV Cribs.
I’m also looking forward to using my wonderful intern connections to possibly get an early ride on the Chrysler test track. After all, it will probably be the closest I get to driving a new vehicle until I find a grown-up job (With the current economic situation, who knows when that will be!). But for now, I’m going to spend my days eyeing the new vehicles from the media center, where the interns have set up camp. From here, we’ll be issuing media credentials, running errands and taking advantage of the constant supply of coffee and snacks.
While I’m excited to tackle all the tasks that have been handed to us, it’s hard to not look out on the floor and be in awe of an event so incredibly spectacular. Just seeing the skeleton of what will be North America’s largest auto show is enough to make me wonder why I waited 22 years to check it out.
From Rachel Anderson ‘09…
A buzz surrounds the 101st Chicago Auto Show as manufacturers continue to develop interactive sets to entice the public and dazzle the media. Thrilling images of cars and trucks can be seen from across the North Hall of McCormick Place. Car dealers are working hard to build sets that show off their new models while gaining much needed attention for the manufacturer.
The Chicago Auto Show serves great importance for many reasons this year. With the current economic condition, it is not only critical for this year’s show to attract attention from the public, but catching the eye of both new and traditional media is a main focus for this year’s executives. I am a newcomer to the Chicago Auto Show. At first glance, I was overwhelmed with the amount of time and energy it takes to make the show a success. People are working day and night to make each set look spectacular on the McCormick exhibitor floor, while other staff organizes the media preview week. Everyone has a designated assignment in order to make the show a complete success.
I have experienced a side of the Chicago Auto Show that not many people get to see. It is great to talk with car professionals and recognize how beneficial it is for them to market their newly modeled automobiles at the show. Each auto exhibit has something new to offer the public, like Chrysler’s “rugged” test track that I am very excited to drive on Friday! The Bradley clan will continue to keep you posted on the exciting events that unravel as we intern at the Chicago Auto Show.
February 10th, 2009 in
Chicago Auto Show |
1 Comment
From Sheri McGill ‘09…
Bradley University strives to create and maintain relationships with professionals all over the country for the benefit of the students. No better example of this is the relationship Dr. Koperski has established with the Chicago Auto Show (CAS). We are all fortunate to be able to include this internship as part of our “Bradley Experience,” and we will not disappoint the Bradley community. This is the eighth year the Slane College of Communications has provided public relations students with the opportunity to interview and intern for the 2009 CAS, and this will be the best year yet.
This experience will provide all of us with unique hands-on, fast-paced, real-world experiences, which we will greatly benefit from. As an added bonus, it has given us a chance to develop and deepen our relationships with one another, adding to the true meaning of the Bradley family.
So, here is my first impression of the 2009 CAS: There is a saying that goes “you only get one chance to make a first impression,” and even though the exhibit is still being constructed, the 101st Chicago Auto Show never fails to impress. The sheer size of the exhibit hall at McCormick Place is head-spinning. Imagine a floor plan that can house 1,000 cars, grand stages, a double-decker car display and a test track. Add in neon signage, booming sound systems, a spectrum of colored lights, and 12-foot video screens, and we’ve got a show!
Strewn among the hundreds of shiny, sleek lines of these cars, you’ll also find a variety of family-friendly sights such as Power Wheels for kids, Lego sculptures, and restaurants. Don’t forget to take a ride at the Jeep test track where you can get a bird’s eye view of the entire show. The anticipation is building, and everything is falling into place. You can almost hear the soothing hum of the engine of this finely tuned machine. This show - the largest and longest running auto show in North America - has more to offer attendees than any other show in the country.
Come down to the Chicago Auto Show with the entire family to kick some tires, caress some curves and smell that new car smell…it never hurts to look!
From Melody Legge ‘08…
I remember the first time I heard about the Chicago Auto Show internship. It was in a Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) meeting, and I knew then I had to make it a goal of mine to attend. I was fortunate enough to go to the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) this past May with Dr. Koperski on the Chicago Corporate and Agency seminar. After meeting everyone and hearing about the organization and the show, I fell even more in love with the idea of becoming an intern for the Chicago Auto Show.
It seems like time flies, and now, here I am getting ready to go to Chicago and be an intern at the nation’s largest auto show. The past week I have been preparing and getting ready for the show by checking out http://www.chicagoautoshow.com, reading the blog, and keeping an eye on the Facebook group. We had a conference call on Tuesday, and that got me revved up for this opportunity. I was just looking at some great video at chicagoautoshow.com, and after hearing Paul Brian’s radio voice, I am even more pumped. I hope I can sleep tonight!
I am very excited for this opportunity, and I know I will learn and experience many new and exciting things. It will be challenging and demanding, but that is the real world, and I am ready to take it on. I am looking forward to see how such a large, successful, and well-known event is implemented and carried out. What really interests me about the Chicago Auto Show for this year is the fact that it is incorporating many different aspects of social media. Because social media is the new form of connecting with your target audience, it will be interesting to see how it will be used and the response it will get from Chicago Auto Show followers and news media.
It will be a busy week full of hard work, and I am sure a lot of fun too. We have an exceptional group of interns and a strong organization to work with. I want to send a big thank you to Dr. Koperski for arranging this internship and to CATA for allowing Bradley University public relations students to be interns for the Chicago Auto Show.
Here’s to a week of work, fun, and cars!
From Dr. Ron Koperski…
Ten senior public relations majors from the Department of Communication will serve as interns for the 2009 Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place on the lakefront during media preview week from February 9-13. Students are selected through a highly competitive application and interview process at the end of the fall semester. This is the seventh consecutive year Bradley students have been interns at the show. Last year the students had the unique experience of working at the 100th Chicago Auto Show.
During the week, duties will include:
- • staffing the media center and providing credentials for worldwide automotive media professionals
- • covering major automotive manufacturer news conferences (often introducing new vehicles) and interacting with media
- • writing copy, shooting photos and posting them on the show Web site
- • writing news releases and media advisories as assigned
- • assisting social media professionals
- • assisting with industry-related activities such as breakfasts, lunches, and high-profile evening social events such as “First Look for Charity,” a major black-tie fundraising gala which raises over $2.5 million to benefit 15 selected charities in the Chicago area.
During the week, students have a full slate of “real world” assignments including, but not limited to, covering press conferences for Ford, General Motors, Kia, Suzuki, Acura, Chrysler, Mazda, and Subaru, plus several automotive industry associations. They also will facilitate coverage of two new features at this year’s show: “Engaging the Blogosphere,” and “Social Media Communications Strategy.”
The CHICAGO AUTO SHOW internship is just one of many special “out-of-the-classroom” opportunities available to students majoring in the Department of Communication at Bradley University. As a result of these meaningful experiences, they have greater opportunities to secure other valuable internships, expand their networking base, and build a powerful and compelling resume as they eventually begin their permanent job search.
The show will be open to the public from February 13-22. The President and CEO of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) is Jerry H. Cizek III ‘68. The auto show is developed and staged by CATA. I have maintained an ongoing relationship with him to allow Bradley students to benefit from this challenging and educational experience.
