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Chicago Auto Show Sells Floor Space in 9 Minutes

9 July 1998

Nation's Largest Auto Show Sells to the Walls in Under Nine Minutes

    OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., July 8 -- While some consumer shows
scour the corporate countryside to find exhibitors, the 91st Chicago Auto
Show, set to open seven months from now in February, 1999, sold out its
840,000 sq. ft. of available space in less than nine minutes today.
    Automotive manufacturers from around the world gathered today at the
headquarters building of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) in
the Second City's suburbs to choose where they will stage their elaborate
displays of cars, trucks, sport utility and futuristic concept vehicles within
the massive McCormick Place South building.
    "It's a true testimonial to the popularity of this show," said Mike Cook,
auto show chairman.  "People have streamed to our doors since the last turn of
the century to demonstrate America's love affair with the automobile."
    At the 90th show in February, 1,080,637 patrons found their way to the
lakeside exposition center, setting an attendance record for the second year
in a row.
    "It's amazing to watch the excitement build within the manufacturers when
you mention the massive crowds we attract in Chicago," said show co-chairman
Ray Scarpelli.  "This is where the ideas they want to test with the public are
shown.  Most of these manufacturers sell more in this area than anywhere else,
so the public reaction to what they produce is closely watched here."
    Auto show general manager and CATA President Jerry Cizek commented, "I
wish every consumer show manager could have as easy a time selling space as we
do, but I guess we're just lucky to have the products people pour in to see
and our exhibitors know it.  I've been associated with this show for more than
25 years and the excitement never wanes.  This show is an awesome marketing
tool for anyone in the automotive business.
    "The upcoming show will open to the public a day earlier than it has in
the past," said Cook.  "We'll open at noon on Friday, Feb. 12 following a
two-day media preview and our First Look for Charity black-tie event.  Then
the regular 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. show hours will be in place until the show's
closing date, Feb. 21."
    The First Look for Charity fundraiser is an elegant, unfettered preview of
the show.  February's event generated almost $1.3 million which was
distributed to twelve participating organizations.
    Founded in 1904, the CATA has blossomed to over 800 members, representing
six Illinois and two Indiana counties.  The CATA is the oldest and largest
metropolitan dealer organization in the country with more than 38,000
employees in its member dealerships.  New car sales in CATA dealerships are
approximately $14 billion with total sales of more than $24 billion.  Those
wishing more information about the show or operations of the CATA can visit
the association's two Internet web sites, dealerlocator.com and
chicago-autoshow.com/