2024 What Drives Her Program & Award Ceremony
Continental Breakfast & Coffee Reception
Media Preview – Friday, Feb. 9
60 minutes in length (15-minute opening networking reception, 25-minute panel discussion/presentation, 20-minute award ceremony)
The Chicago Auto Show will host the seventh What Drives Her reception during the show’s 2024 Media Preview with a new award ceremony component to recognize and honor females within various automotive roles.
Show organizers will partner with the following organizations and outlets to present the awards to deserving women within the industry.
Awards Presented
“Industry Trailblazer Award” – presented by CAS, Women in Automotive and A Girls Guide to Cars
Employed by an automaker, auto retailer or core automotive supplier; job title no higher than vice president; works primarily in North America; she may be notable for her empowerment of others, her breaking down of barriers that allows others to follow, her pursuit of non-traditional roles or jobs, her leadership, and taking on additional roles such as leading an employee resource group or mentoring program.
“Best in Craft Media Award” – presented by a media partner, i.e. Cars.com or Cox Automotive
Employed as a fulltime or parttime North American journalist, content creator or media with a focus on the automotive industry; demonstrate general excellence of craft; create work that illuminates the role of women in the automotive industry or, through voice and narrative, create more accessible automotive information and more inclusive automotive storytelling.
“Retailer of the Year Award” – presented by CAS and the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA)
Employed by a Chicago-area dealership, this person demonstrates a high level of commitment and drive to any task at hand, whether that’s in sales, service or technical support.
“Automotive Ally Award” – presented by CAS, Women in Automotive and A Girls Guide to Cars
A new award for What Drives Her this year, the Automotive Ally Award recognizes an individual who offers continual support, coaching, advocacy, education and understanding, helping to create opportunities for others as they build their careers in automotive. This award is open to any executive, leader, manager or other person inside or outside the automotive industry and reflects the impact that this person has on the industry, for both individuals and organizations.
Show organizers will solicit nominees from manufacturer, industry and media contacts. An exclusive group of industry leaders will select the finalists from the curated list of nominees. Award finalists will be notified in January and the winners will be announced at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview.
Event attendees will include a mix of industry representatives (OEM, supplier, etc.), local new-car dealers, industry personnel and media representatives.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- Presenting Sponsor: $15,000 - SOLD
- Onsite event branding as presenting sponsor, specifically signage surrounding the stage where the award ceremony will take place as well as directional event signage.
- Logo inclusion on event program.
- Mention in all press materials surrounding event including PR Newswire press release, Media Show Update (to entire CAS media database), e-blasts, website mentions and social media promotion. Additional PR opportunities available.
- Opportunity to emcee the event and introduce the award winners.
- Opportunity for sponsor to invite up to 20 key members of staff and/or stakeholders to attend the networking reception and award ceremony.
- Official Sponsor: $5,000
- Logo inclusion in on-site signage listed as an official sponsor.
- Logo inclusion on event program.
- Mention in press materials surrounding event including PR Newswire press release, Media Show Update (to entire CAS media database), e-blasts, website mentions and social media promotion. Additional PR opportunities available.
- Opportunity for sponsor to invite up to 10 key members of staff and/or stakeholders to attend the networking reception and award ceremony.
