Spanning approximately one million square feet of contiguous space, the Chicago Auto Show opened with a charity gala on Thursday and will remain open at McCormick Place through February 20. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which produces the event, bills it as the largest auto show in North America; it features about 1,000 vehicles on display. Here are eight ways that exhibitors stood out on the trade show floor.
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Jeep's test track evoked a rustic, woodsy setting and included a portion that let guests ride over logs.
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Jeep also had an interactive, playgroundlike area for young guests.
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The test track for the Chevrolet Volt, an electric car, was lined with trees and tulips that underscored the vehicle's earth-friendly properties. The smell of fresh flowers surrounded the track.
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A tall DJ booth stood in the display area for the Chevrolet Sonic. Decals lined the base of the booth, and guests could decorate the Sonic models with sticky images of their choosing. Visitors could then have their photos snapped with their decorated cars, and receive the photos via email.
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Cadillac hosted a "Cadillac of Cakes" competition. Three local bakeries, including Tipsycake, designed sugary displays that incorporated the brand's logo. Auto show guests voted for their favorite cake on a Facebook page devoted to the contest.
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In Ford's display area, a vintage Mustang had a pool table built onto its base. Triangles and cues hung on a nearby rack, and guests could play pool at will.
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In Ford's exhibit area, a moving robot interacted with guests. A hidden staffer with a microphone provided the robot with a voice and carried on conversations with passersby.
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Sponsor State Farm insurance provided on-site arcade games that featured the characters from the Disney Pixar film Cars.
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