CEO DATELINE - Trade group submits plan for holding Chicago Auto Show in July
CEO DATELINE - Trade group submits plan for holding Chicago Auto Show in July
- March 12, 2021 |
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Kathryn Walson
By Kathryn Walson
March 12, 2021
If the Chicago Auto Show happens in July, it could signal a turning point for McCormick Place, which has not hosted events for a year.
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The auto show, which normally happens in February, is typically the largest annual event for the general public at McCormick Place, according to the Chicago-Sun Times. If all goes well at a July car show, it could pave the way for other events to resume.
However, a large trade show scheduled for August at McCormick Place has been canceled. The International Housewares Association cited state restrictions on large gatherings and government restrictions on domestic and international travel. The Inspired Home Show is now scheduled for March 2022 in Chicago.
The Chicago Automobile Trade Association met with Illinois officials March 11 to determine ways to safely hold the car show in July, several news outlets reported. They discussed possibly reducing crowd size by using online ticket sales with timed entrances, Dave Sloan, CATA president, told the Chicago Sun-Times. And the event could take place partly outdoors.
"We presented our plan to the state, and we are awaiting feedback. We still have to present to the city and get an OK," Sloan told the newspaper.
Thursday's meeting included Deputy Gov. Dan Hynes and the Illinois Department of Public Health, labor unions and McCormick Place, among others, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
A spokeswoman for Gov. J.B. Pritzker told the newspaper that Pritzker's administration is working toward the goal of "having conventions this summer."
Whether CATA moves forward with the auto show in July will also depend on people's ability and willingness to attend.
"If we don't have enough ticket sales, we don't provide enough value to our exhibitors, who might spend more than $1 million on a display and activation at our show. So to guarantee that return on investment from our exhibitors, we need approval to have enough people each day to make it worthwhile," Mark Bilek, CATA communications director, told the newspaper.
Most association shows listed on the venue's website have been canceled through June. Some shows are listed as postponed.
The Inspired Home Show was one of the first large trade events to be canceled in March 2020, and now won't be held again until March 2022.
"Over the last year, we have been closely watching the status of large events from a health and public safety perspective, and have consistently sought feedback from our industry about how travel restrictions and mass gathering bans have impacted their normal operations," Derek Miller, International Housewares Association president, said in a statement. "With the health and safety of our exhibitors and attendees top of mind, we realized that it is infeasible for The Inspired Home Show to proceed in August of 2021."
McCormick Place, a popular venue for association meetings and shows, is the largest convention center in North America, according to its website.
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