2014 Chicago Auto Show Hosts Connected World Conference

The Era of the Connected Car Has Arrived

CHICAGO, Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chicago Automobile Trade Association is partnering with Connected World magazine to present the Connected World Conference at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. An established exposition for the past three years, the Connected World Conference has successfully coupled connected technology providers, app developers and industry experts. Bringing this conference to the Chicago Auto Show adds a public element that hasn't been tapped in previous technology conferences.

The Connected World Conference examines the convergence of the automobile with today's new communications and infotainment technologies. The Connected World Conference will be located within a 20,000-sq.ft. pavilion on the floor of the 2014 Chicago Auto Show.

The Connected World Conference will showcase technologies, products and services developed to enhance the in-car experience. App developers, device makers, software companies, and product and car manufacturers collectively will provide 10 days of programming during the show. The Connected Car of the Year award winners will be announced Feb. 6 during the show's Media Preview.

"We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with Connected World at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show," said Dave Sloan, Chicago Auto Show general manager. "Connected World is a strong voice in this space and we feel that connected technology plays a huge role in the future of transportation. This conference and partnership will foster growth and understanding between the automotive and technology worlds."

"The automobiles we drive, the homes we live in, and the devices and apps we engage with are the critical link in our always on, 24/7 lives. These technologies revolve around what we call the Human Hub, at the wheel of a connected car, interacting with other cars, people and destinations," says Peggy Smedley, editorial director and president of Connected World magazine. "The Connected World Conference at the Chicago Auto Show represents one of the most important destinations for anyone seeking to understand the technologies powering our interconnected ecosystem."

The Connected World Conference will feature multiple exhibits that provide a tour of the technologies coalescing around the connected car. These exhibits include connected energy, connected healthcare/fitness, and a special start-up zone for innovators seeking funding. Advanced programming includes presentations on connecting the car to the house, the car to physicians, the car to other vehicles, and the car to our health and fitness.

The Connected World Conference will provide Chicago Auto Show attendees an opportunity to experience a world of new technology, including NFC (near-field communication), as attendees can tap tags for engagement throughout the Connected World venue. They will learn how wearables and the use of NFC are shaping everyday lives from every aspect of health, fitness and fashion. Additionally, the Gadget Giveaway will feature some of the hottest connected devices on the market from companies like Garmin, Fitbug, Swingbyte, Dropcam, and NETGEAR on Sunday, Feb. 16.

The 2014 Chicago Auto Show will be open to the public Feb. 8-17. For more information on the Connected World Conference, please visit connectedworldmag.com.

About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest on the continent, spanning more than 1 million square feet of production, concept, and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2 million annually for 18 worthy Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2014 public show will be February 8-17. For more information, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow. Media can register for the Chicago Auto Show Media Preview at chicagoautoshow.com/media/

About The Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. It is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ nearly 20,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, visit CATA.info.

About the Connected World Conference
The Connected World Conference is the window into the emerging technology trends shaping the future of connected devices. The conference is a destination for everyone interested in learning, sharing, and presenting their ideas and visions about the future of our digital lifestyle, connecting to our vehicles, our homes, our energy, our apps, and our health/fitness. This event gives attendees a chance to explore the strategic shifts that new technologies will have now and into the future. For more, visit www.connectedworldmag.com/conference.

SOURCE Chicago Auto Show