Chicago Auto Show Revs Up Communications And Marketing Efforts With Staff Additions, New Roles

Communications and Marketing Team Set to Take on Today's Challenges

CHICAGO, June 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Keeping pace with trends in the ever-changing traditional and social media landscape, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, producer of the Chicago Auto Show, announces its new communications and marketing team, which includes both new hires and an expanded role for a current staff member.

(Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120613/DC24065-a )
(Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120613/DC24065-b )
(Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120613/DC24065-c )

The new team is comprised of Mark Bilek, director of communications and technology; Tim McBride, director of marketing; and Jennifer Morand, senior public relations and social media manager. Collectively, each individual brings a diverse background to create a communications and marketing team that's uniquely qualified to meet the changing needs of today's marketing and public relations initiatives.

"We're thrilled to have our new team in place and know the collective experience of Mark, Tim and Jen will deliver innovative ideas and great value for show attendees, our exhibitors and the members of our association," said David Sloan, general manager of the Chicago Auto Show and president of the CATA.

Bilek, who joined the CATA in 2006, was named director of communications and technology. In addition to providing technology support, Bilek will oversee communications for the Chicago Auto Show, the CATA and DriveChicago.com, and remain the DriveChicago.com general manager. Prior to joining the association, Bilek was associate publisher for Consumer Guide Automotive, appeared on ABC-TV, Fox News and Speed Channel as an automotive consultant and served as president of the Midwest Automotive Media Association.  

McBride joins the association as a director of marketing. He will develop marketing and sponsorship programs designed to increase attendance and generate awareness for the Chicago Auto Show as well as the association. McBride, whose former positions include director of marketing for the Phoenix Coyotes and Loyola University of Chicago athletics, brings more than nine years of marketing experience to the organization.

Morand comes on board as the senior public relations and social media manager and will lead strategic media relations efforts, including social media initiatives, for the Chicago Auto Show, the CATA and DriveChicago.com. Most recently, Morand was an account manager at Foodmix Marketing Communications where she oversaw the company's public relations department and developed and executed campaigns for clients such as Heinz, Kellogg Company and Tyson. Prior to that role, Morand came from a leading global public relations firm, Weber Shandwick, where she spearheaded media relations, conducted national events and served as a media spokesperson for the "got milk?" campaign.

For more information on the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, please visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.

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 2013 public show will be February 9-18. For more information please visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.

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 about 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit CATA.info.

The 2013 Chicago Auto Show is officially sanctioned by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.Founded in Paris in 1919, it is known as the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles

SOURCE Chicago Automobile Trade Association