Chicago Auto Show Teams Up With Word Of Mouth Marketing Association To Present 'Driving Engagement Awards'

CHICAGO, Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), producer of the Chicago Auto Show, today announced a new endeavor with the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA), the official non-profit trade association dedicated to the word of mouth and social media marketing industry.

The Chicago Auto Show and WOMMA will collectively present the "Driving Engagement Awards" to both highlight the automotive manufacturer with the most innovative social media campaign of 2012 and acknowledge the best digital influencer at the 2013 Media Preview. WOMMA will host a breakfast at the show's Social Media Preview on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, to announce the award recipients.

Two Driving Engagement awards will be presented. The first is Best Social Media Campaign by an Automobile Manufacturer. This award will be presented to an automaker who best engages with consumers through a recent social media campaign with measureable results. The second award is Top Digital Influencer Engagement at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. This award will be presented to an individual influencer who leverages social media throughout the 2013 Social Media Preview to engage with other attendees, influencers, automotive media and manufacturers.

"We recognize the power of digital influence and want to honor those who spark social media conversations and engagement between automotive brands and consumers," said Michael Ettleson, 2013 Chicago Auto Show chairman. "We're extremely excited to partner with WOMMA and feel it's the perfect organization to help us identify the appropriate influencers and acknowledge them accordingly."

According to Suzanne Fanning, president of WOMMA, word of mouth has always, and will always, affect the auto industry.

"Research shows us that word of mouth from friends, family and peers heavily influences the automobile purchase decision," said Fanning. "After experts in the auto industry told us that they base their practices for word of mouth marketing on the WOMMA guidelines, we were happy to work with the nation's most digitally-savvy and largest consumer show. Our goal is to help increase the use of credible, ethical and effective social media and word of mouth marketing during the Social Media Preview and throughout the public show. We want and need to reward the folks in the auto industry who are providing a stepping stool for everyone else."

For more information on or how to apply for the "Driving Engagement Awards," please visit www.chicagoautoshow.com/womma.aspx.

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 WOMMA
The Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) is the official trade association dedicated to word of mouth and social media marketing. Founded in 2004, WOMMA is the leader in ethical word of mouth marketing practices through its offline education such as WOMMA Summit, professional development opportunities, and knowledge sharing with top industry marketers. WOMMA's membership is made up of the most innovative companies committed to progressing the word of mouth marketing industry through advocacy, education, and ethics.

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 Auto Show