Chicago Auto Show Unveils Plans To Host Technori Pitch Event During 2013 Media Preview

CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), producer of the Chicago Auto Show, announced plans to bring Technori Pitch to the 2013 Chicago Auto Show Social Media Preview on February 8, 2013 – the second of two Media Preview days at the show.

Technori Pitch is a monthly event where Chicago's most innovative companies have the chance to pitch their latest technologies before an audience of entrepreneurs, executives, and enthusiasts. This year, Chicago entrepreneurs will take the stage at the Social Media Preview to present their automotive-related innovations to manufacturers and media alike.

"Technology is continuously evolving and sparking change within the automotive industry," said Michael Ettleson, Chicago Auto Show chairman. "By bringing the Technori Pitch event to the Social Media Preview, we're able to provide Chicago entrepreneurs with a powerful platform to reach key influencers as well as fuel conversation around new technologies that may be industry game-changers."

The Technori Pitch event will open with a keynote from Howard Tullman, founder of Tribeca Flashpoint Academy, a premier digital arts college and venture with Robert DeNiro's Tribeca Enterprises. The four startup companies scheduled to present include: parking convenience pioneers, SpotHero and FasPark; auto repair estimate app Body Shop Bids; and budgeting tool Motozuma.com.

The four hopeful businesses pitch their innovation to the audience. Following each presentation, the startups will be on the hot seat for a three-minute Q&A session where the audience submits questions directly from their mobile devices.

"Startup companies have become a global phenomenon, each with the opportunity to become much greater than the sum of its parts," said Seth Kravitz, CEO and co-founder of Technori. "The Chicago Auto Show is a perfect partner to help us achieve our goal of positioning Technori Pitch participants in front of an influential crowd, and we applaud show organizers' efforts in supporting local Chicago startups."

The 2013 Media Preview kicks off on February 7, 2013, where the Chicago Auto Show becomes the stage for major manufacturer and industry announcements witnessed by thousands of international, national and local media. The Social Media Preview will be held on February 8, 2013, and will have a strong focus on technology and social media.

Chicago Auto Show credentialed media are automatically granted access to the Technori Pitch event. Event registration will also be open to the general public in January 2013. Tickets will be priced at $15 and can be purchased at Technori.com/pitch. Ticketed attendees will also have access to the show floor during the Social Media Preview from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Media members may register for 2013 Chicago Auto Show media credentials at ChicagoAutoShow.com within the "media info" tab.  For more information about the Technori Pitch Social Media Preview event, please visit ChicagoAutoShow.com/technori.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 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.

About Technori
Founded in 2010, Technori is a celebration of entrepreneurship – a celebration of those who take risks, chase their dreams, build brands, change communities, and create the culture of the business community. Giving real and accurate accounts of what it's like to start a company, detailing both the good and the bad, Technori is committed to profiling and celebrating the people behind the leading startup companies. For more information, please visit Technori.com.

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