The Word Of Mouth Marketing Association 'Driving Engagement Awards' Return To The 2014 Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO, Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chicago Automobile Trade Association, producer of the Chicago Auto Show, and Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) have teamed up again to present one automotive manufacturer with the "Driving Engagement Award" for the most innovative social media campaign of 2013.

WOMMA, the non-profit trade association dedicated to the word of mouth and social media marketing industry, will kick off the 2014 Chicago Auto Show Social Media Preview with a special Driving Engagement Award ceremony on Friday, Feb. 7, to announce the winner and the two runners-up.

"It's no surprise that word of mouth drives purchase decisions, and we're thrilled to partner with the 'king' of word of mouth – WOMMA – to acknowledge the automotive manufacturers who execute engaging campaigns particularly well," said Kurt Schiele, 2014 Chicago Auto Show chairman.

According to Suzanne Fanning, president of WOMMA, word of mouth has always, and will always, affect the auto industry – whether in person or online.

"Many auto brands are doing incredible work engaging their fans," said Fanning. "Our goal is to help increase the use of credible, ethical and effective social media and word of mouth marketing during the Chicago Auto Show Social Media Preview and throughout the public show, to help all auto brands 'drive engagement' with their fans."

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. won the inaugural Driving Engagement Award in 2013 for its YouTube campaign. Honda's award submission featured a music video from startup band Monsters Calling Home where the band members recorded a music video from inside of their Honda. As part of Honda's larger campaign, "Honda Loves You Back," Honda surprised the band by booking them as the musical guest for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and utilized Honda's full range of social media channels to help share their story.

WOMMA Driving Engagement Award submissions are due before Jan. 1, 2014. WOMMA will carefully review all submissions and the Chicago Auto Show will notify the selected winner and the two runners-up before Feb. 1, 2014. The winning automotive manufacturer will be invited to host a short presentation on its campaign strategy and resulting success during the award ceremony.

For more information on the 2014 Driving Engagement Award, please visit www.chicagoautoshow.com/media/2014-womma-award.

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 please visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow. Media can register for the Chicago Auto Show Media Preview at chicagoautoshow.com/media.

About WOMMA

Founded in 2004, the Word of Mouth Marketing Association is the official trade association in the industry dedicated to word of mouth and social media marketing. It is comprised of members from elite Fortune 500 brands, agencies and service providers, such as McDonald's Corporation, Unilever, Nestle, Nissan, Heineken International, Edelman and more. These exceptional thought-leaders across the globe and innovative companies are committed to expanding the word of mouth marketing industry through advocacy, education and ethics. WOMMA is a leader in ethical word of mouth marketing practices through its offline education, such as the renowned WOMMA Summit, professional development opportunities and knowledge sharing with top industry marketers. For more information please visit WOMMA.org.

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.

SOURCE Chicago Auto Show