What To Expect At The Chicago Auto Show 2016

1901 was the year that saw the beginning of the Chicago Auto Show. Back then, horseless carriages were shown off at Chicago's Coliseum Hall. The show was large by the standards of the day, and it set the precedent of an exhibition of cutting-edge automotive technology.

Fast-forward to today and the show has grown in size and prestige. Currently in it's 108th year, the Chicago Auto Show — produced by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association — is the nation's longest continuously running automotive exhibition in the country. If that isn't enough, the show now encompasses McCormick Place, which allows for 2.7 million square feet of space for companies to show off their newest creations and technology. Currently, the size makes this show the largest in terms of footprint and display size with additional space for three indoor and six outdoor test tracks. 

"The show has all the room to see everything that is out there," said Mark Bilek, senior director of communications and technology for the Chicago Automotive Trade Association. He added that the Chicago Auto Show is unique in the time it is held, early on in the year. 

Chicago Auto Show 2015 (Photo courtesy of Chicago Auto Show)

Attendees can see world premier vehicles, which are autos that have just been unveiled to the world for the first time and were shown to audiences at the Los Angeles and Detroit auto shows in late 2015. In addition to being one of the first to see these premier vehicles, audiences will see 15-20 premiers at the 2016 Chicago show. This mirrors the 18 premiers that audiences saw during the 2015 exhibition. Kia, Hyundai, Ford Ram, Infiniti, Toyota, Nissan and Chevrolet have currently confirmed that they will unveil at least one premier during this year's Chicago show. 

Expect to be knocked over," Bilek said. "This is one of the top ten auto shows in the world."

The Chicago Auto Show doesn't become such a world-renowned show just for size. This year, the show will feature cutting-edge technology to connect audiences to the show in a way never before imagined. 

In addition to free wifi, charging stations, climbing walls, race car simulators and multiple test tracks, the show will feature a new app. Smartphone owners can download the official 2016 Chicago Auto Show app for a chance to win a new Buick Encore. The app features on-demand daily schedules, a detailed map of the show, a comprehensive list of vehicles on display, interactive videos, blog posts and social media feeds. In addition, it hosts a Bluetooth locator that connects to others on the exhibition floor. This allows attendees to receive messages, information and deals regarding the car they are currently sitting in or looking at. Attendees don't have to find a representative to become experts on the vehicles that they adore, want to buy or both.

Guests test a vehicle at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show (Photo courtesy of Chicago Auto Show)

The schedule for the 2016 show has been released, featuring several high-profile events before and during the show's run. 

The black tie "First Look for Charity" event is Friday, Feb. 10 from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $250 and the proceeds go toward a free buffet, drinks, entertainment and 18 local charities.
 
"It is like a great party and buffet for 10,000 people," Bilek said. The event will feature gourmet food and drinks from Chicago's hottest restaurants. 

The show opens to the public on Saturday, Feb. 13 and goes through Sunday, Feb. 21 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on all days expect the 21st, when it closes at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for seniors 62 and older, $7 for children 7-12, and free for children six and under with an accompanying adult. They can be purchased online here. Discount coupons up to $6 off weekday admission can be found here. Weekend warriors can find discounts on LivingSocial and Groupon. 

The show is at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois. Parking can be purchased at the event or in the area; McCormick Place features large parking lots with many covered spots available. Those coming from the Dan Ryan expressway can get off on the Lake Shore Drive exit next to the venue.    

Robert Mathius is a Chicago suburb native who currently lives in Tinley Park. He has a passion for the automotive industry in addition to journalism and works to blend his two passions in his writing. Additional automotive reporting by Robert can be found on Examiner.com.