The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

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


chicago auto show

CHICAGO--Dec. 3, 2012: 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 Chicago Auto Show Womma.