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

CHICAGO--Nov. 18, 2013: 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 Chicago Auto Show WOMMA Award .