CategoryAuto & Automotive
Chicago Auto Show
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About this event
Chicago Auto Show (The Chicago Auto Show)
The Chicago Auto Show is North America’s largest and longest-running auto show, held annually in February at Chicago’s McCormick Place since 1901. In 2027, the event will mark the 119th edition, bringing together a wide mix of manufacturers and automotive brands showcasing the latest vehicles and innovations.
The show features vehicles from numerous manufacturers and highlights new models, including a recent emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs). Visitors can experience vehicles in a high-energy indoor exhibition environment, with additional opportunities to engage with automotive technology through attractions such as indoor test tracks and outdoor test drives.
Alongside the main vehicle display areas, the Chicago Auto Show includes interactive attractions designed to broaden the experience for different types of attendees. These include themed exhibits such as Chi-Town Alley, an immersive celebration of Chicago’s car culture, and Overlanding Chicago, which focuses on the overlanding lifestyle with specialty vehicles and gear. For families, the Family Zone offers a dedicated space aimed at keeping kids engaged while immersing them in the overall auto show atmosphere.
The event also includes special programmed experiences and calendar-driven activities. These can include: Test Drives and Tracks, Friday Night Flights, Miles Per Hour, Automotive Career Day, What Drives Her, First Responders Day, a Food Drive, a Blood Drive, and First Look For Charity.
Event Details
- Dates: Feb 13–21, 2027
- Venue: McCormick Place
- Location: Chicago (city)
- Country: United States (implied by the event’s US market context)
What to Expect
- New vehicle discovery: Vehicles and new model highlights across many manufacturers.
- EV-focused content: A recent show emphasis on electric vehicles, including experiences tied to test tracks.
- Hands-on attractions: Indoor test tracks and outdoor test drives for a more interactive visit.
- Experiential exhibits: Themed areas including Chi-Town Alley, Overlanding Chicago, and the Family Zone.
- Special event days: Programmed dates such as Automotive Career Day and First Responders Day.
For tickets and visitor planning information, the show website provides access to ticketing options and general show resources.
Data sheet
Chicago Auto Show – Event Attendee & Buyer Profile Analysis
Event Date: February 13–21, 2027 | Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, United States | Event Status: Upcoming | Research Date: June 30, 2026
Event Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Chicago Auto Show |
| Event Date | February 13–21, 2027 |
| Event Status | Upcoming |
| Venue | McCormick Place |
| City | Chicago |
| State / Region | Illinois (IL) |
| Country | United States |
| Organizer | Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) |
| Official Event Website | Chicago Auto Show official website |
| Event Type | Automotive consumer show and industry showcase |
| Primary Category | Auto & Automotive |
| Secondary Applicable Categories | Business Services; Retail; Industrial Engineering; Travel & Tourism |
| Audience Reach | National |
| Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. |
| Attendance Data Reliability | High for date, venue, and event format; low for current-year footfall because no public organizer figure was provided in the source text. |
| Main Purpose of Event | Showcase new vehicles, engage consumers and automotive enthusiasts, support dealers and manufacturers, and promote test drives, special exhibits, and automotive brand experiences. |
About the Event
The Chicago Auto Show is North America’s largest and longest-running auto show, held annually at McCormick Place in Chicago since 1901. The 2027 edition is positioned as a major showcase for passenger vehicles, electric vehicles, consumer-facing brand activations, and hands-on demonstrations such as test tracks and test drives.
This event matters because it brings together manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, media, consumers, and automotive enthusiasts in one of the strongest automotive markets in the United States. For business development teams, it is relevant for vehicle marketing, fleet discussions, consumer acquisition, aftermarket partnerships, EV ecosystem outreach, and dealer-channel engagement.
1. Who Attends: Buyers / Attendees
| Buyer / Attendee Segment | Typical Organizations | Buying Role or Influence | Relevance to Exhibitors / Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto dealers and dealer groups | Franchise dealer groups, multi-brand retail automotive networks | Vehicle purchasing, inventory planning, retail marketing, OEM relationship management | High-value targets for OEMs, finance providers, digital retail tools, merchandising, and showroom technology. |
| Fleet buyers | Corporate fleets, leasing firms, rental operators, municipal fleets | Fleet procurement, vehicle lifecycle planning, TCO evaluation | Relevant for EVs, vans, light-duty trucks, fleet telematics, maintenance, and financing. |
| Corporate procurement teams | Large enterprises, shared services, sourcing departments | Indirect vehicle and mobility procurement, vendor evaluation | Useful for fleet, mobility, and corporate transportation suppliers. |
| Government and public sector buyers | City, county, state, transit, police, fire, utilities | Vehicle acquisition, public fleet standardization, sustainability goals | Strong relevance for EVs, specialty vehicles, charging infrastructure, and service contracts. |
| Manufacturers and OEM teams | Automakers, EV brands, component-backed brands | Brand marketing, product launch strategy, dealer support, partnerships | Relevant for technology vendors, event services, marketing, logistics, and display contractors. |
| Aftermarket and accessories buyers | Parts distributors, accessory retailers, specialty fitment shops | Merchandising, sourcing, product line expansion | Relevant for accessory manufacturers, packaging, distribution, and retail partnerships. |
| Technology and mobility leaders | Connected vehicle, telematics, EV charging, software providers | Platform selection, integration, partnership development | Good audience for software, data, charging, and connected mobility suppliers. |
| Media and automotive journalists | Trade media, consumer media, influencers, reviewers | Content creation, product coverage, brand amplification | Important for awareness, launch coverage, and influencer marketing. |
| Consumers and enthusiasts | Vehicle shoppers, collectors, enthusiasts, families | Purchase intent, brand comparison, test-drive interest | Relevant for retail lead generation, consumer engagement, and brand experience vendors. |
| Association and industry leaders | Automotive trade associations, dealer associations, mobility groups | Networking, policy visibility, industry coordination | Useful for sponsorships, advocacy, education, and industry partnerships. |
2. Event Location and Attendee Geographic Origin
| Geographic Area | Likely Attendee Origin | Buyer Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host city: Chicago | Strong local attendance from consumers, dealers, media, and suppliers | High | Chicago is a major automotive, transportation, retail, and media market with strong event draw. |
| Host state: Illinois | Statewide dealers, fleet operators, public sector buyers, and business visitors | High | Illinois buyers are likely to include government fleets, dealership groups, and mobility-related businesses. |
| Nearby business hubs | Midwest regional attendees from Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Ohio | High | Proximity to major automotive and logistics hubs increases buyer density. |
| National reach | OEMs, dealer groups, fleet operators, media, suppliers from across the U.S. | Medium to High | The show’s scale and reputation support national participation. |
| International reach | Select global OEMs, brand teams, and supply chain partners | Medium | International participation is plausible given the automotive category and brand presence. |
| Trade corridor relevance | Great Lakes manufacturing and Midwest distribution corridor | High | Supports outreach to manufacturers, distributors, logistics providers, and parts suppliers. |
3. Audience Reach
| Reach Level | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| National | Primary classification | The Chicago Auto Show attracts buyers, brands, and media from across the United States, with strong consumer and dealer appeal. |
| Secondary reach | Midwest-heavy with select international visibility | Chicago’s location and the show’s reputation create dense regional attendance while still drawing national brand participation. |
4. Sample Buyer Companies and Websites
| Buyer Company / Organization | Buyer Type | Why It Is Relevant | Website | Best Job Titles to Target | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Mobility | Fleet / mobility operator | Large vehicle user with sourcing needs for fleet procurement and mobility services | enterprisemobility.com | Fleet Manager, Procurement Manager, Category Manager, Operations Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Hertz | Rental operator | High-volume vehicle buyer and frequent new-model evaluator | hertz.com | Fleet Procurement Director, Vehicle Acquisition Manager, Operations VP | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Avis Budget Group | Rental operator | Major fleet buyer with strong interest in OEM relationships and EV adoption | avisbudgetgroup.com | Fleet Sourcing, Procurement, Transportation Strategy, EV Program Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Ryder System | Fleet and logistics operator | Commercial fleet purchasing and lifecycle management make this a relevant buyer profile | ryder.com | Fleet Director, Procurement Lead, Transportation Operations Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| W.W. Grainger | Industrial distributor | Potential commercial fleet and logistics buyer with broad transportation needs | grainger.com | Fleet Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Supply Chain Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| U-Haul | Rental / fleet operator | Fleet replacement and vehicle specification interests align with auto show messaging | uhaul.com | Fleet Procurement, Vehicle Acquisition, Operations Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| City of Chicago | Government buyer | Public fleet, municipal transportation, and sustainability procurement relevance | chicago.gov | Procurement Officer, Fleet Manager, Sustainability Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| State of Illinois | Government buyer | State fleet and public purchasing organizations often evaluate vehicles and mobility solutions | illinois.gov | Contracting Officer, Fleet Services Director, Procurement Administrator | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| ComEd | Utility / fleet buyer | Utility fleets often evaluate light-duty trucks, service vehicles, and EV transitions | comed.com | Fleet Operations Manager, Procurement Lead, EV Program Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| American Airlines | Corporate fleet / mobility buyer | Large enterprise with transportation and ground support vehicle sourcing needs | aa.com | Strategic Sourcing Manager, Fleet Operations, Procurement Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| FedEx | Logistics buyer | High-volume transport operator with fleet modernization and electrification interest | fedex.com | Fleet Procurement Manager, Supply Chain Director, Sustainability Lead | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| UPS | Logistics buyer | Major fleet and vehicle lifecycle buyer with electrification and route-vehicle demand | ups.com | Fleet Sourcing, Transportation Director, EV Program Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| CNH Industrial | Industrial manufacturer | Relevant for automotive supply chain, engineering, and commercial vehicle ecosystem engagement | cnh.com | Procurement, Engineering, Business Development, Category Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Nicor Gas | Utility fleet buyer | Utility operations teams often purchase service vehicles and equipment | nicorgas.com | Fleet Manager, Operations Director, Procurement Specialist | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| CTA | Public transit buyer | Transit agencies are potential buyers for service vehicles, support fleets, and sustainability solutions | transitchicago.com | Procurement Manager, Fleet Services, Operations Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
5. Job Profiles, Industries and Event Type
| Priority | Job Title / Function | Department | Seniority Level | Why This Role Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fleet Procurement Manager | Procurement / Fleet | Manager | Directly responsible for vehicle sourcing, replacement cycles, and supplier selection. |
| 2 | Director of Procurement | Procurement | Director | Influences vendor approval, buying strategy, and budget allocation for transportation assets. |
| 3 | Strategic Sourcing Manager | Sourcing | Manager | Evaluates suppliers, pricing, service contracts, and lifecycle costs. |
| 4 | Fleet Manager | Operations / Fleet | Manager | Owns vehicle specifications, maintenance, utilization, and replacement planning. |
| 5 | Operations Director | Operations | Director | Often oversees transportation assets and operational efficiency decisions. |
| 6 | EV Program Manager | Sustainability / Fleet | Manager | Relevant for electric vehicle adoption, charging needs, and pilot programs. |
| 7 | Category Manager | Procurement | Manager | May handle automotive, fleet, mobility, or related category budgets. |
| 8 | Chief Procurement Officer | Executive / Procurement | C-Level | High influence over enterprise buying and supplier strategy. |
| 9 | Transportation Director | Logistics / Operations | Director | Relevant where vehicle utilization, route planning, and transportation sourcing matter. |
| 10 | Sustainability Director | Sustainability | Director | Key stakeholder for EV transition, emissions reduction, and green mobility initiatives. |
| Priority | Apollo Industry | Why It Fits the Event | Best Buyer Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Automotive | Core industry for OEMs, dealers, mobility brands, and vehicle buyers. | Dealer outreach, OEM partnerships, fleet and retail automotive targeting. |
| 2 | Transportation/Trucking/Railroad | Supports fleet operators, logistics companies, and transport buyers. | Fleet sales, commercial vehicle targeting, maintenance services. |
| 3 | Logistics & Supply Chain | Relevant to fleet procurement, distribution, and vehicle lifecycle management. | Commercial fleet, telematics, and route-optimization outreach. |
| 4 | Retail | Dealer groups and consumer retail auto channels align strongly with the show. | Retail automotive, showroom tech, consumer engagement tools. |
| 5 | Government Administration | Public-sector vehicle buyers, fleet managers, and municipal procurement teams. | Government fleet, public works, and municipal EV procurement. |
| 6 | Utilities | Utility fleets often need service vehicles and electrification solutions. | Fleet electrification, work trucks, charging infrastructure. |
| 7 | Environmental Services | Sustainability and emissions reduction themes are increasingly relevant. | EV transition, compliance, and sustainability partnerships. |
| 8 | Computer Software | Connected vehicle, retail software, and fleet software solutions are relevant. | Telematics, CRM, digital retail, and fleet management systems. |
| 9 | Information Technology & Services | Supports mobility platforms, data integration, and digital experience tools. | Connected mobility, data platforms, dealership technology. |
| 10 | Business Supplies & Equipment | Commercial equipment buyers and operations leaders may attend for mobility-related assets. | Vehicle-related equipment, display, facility, and service solutions. |
6. Estimated Attendance
| Metric | Figure | Status | Source / Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total footfall | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Organizer source text provided for this research does not include attendance count. | Use caution in forecasting lead volume. |
| Historical attendance | Not provided in official source text | Unavailable | Official website copy supplied | No current-year or prior-year attendance figure was explicitly confirmed in the provided source. |
| Exhibitor count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Official website copy supplied | Do not assume exhibitor volume without a current floor plan or exhibitor list. |
| Buyer count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Official website copy supplied | Buyer count is not disclosed in the provided source text. |
| Speaker count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Official website copy supplied | Speaker programming exists through special events and media activities, but no total count was provided. |
| Sponsor count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Official website copy supplied | Sponsor names were not fully enumerated in the provided source text. |
7. Key Focus Areas and Buyer Engagement
| Focus Area | Typical Buyer Need | Buyer Engagement Opportunity | Relevant Supplier Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle sourcing | New models, fleet replacement, dealer inventory, trim selection | Product demos and comparison conversations on the show floor | OEM programs, dealer solutions, fleet sourcing support |
| EV adoption | Electric vehicle evaluation, charging readiness, operating cost analysis | Hands-on test drives and EV-focused exhibits | EV vehicles, charging infrastructure, energy advisory services |
| Fleet management | TCO reduction, maintenance, utilization, vehicle lifecycle planning | Target fleet managers and procurement teams | Fleet software, telematics, financing, maintenance programs |
| Retail automotive marketing | Lead generation, showroom traffic, consumer engagement | Brand activations and consumer-facing experiences | CRM, digital retail, events, signage, media services |
| Mobility and connected tech | Data integration, connected vehicle tools, analytics | Engage OEM innovation teams and technology partners | Software, IoT, telematics, integrations |
| Public sector procurement | Municipal fleet upgrades, sustainability, specialization | Target government procurement and fleet services | Vehicles, conversions, service contracts, charging solutions |
| Brand launches and media coverage | Visibility, launch timing, consumer buzz | Media days, press kits, and product unveilings | PR, media relations, content production, experiential marketing |
Lead Quality Assessment
| Factor | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer relevance | Very High | The event draws dealers, fleet buyers, OEM teams, public sector buyers, and automotive enthusiasts with purchase influence. |
| Decision-maker availability | High | Strong potential to reach procurement, fleet, operations, and marketing leaders. |
| Data collection potential | Medium | Public attendee lists are limited; lead capture depends on exhibitor, sponsor, media, and prior-year materials. |
| Apollo targeting potential | High | Clear targeting options exist across Automotive, Retail, Logistics, Government, Utilities, and Software. |
| Geographic targeting potential | High | Chicago, Midwest, and U.S. national targeting are practical and highly relevant. |
| Best outreach approach | High | Pre-show outreach to fleet, dealer, government, and mobility stakeholders; on-site follow-up for demo and sourcing conversations. |
| Overall lead quality | High | Strong event for automotive and fleet-related B2B lead generation. |
| Best use case | High | Attendee list building, automotive prospecting, fleet outreach, and dealership or OEM partnership development. |
| Limitations / risks | Medium | Consumer-heavy attendance can reduce pure B2B density; current-year attendee and buyer lists are not publicly confirmed in the provided source text. |
Apollo.io Targeting Recommendation
| Filter Type | Recommended Filters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo industries | Automotive; Transportation/Trucking/Railroad; Logistics & Supply Chain; Retail; Government Administration; Utilities; Environmental Services; Computer Software; Information Technology & Services | Focus on the most relevant attendee and buyer ecosystems. |
| Departments | Procurement, Operations, Fleet, Supply Chain, Transportation, Marketing, Business Development, Sustainability, IT | Find decision-makers and influencers tied to vehicle, fleet, and mobility purchases. |
| Seniority | Manager, Director, VP, CXO | Prioritize people with buying authority or budget influence. |
| Job titles | Fleet Manager, Procurement Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Category Manager, Operations Director, Transportation Director, EV Program Manager, Sustainability Director, Chief Procurement Officer | Target roles most likely to attend or influence buying decisions. |
| Geography | Chicago; Illinois; Midwest; United States | Align with the event’s core regional draw and national brand reach. |
| Employee size | 51–200, 201–500, 501–1,000, 1,001–5,000, 5,000+ | Capture both dealer groups and enterprise fleet buyers. |
| Keywords | fleet, vehicle acquisition, EV, electrification, dealership, automotive, mobility, transportation, sourcing, procurement, telematics | Refine lists for show-relevant buyer intent. |
| Company type | Private, public, government, nonprofit, association | Include enterprise, public sector, and association stakeholders. |
| Technologies, if relevant | Telematics, CRM, fleet management, charging network, connected vehicle platforms, digital retail tools | Useful for software and service vendors selling into auto and fleet ecosystems. |
| Revenue range, if relevant | $10M+, $50M+, $100M+, $1B+ | Prioritize larger buyers with measurable fleet and procurement spend. |
Suggested Apollo Search Logic: (automotive OR fleet OR dealership OR transportation OR logistics OR procurement OR sourcing OR EV OR electrification) AND (manager OR director OR VP OR chief) with Midwest or United States geography filters and the applicable industry segments above.
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Sources & Verification Notes
| Source | Type | What It Verified | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Auto Show official website | Official organizer site | Event name, 2027 dates, venue, annual February timing, historical positioning since 1901, attractions, and special events | Very High |
| Chicago Auto Show official website – About / Show Information pages | Official organizer site | Event format, consumer-facing experiences, EV/test drive focus, family zone, overlanding area, and special event programming | Very High |
| McCormick Place | Venue reference | Venue identification consistency for Chicago, IL | High |
| Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) | Organizer reference | Organizer attribution for the Chicago Auto Show | High |
| Official website content provided in the prompt | Primary source excerpt | Confirmed official wording for 2027 event timing, venue, history, and show features | Very High |
🎯 Selling to this event's audience? Get a free tailored buyer list
Tell us your work email and our AI instantly builds a buyer list matched to Chicago Auto Show — the best‑fit companies to target, the exact decision‑maker job titles, and the industry filters that fit what you sell.
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