Road Trip The Auto Show’s opening night gala offered fewer cars, but more beer.
Occupying more than one million square feet of exhibit space at McCormick Place, the Chicago Auto Show ran from February 12 to 21. On the eve of the public opening, some 9,000 guests got a sneak peek at the vehicles during the First Look for Charity Gala, which raised $1.7 million for 18 local organizations and kept patrons sated with snacks ranging from cheese ravioli to crêpes Suzette. Each year, the preview features themed tasting stations, “and we want to make sure it’s never the same old choices on the menu,” said Erik Higgins, director of dealer affairs at the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which produces the 10-day show. After the 2009 Ronsley provided thematic decor for menu reflected a the international tasting stations.
CHICAGO
Route 66 theme, this year’s tasting stations slung foods from international auto-industry markets, including Mexico City, Shanghai, and Paris. An expanded drinks list included nine beers (up from three last year) to represent different countries: Coronas were on offer at the Mexico City station, and German beer flowed at a pretzel-laden buffet area called the Autobahn. Chicago Restaurant Partners handled catering with logistical assistance from Toque & Bottle Advisory. The gala’s execution entailed 300 walking servers, 40 tasting stations, 22 bar porters, and a detailed production schedule. Planners also brought in culinary specialists accustomed to serving large groups of people. Apart from sampling ethnic fare, guests spent the evening checking out cars from manufacturers such as Ford and Lexus. Higgins said that this year, dealers paid special attention to showcasing the green and technological features of their vehicles. Size was another difference between this show and its previous iterations. “I’m not going to The Chicago Auto lie. This year’s show is Show’s First Look for certainly not bigger,” he Charity Gala said. “There’s no Pontiac, Catering Chicago there’s no Hummer.” He Restaurant Partners Decor, Signage Ronsley couldn’t quote an exact Special Events percentage decrease in Event Management Toque size, but guessed “the & Bottle Advisory difference may not be Lighting, Staging Global Experience Specialists perceptible to the averLinens BBJ Linen age attendee.” Venue McCormick Place —Jenny Berg
Our room really has a view At 1,000 feet, our event venue is an all time high! Sip on cocktails with 20 – 600 of your closest friends, enjoy a seated dinner or immerse yourself in 360° views, with a complimentary multimedia SkyTour. Call us for a cozy private event space, or book the entire Observatory...and take over.
Andrew Apa Marketing & Events Coordinator P: 312.654.5021 F: 312.751.3675 E: aapa@hancockobservatory.com W: www.hancockobservatory.com 360° Views of 4 States
Open-Air Skywalk
Free Multimedia Tour
Espression by Lavazza café
Complimentary Concierge
PHOTOS: KATE GROSS
Dessert sponsor Catered by Design presented a chocolate dish on glass tables.