International Home and Housewares Show 2013 Saturday Recap #IHHS13

It was our great pleasure to cover the International Home and Housewares Show once again this year.   



Building the 2013 Housewares Show Time Lapse by Josh Green

In a near miraculous transformation, McCormick Place morphed from the enormous, vehicle filled Chicago Auto Show, to an even bigger behemoth, spanning THREE buildings full of fabulous finds for the home.



Video by Core77Inc-IHHS 2013  - Intro by Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Manager



The show opened Saturday, and I ducked in for a press lunch/ networking, then had to run to review an afternoon show.   The lunch was an excellent chance to meet a great group of women who now live in my former home town, Cincinnati.   I shared a table with the Cooking With Caitlin crew who were staffing the social media hub for the IHHS13 show.   A very preggo Caitlin enthusiastically invited the other on line media to swing by their booth and visit, saying, "I'm very pregnant and always hungry, so we have snacks, and we're happy to share."   They ran a live Twitter party from IHHS for Foodies Night In or FNIchat and did an entirely impressive job of rocking the social media angle throughout the duration of the IHHS week.   



I also saw many familiar faces from my friends in the Chicagonista network like M.J., Dwana and Beth Rosen.   They also broadcast Chicagonistalive from IHHS13 on the final day, and pulled in an astounding lion's share of the total social media traffic.



Cake Boss Interview By ChicagonistaLIVE

I also chatted with colleagues/ friends Hope Bertram, Paula of Frosted Fingers, Night Owl Mama and many others.   





It was a pleasure to also see a few more of my friends, representing with cooking showcases.  Anupy Singla of Indian As Apple Pie and Johanna Cook of Momma Cuisine were excellent assets to the show.



Cake Boss Interview By Momma Cuisine



Check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We explored the IHHS Show all day Monday and Tuesday and have loads of original show shots, original video interviews, upcoming product giveaways, and reviews for you.   Check out our eco-friendly, new products, and family friendly finds.   We'll also be doing more in depth company and product features throughout the year.

LAST DAY TODAY: Family Day Chicago Auto Show 2013 #CAS13

It's your last chance to hit the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.   Today is Family Day and since CPS is IN session on President's Day for the first time, it may be an excellent chance to explore without crowds.   If you're lucky enough to have littles in a different school system with a day off, come on down with the family.

Family Day Fun at CAS13

ChiIL Mama recommends ChiILin' out with Blackhawks fun in The Chevy Family Fun Zone!   ONE GOAL!!   

We also highly recommend checkin' out the life sized hot wheels Camaro and winning a little one in Chevy's rockin' launcher race.  

Get stoked for DreamWorks new release, Turbo, coming July 2013!   




DIY some button fun--also at Chevy.   We used ours for a great cause--Sagezilla's Girl Scout troupe is raising awareness & funds to Stop Puppy Mills.   So we made rockin' buttons for the cause.

There will also be family events throughout the day and a special guest appearance by a Radio Disney star.  The Toyota display will feature a visit by Shedd Aquarium.   Littles can drive kid sized Jeeps on an indoor track and there are numerous auto related video games (& one soccer game) to play throughout the show.   





You can get great photo ops with supermen & hip hamsters.

Children 6 and under are free; Tickets for children 7-12 are $6.

   

There's something for everyone at CAS13 from hot sports cars and rare classics, to eco-friendly and family friendly vehicles.   We'll be posting lots more original video footage, photo filled features, and reviews in the coming months.   Follow ChiIL Mama's adventures under #greatcarhunt as we find a replacement for my beloved RAV4.

Check out our huge, photo filled recaps & coverage of The  2013 Chicago Auto Show right here.

FUTURE TEC--OK-It's not a Holodeck, but close:

Click here to check out the brand new 360Revo Virtual Tour debuting TODAY.    It’s a look outside AND inside the new Stingray!

GREEN SCENE:

2013 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW ATTENDEES ARE TREATED TO MORE THAN 40 ECO-FRIENDLY CHOICESDrivers who Purchase Eco-friendly Vehicles are Eligible for Tax Incentives

The 2013 Chicago Auto Show features 45 electric, hybrid, and diesel vehicles that could save Illinois drivers thousands in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle and make buyers eligible for federal and state tax credits.

The U.S. government offers tax rebates for buyers of electric, range-extended electric, plug-in-hybrid, hybrid and diesel vehicles. The rebates are as follows:

• Electric vehicles (EVs) purchased in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500.
• Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) purchased in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500.
• Hybrids purchased or placed into service after December 31, 2005 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $3,400.
• Some diesels purchased or placed into service after December 31, 2005 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $3,400.

The state of Illinois provides various tax incentives for owning an eco-friendly vehicle, and manufacturers are taking advantage of relaying this message to consumers. The Illinois Alternative Fuels Rebate Program offers Illinois residents a $4,000 rebate for EVs and plug-in hybrids, as well as other vehicles powered with alternative fuels.

Another benefit of switching to an electric, hybrid or diesel vehicle in Illinois is that some local municipalities, such as Oak Park, offer vehicle stickers at no charge and allow plug-in vehicle owners to park for free at village-owned parking meters, garages and lots. The state of Illinois also offers a discounted fee of $18 for electric vehicle registration within the state - compared to the standard fee of $99 for conventional fueled vehicles.

"Since 2010, we have seen an increase in the purchases of eco-friendly vehicles in Illinois," said Dave Sloan, president of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and Chicago Auto Show general manager. "This year, the Chicago Auto Show has more than 40 hybrid and EV models on the show floor, which is the most we've seen from the manufacturers over the last few years. This gives Illinois residents a variety of options that would allow them to qualify for both state and federal tax rebates and incentives."

At the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, many automakers were eager to discuss how their EV, hybrid and clean-diesel vehicles are the future of eco-friendly technology.

Gary Altman, chief engineer of General Motors, small cars sector, says it is all about timing for General Motors. "We feel it is right in the marketplace right now, to offer a vehicle that would give you technology, performance and efficiency." Altman went on to discuss GM's newest eco-friendly model, the Chevy Cruze Turbo Clean Diesel. "Cruze is known for its efficiency. With this application, with the 2-liter turbo clean-diesel, we'll be able to give you the performance alongside that."
The Ford Fusion Energi plug-in is another example of an EV vehicle featured at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. "It gets 21 miles in all electric mode, and then in gas plus electric it gets 620 miles - which is a best in class range for a sedan right now," says Sean Lightner, program manager of electrified vehicles for Ford.

The types of eco-friendly vehicles on the floor of the Chicago Auto Show include:

• Pure Electric (EVs - such as Nissan Leaf & Ford Focus Electric)
• Extended Range Electric (such as Chevrolet Volt & Fisker Karma)
• Plug-In Hybrid (PHEVs - such as Toyota Prius & Ford Fusion Energi)
• Hybrid (HEVs - such as Honda Accord & Lexus CT 200h)
• Diesel (Chevrolet Cruze Diesel & Audi A3)

Fun Ford facts for Presidents' Day:

About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest on the continent, spanning more than 1 million square feet of production, concept, and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2 million annually for 18 worthy Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2013 public show will be February 9-18. For more information please visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.

About The Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. It is comprised of about 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit CATA.info.

The 2013 Chicago Auto Show is officially sanctioned by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Founded in Paris in 1919, it is known as the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles.

ChiILin' Day 2 Friday At Chicago Auto Show #CAS13 #SMP13

Check out ChiIL Mama's original shots from The Chicago Auto Show Press Preview Friday

Come on down to McCormick Place and check out THE largest indoor auto show in North America!

Speed Racer was my first crush.  So, it was fun to meet real life racers, Foust and Deegan with Ford.  They also provided hot breakfast sandwiches and coffee.  Can't go wrong feeding the press!   We recently video taped a Ford Fusion ride along for Drowsey Driver Awareness Week and have some week long test drives in the works.   Check out ChiIL Mama's video by clicking the link above.




Here's Deegan signing a photo for Dugan, my 11 year old son.

One of the highlights of the day was certainly Samaritan's Feet, Buick's philanthropic event that began the morning with a feel good-do good start that can and does change lives.   



We'll have an entire Samaritan's Feet feature including video interviews with Tamera Young of the WNBA's Chicago Sky and others, and our full set of stills up shortly.

Tamera Young of the WNBA's Chicago Sky laces up a new pair of shoes for Jasmine, after washing her feet Friday, February 8, 2013 at the Chicago Auto Show in Chicago, Illinois. Young was participating in an event sponsored by Buick and Samaritan's Feet charity to provide new shoes to 300 young women from Girls in the Game, a Chicago-area organization that promotes sports and fitness among female youth in urban areas. (Photo by Steve Fecht for Buick)

Buick Promotions Manager Chris Ayotte (left center) and Samaritan's Feet Founder and CEO Manny Ohonme (right) wash the feet of two young women before providing them with new shoes (Photo by Steve Fecht for Buick)

Samaritan's Feet Founder and CEO Manny Ohonme (right) gives a high-five to Eloisa after washing her feet and providing her with a new pair of shoes (Photo by Steve Fecht for Buick)

It was fun to connect with fellow blogger & mama to 4 (including twins!), Natasha Nicholes @hfofnicholes, at Toyota.    She looks so natural & at home with their back drop, they ought to hire her as a model! 


We also took a test drive in a new 2014 RAV4, to see how it compares to our original 1996 RAV4--the first year they ever made them.  Yes, these cars have longevity, dependability and staying power!   On the new RAV4's they've tucked the spare tire under, and eliminated the 3rd row seating option, and the interior is roomier.   We also dug Toyota's custom Bears paint job!   Follow their hashtag #letsgoplaces. 




TO DO AT THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW:   Take a Toyota ride along--it's worth the wait.   You'll leave with a nice ice scraper/snow brush--useful swag to be sure!   You can also record a video for their web site and/or green screen yourself into a photo somewhere fun.   I picked the red carpet and paparazzi.  Toyota's indoor track is a hoot, with personalized messages that pop up along the route!  





TO DO AT THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW:   GM is rockin' the interactive exhibits in their space from Chevy to Cadillac.  

 

Don't miss the outdoor Cadillac test drives, down two floors, and the classic cars and Chevy Fun Zone, including Blackhawks fun--main level but hiding across the Auto Show from the GM hub.







There are loads of video game style drives to try out, complete with a high score board, a Hot Wheels launcher track where you can win a special edition Chicago Auto Show 2013 cobalt blue Camaro, and even a custom button bar where you can express yourself DIY style.   



Smartphone dying?   ChiIL out.  It's not a problem.  Chevy's got you covered.   They have outlets if you're organized and brought your own charger, and even a variety of Smartphone cords if you didn't!



Friend and fellow blogger +Johanna Cook  @mommacuisine takes a few minutes to ChiIL out with +Bonnie Kenaz-Mara  @chiILMama at one of Chevy's FREE Chill Charging Stations.



We closed out the day with a fabulous panel on Women in Social Media and marketing to women, arranged by my friends and colleagues at Chicagonista, MJ Tam and Beth Rosen.  

  

It was a pleasure to hear GM's inimitable Mary Henige, Director, Social & Digital Communications.   This gregarious mother of two began the day washing children's feet and mentoring, and ended with wise words as a panel speaker and influencer.    



We'll have our Samaritan's Feet video interview with Mary up shortly.   We had an enjoyable evening of conversation the night before, as we shared a table at a GM dinner at Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

The Chicago Auto Show is open daily through February 18th.   Check out their main site to buy tickets, check out daily special events, and more.   

About the Chicago Auto Show The Chicago Auto Show is the largest on the continent, spanning more than 1 million square feet of production, concept, and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2 million annually for 18 worthy Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2013 public show is February 9-18. For more information please visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.

#CAS13 Hashtag Trends on Twitter 2013 Chicago Auto Show

2013 Chicago Auto Show Provides Automakers with Powerful Platform to Convey News: #CAS13 Hashtag Trends on Twitter

Auto Industry Looks to Social Media to Reach Millennial Generation of Car Buyers

ChiIL Out with ChiIL Mama all week with sweet photo and video filled features on The Chicago Auto Show.   We've known the power and influence of social media for years, and participated in it first hand.   Kudos to major players like The Chicago Auto Show for recognizing what we do.

CAS showed its commitment to providing manufacturers a powerful social media platform to convey news and reach the millennial generation of car buyers during the media preview held last week, and we were there for the press preview sneak peek all day Thursday and Friday, providing great original content for our readers!

This year, the show amplified its Social Media Preview - also dubbed #SMP13 - and added a robust lineup of events including the WOMMA Digital Influencer Awards, Technori Pitch and roundtable discussions with Autoweek, Cars.com, Edmunds and Marketing2Women & Ask Patty. Recognized as one of the more digitally-savvy auto shows, the Chicago Auto Show strives to be a leading indicator of trends for the industry.

According to Forbes, 83 percent of millennials - individuals classified between the ages of 18-33 - have a presence on social media. Proving the Chicago Auto Show's significant role in providing opportunities to reach this demographic, the show's hashtag "CAS13" was the No. 1 national trend on Twitter during the Media Preview. The strong integration of social media into the Chicago Auto Show's Media Preview grants automakers the opportunity to expand their audience and reach this coveted demographic.

In addition to the Chicago Auto Show's robust social media preview, a study conducted by Foresight Research shows that millennial attendance is also high at the show. In 2012, the Chicago Auto Show drew millenials at a rate 50 percent higher than their overall presence in the market.  Foresight said the show also attracts a significant number of "shouters," people who share their opinions with 16 or more people.

"The tools of social media in the hands of these shouters makes the Chicago Auto Show's marketing power demonstrably more effective," said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Dave Sloan.

Three big names in auto manufacturing - Nissan, Kia and Honda - each weighed in on how their organizations are utilizing social media to target millennial car buyers.

According to Nissan's Director of Interactive and Social Media Marketing Erich Marx, "Nissan loves social media, and has embraced social media and we're here at the Chicago Auto Show activating in a big way on Social Media Day."

In fact, last year Nissan announced its 370Z social media crowdsource initiative at the Chicago Auto Show. The campaign was aimed at using fan responses on Nissan's Facebook page to help build, from the ground up, their all new 370Z.

Nissan is not alone. Matias Cavallin, public relations spokesperson, multicultural and social media efforts at Kia, says the manufacturer is also focused on social media. "We just wrapped up a campaign called 'In My Mind' which is a spinoff of the advertising campaign where we focused on the Kia Soul and a video that was produced by Swedish House Mafia. We encouraged people to take that music video and develop their own version with how the Kia Soul inspired them."

Jessica Fini, Honda's assistant manager of public relations, states that social media is incredibly important to Honda's marketing and PR strategy. "Our strategy is a storytelling approach, kind of getting those stories, and using our customers as brand ambassadors; social media is so important for that."

As the online media landscape continues to develop and grow, more auto manufacturers will take a stronger focus on social media to help build brand awareness and loyalty.

• In a study conducted by Solarix Marketing Firm in 2012, they found that more than 650,000 different people sent out various messages about what kind of car they own, want or were simply buzzing about in a one month period.
• By using social media tools and increasing their online presence, manufacturers can help navigate the car buying process and reach a more targeted audience of potential car buyers.
•  By implementing social technologies, manufacturers can develop new product development insights through instant feedback and engagement with their target markets.

Check out our past Chicago Auto Show 2013 coverage here.   Then check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often, for our original Cadillac ride along videos, celebrity footage, Buick's philanthropy with Samaritan's Feet, photo filled features and more!

About the Chicago Auto ShowThe Chicago Auto Show is the largest on the continent, spanning more than 1 million square feet of production, concept, and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2 million annually for 18 worthy Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2013 public show will be February 9-18. For more information please visit ChicagoAutoShow.com orFacebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.

About The Chicago Automobile Trade AssociationFounded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. It is comprised of about 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit CATA.info.
The 2013 Chicago Auto Show is officially sanctioned by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Founded in Paris in 1919, it is known as the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles.

Chicago Auto Show TOMORROW Women Driving Excellence #CAS #chicagonista #getfit #IHHS

Check out ChiIL Mama's original photos from Anupy Singla's savory Indian breakfast event at Williams Sonoma above.  They carry her gorgeous Spice Tiffin & cook books.   She created the unique spice tin and brought it to the attention of Williams Sonoma at the International Home and Housewares show.  They loved it...and the rest is history.

Anupy Singla will be one of the Trailblazing Women honored tomorrow at Women Driving Excellence at the Chicago Auto Show.   

Chicagonista's own MJ Tam with author, cook, inventor & media maven, Anupy Singla

She made us THE most amazing hot, Chai tea from scratch, that I have EVER tasted!

Anupy is a patient teacher and writes recipes easy enough that even reluctant cooks like Miss Lori of Miss Lori's Campus can find sweet success!

We adore Anupy and are working on reviewing her latest cookbook and getting a giveaway copy for our readers as well.  

If you're working to get fit or stay fit, or love to cook healthy, multicultural meals, Anupy Singla's a name you should know.   Keep an eye out for ChiIL Mama's #getfit and/or #foodiefun features, then check out Anupy's fabulous Vegan Indian cook books!   They're also available at Costco or on her web site, Indian As Apple Pie, here.

Not just boys' fun....tomorrow is Women's Day at The Chicago Auto Show!

Just a few quick reminders about tomorrow's Women Driving Excellence program at the Chicago Auto Show: Please bring your printed ticket with you. Check-in opens at 9:30am Seating and passes to the Chicago Auto Show are available on a first serve basis  The Networking Event begins at 10:00am and the Presentation is at 11:30am Come for the event and stay for the Main Stage entertainment which is scheduled for the entire day. Check out Womendrivingexcellence.com to see the schedule To learn more about the Auto Show click here for their official site  Bring at least 100 business cards with you. Here's a link for your free tickets ChiIL Mama's been part of the fabulous Chicagonista blogger community, Chicago Moms, for several years now.   I highly recommend checking out their web site and their live show, in person or on line.

Women Driving Excellence at the Chicago Auto Show 2013

The Women Driving Excellence at the Chicago Auto Show celebrates women who start, accelerate, fuel, and steer others to excellence. Join the Chicago Tribune, Cars.com, RedEye, and Monica Dixon PR in their excitement as they announce 6 special Chicago woman who will be honored for excellence in their field. Everyone is anticipating this inaugural event being launch on Women’s Day at the Chicago Auto Show on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 from 10AM-6PM. Register for Women Driving Excellence. It’s FREE!

The 6 women being honored include:

Anupy Singla     Candace Jordan     Corri McFadden

Genevieve Thiers     Karen Weigert     Luvvie Ajayi

The all-day affair will begin at 10am as Debi Lilly, Elisa All, Jill Salzman, and Saya Hillman host the networking nosh to kick-off the event. At 11:30AM, the 6 women being honored as trailblazers in their careers will be presented. A special stage performance of I Love Lucy will wow guests at 1PM. Join the Chicago-centric #ChicagonistaLive Talk Show at 2PM focusing on hot city topics. From 12PM-6PM feel free to tour the show, mix and mingle, check out the different events, and just enjoy yourself. Click Here for full details and to register for free now.