PHOTO RECAP: The Chicago Auto Show and 3rd Annual What Drives Her Luncheon

ChiIL Mama's Adventures at the
2019 Chicago Auto Show 
and 3rd Annual 
"What Drives Her" 

Luncheon and Networking Event


All Photos by Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

I've been attending The Chicago Auto Show since the early 90's and covering it during the media preview days for a decade. 2019 was no exception. I was pleased to partner up again with the Chicago Auto Show organizers, A Girls Guide to Cars, and Women in Automotive on coverage. One highlight was the What Drives Her luncheon and networking event during the show's Media Preview on Friday, Feb. 8 at McCormick Place. I covered the first two What Drives Her events as well, and they've always been informative and inspiring.

Check out live streams and photo recaps on social media from the What Drives Her luncheon & panel by searching the event hashtag #WDH2019. I was live streaming and covering the event on social media in real time with a host of other top bloggers.

The overarching theme this year focused on the major shifts that are taking place in the automotive industry, including the ways that women are shaping its evolution. 

"General Motors CEO Mary Barra is often quoted as saying the auto industry will see more change in the next five years than the last 50," said Autotrader Executive Analyst Michelle Krebs. "Whether it is five years or more, the shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles as well as new ways to acquire personal transportation is occurring now, generating tremendous opportunities for creative women to reinvent what has been a male-dominated business." 

The 2019 What Drives Her event featured a robust lineup of female speakers who discussed the integral role women play within the auto industry as contributors, consumers and drivers of purchasing decisions. It was a pleasure to see so many influential women come together to highlight industry trends and share personal experiences surrounding the impact that females have on the automotive industry. 

Check Out My Full Set of 2019 Chicago Auto Show Photos Below

ChiIL Mama's Photo Recap from the media previews Thursday and Friday are here in the slideshow with favorites embedded below

"Women buy or influence 85 percent of all vehicle purchases and hold the keys to $450 billion in spending each year, yet the biggest challenge is educating them as consumers and users of new technology," said Scotty Reiss, founder of A Girls Guide to Cars. "The most powerful way to change this is by engaging them as employees, leaders and innovators."

Autotrader's Krebs moderated the first panel discussion surrounding how females are driving change in the auto industry. Panelists include Jessica Petty, manager of customer data analytics, Hyundai; Jeneen Rippey, vice president of global quality, electronics division, ZF; and Edie Wines, instructor, National Automobile Dealers Association.

My live stream is below, featuring ANA's female-focused #SeeHer initiative as well as the second panel discussion topic, "Work, Life and Creating Balance While Building a Career". 





Live Streamed Above:
Between the first and second panel discussions, Leah Marshall, director, influencer marketing, with the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), presented ANA's female-focused #SeeHer initiative. I found this particularly compelling, as a mother of a 15 year old daughter. Initiatives like this give me hope that the next generation will finally achieve more relatable and positive female centered images in media, and maybe even gender parity and equality. 

Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Newman moderated the panel of women including Kathy Gilbert, global director of sales & business development, CDK; Laurie King, SVP, global operations & strategic solutions, Turtle Wax; Subi Ghosh, senior director of dealer strategy, Stream Companies; Lauren Brandt, Facebook client solutions manager and Returnity Project co-founder; and Kerri Wise, vice president, industry education and relations, TrueCar.



The What Drives Her event continues to be one example of how Chicago Auto Show organizers actively engage the female demographic. Foresight Research reports the Chicago Auto Show has an almost even split of male and female attendees: 45 percent of which are female.  

"As the nation's largest consumer auto show, one can argue the Chicago Auto Show is the perfect place to assess trends - not just locally but on a national level as well," said Kelly Webb Roberts, a board member for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, producer of the Chicago Auto Show. "We're thrilled to continue to host this event to bring together some of the most influential women in the industry who are at the forefront of this change."

Event sponsors include Autotrader, Facebook, Hyundai, Lot Linx, TrueCar, Turtle Wax and ZF. 

For more information on the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com. 



About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America, 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 $2.5 million annually for 18 vital Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2019 public show is Feb. 9-18. For more information, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com or www.Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.

About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is one of the nation's largest metropolitan dealer organizations. It is comprised of more than 420 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 www.CATA.info.

About Turtle Wax
The Turtle Wax story started with the launch of the first-ever liquid auto polish in 1944. Nearly 75 years later, the Most Innovative Brand in Car Care(tm) is still capturing the attention of the auto appearance category as the No. 1 selling brand in spray wax, car wash, carpet & fabric care, and more. With product distribution in more than 90 countries, the Turtle Wax brand resonates around the globe, but the brand's heart remains in its hometown of Chicago, where award-winning innovation is developed to this day. For an inside look at the brand's breakthrough product development process and how Turtle Wax supports car culture worldwide, visit YouTube.com/TurtleWax.

Photo Favorites From the 2019 

Chicago Auto Show 

Disclosure: I have been compensated for sharing this information with my readers and covering The Chicago Auto Show media preview days. As always, all opinions are my own.

WIN 4 Tickets To The National Tour of The Wizard of Oz at The Chicago Theatre on Tuesday, May 8th at 7pm

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

“THE WIZARD OF OZ” 

TRAVELS OVER THE RAINBOW

TO THE CHICAGO THEATRE

Limited Engagement Runs May 8 Through May 20, 2018 

Tickets On-Sale Now

Here at ChiIL Mama, we're elated to partner up with The Madison Square Garden Company and “THE WIZARD OF OZ”, for a great giveaway for our readers. Enter early and often, like we vote in Chi, IL. I'll be out for the press night on May 9th, so check back soon for my full review. In the meantime, here's my video and photo recap of a press sneak peek and meet and greet with Dorothy (Kalie Kaimann). I was amused to learn we grew up in the same place. She's from my home town, Cincinnati. There's no place like home, indeed!

Dorothy (Kalie Kaimann) with her mini me, Dorothy (Chiara)


Just 2 Cincinnati girls ChiILin' in Chi, IL  







Truly Magical Sparkly Cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery!



The Legendary Ruby Slippers

The Madison Square Garden Company will bring one of the most beloved family musicals, “THE WIZARD OF OZ”, to Chicago at The Chicago Theatre (175 N. State St.) from May 8 – May 20, 2018. Tickets for “THE WIZARD OF OZ” are on-sale now ranging from $39 - $129. Tickets are available online at www.chicagotheatre.com and are also available at The Chicago Theatre box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, and Ticketmaster phone charge. 

Click HERE to see ChiIL Mama's Facebook LIVE Video of Dorothy singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow & Taking Audience Questions.

This magical production is a celebration of the classic 1939 MGM movie, and will be presented with breathtaking special effects that will sweep audiences away, from the moment the tornado twists its way into Kansas. Featuring the classic songs, composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, “Over the Rainbow,” “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” and “If I Only Had A Brain,” along with the beloved characters, “THE WIZARD OF OZ” will have the entire family captivated as they travel down the yellow brick road for an unforgettable day at the theater.

Dean Sabon is the Director and previously created the national tours of “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” Amy McCleary created the magical choreography and was the Director/Choreographer of the national tour of “Memphis, the Musical” and the choreographer of the national tour of “The Wedding Singer.” The team of Sobon and McCleary will take Dorothy, Toto and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow “Over the Rainbow” to adventures in Munchkin Land, the Haunted Forest and the Emerald City.

Leading the cast as Dorothy is Kalie Kaimann. She previously played this role for the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. She has also performed as Bonnie in “Anything Goes,” Logainne in “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Ulla in “The Producers,” Millie Dilmount in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” Belle in “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” and Minnie Fay in “Hello Dolly!” She received a Best Featured Actress in a Musical by BroadwayWorld.com for her performance as Minnie Fay.

Chris Duir will play the role of Scarecrow/Hunk. For Prather Entertainment Group he played the role of Bert in “Mary Poppins” and Eugene in the national tour of “Grease.” Regional credits include “Crazy For You” (Bobby Child), “Damn Yankees” (Smokey), “The Drowsy Chaperone” (George), and “Singin’ in the Rain.” He was also a singer for “Celebrity Cruises” and “Galaxy Macau Resort.” 

Christopher Russell will portray Tinman/Hickory. He performed as Avram/Perchik understudy in the national tour of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Regionally he has performed in “Funny Girl” (Eddie Ryan), “The Producers” (Leo Bloom), “The Full Monty” (Jerry Lukowski), “Lend Me A Tenor” (Max), “Steppin’ Out” (Geoffrey), “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” (Freddy Benson), and “Second Chances: The Thrift Shop Musical” (Wally), for which he also composed the original score. 

Victor Legarreta will portray the Lion/Zeke. Legarreta has performed professionally in 150 productions nationally, internationally, and on cruise ships including the recent roles of The Cop in the comedy “Shear Madness”, Public Enemy #1 in “Anything Goes,” and numerous comedies for Prather Entertainment Group. Legarreta is also a director and has written many musical revues. He previously portrayed the Cowardly Lion at the “Broadway Palm” in Fort Myers, Florida.

Toto will be played by Murphy, a white Brussels Griffon/Cairn Terrier mix with scruffy fur and an adorable underbite. Murphy was rescued on February 5th, 2016 from the ASPCA in Chandler, AZ by Lizzie Webb (music director for “THE WIZARD OF OZ” tour) and was immediately welcomed into the theatre world. He has been a trusty backstage companion, a pit orchestra puppy (sleeping at mom’s feet while she plays piano and conducts shows) and within a few months of adoption he was onstage as Willoughby in “Mary Poppins.” This will be his second time playing Toto. He even has his own hashtag! #montanamurphy

For more information visit:  www.wizardofoztour.com

Tickets are available at The Chicago Theatre box office, all Ticketmaster outlets
and Ticketmaster phone charge (1.800.745.3000)
Online: thechicagotheatre.com and ticketmaster.com.
Connect with us @ChicagoTheatre and facebook.com/chicagotheatre



About The Madison Square Garden Company
The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) is a world leader in live sports and entertainment experiences.  The company presents or hosts a broad array of premier events in its diverse collection of iconic venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; the Forum in Inglewood, CA; The Chicago Theatre; and the Wang Theatre in Boston.  Other MSG properties include legendary sports franchises: the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL) and the New York Liberty (WNBA); two development league teams -- the Westchester Knicks (NBAGL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL); and one of the leading North American esports organizations, Counter Logic Gaming.  In addition, the Company features the popular original production – the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – and through Boston Calling Events, produces outdoor festivals, including New England’s preeminent Boston Calling Music Festival.   Also under the MSG umbrella is TAO Group, a world-class hospitality group with globally-recognized entertainment dining and nightlife brands: Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Avenue, The Stanton Social, Beauty & Essex and Vandal.  More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com

More of ChiIL Mama's Photos From The Dorothy Meet and Greet Press/Blogger Lunch:

Mom & Daughter fun with Dorothy & Cheryl Hanson Leahy of the blog, All Dressed Up With Nothing to Drink. 

Chiara clicks her heels! 

ChiIL Mama's Giving Away A FREE Family 4 Pack of Tickets 
for The Wizard of Oz at Chicago Theatre
Good for opening night, Tuesday, May 8th at 7pm. 
**Enter HERE **

Open through midnight 5/1/18 for your chance to WIN.

Enter through midnight May 1st. Winner will be e-mailed and announced here and on ChiIL Mama's social media channels. Ticket values range from $39 - $129 each.  

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama has been given complimentary tickets for review purposes and for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own. 

Brain Arts Rock Musical Camp For Young Artists Ages 6 through 14 Returns to Prop Theatre 8/22-9/2

Calling all procrastinators, thespians, and all around cool, creative kids. There are still a few spots left for Brain Arts Rock Musical Camp at Prop Theatre in Avondale. My son, Dugan has gone to this camp for 3 years and LOVED it. Now that he's aged out as a 15 year old, he's returning as a volunteer jr counselor. We're not being compensated for sharing, though we have traded pr for camp tuition in past years. We're just happy to spread the word on a fantastic Chicago summer camp. Highly recommended!

"I've been through so many camps, I can't even pick a favorite show!"

Evan Patrick, Brain Arts Camper

My son, Dugan, rocking the steampunk look in 2015 in "PEACE-ZA! A Marinara Mountain Saga"!

Rock Musical Camp

For Young Artists Ages 6 through 14

Rock Musical of Epic Proportions 

(2 Week Session)
Monday 8/22/16 through Friday 9/2/16 from 9 am to 3 pm 
Performance Friday 9/2/16 at 2 pm 
Brain Surgeon Theater at Prop Thtr
3502 N Elston, Chicago IL 60618

It's yet to be titled because YOU could title it! Come create original characters, rock and roll song and dance numbers, and, if history is any guide, a surprise ending. Mornings will be structured around character development, playwriting, and scenework; afternoons focus on skill-building workshops including voice, movement, stage combat, and set and costume design. It's a wild ride that guarantees a summer to remember! MAXIMUM 15 CAMPERS. 

$650 for 2 week session
$1200 for sibling or friend pairs (must register together on the same form)
Register Now

CLICK HERE and scroll down for years of ChiIL Mama's original Brain Arts Camp photos & videos:

My son, Dugan, as a juggling wearicorn in 2013!

Final Showcase-Brain Arts Camp 2015

slide show:

Brain Arts Camp 2013

"Sail Away Buttercup"

RED BULL FLYING BACH IS BACK Sept 25th - 27th ONLY

EXCLUSIVE U.S. ENGAGEMENT 

OF RED BULL FLYING BACH BRINGS 

WORLD-RENOWNED DANCE CREW 

THE FLYING STEPS 

TO CHICAGO FOR THREE PERFORMANCES ONLY, SEPTEMBER 25-27TH.

After countless performances around the world and six sold-out shows in Chicago last summer, the celebrated and distinguished dance crew The Flying Steps and Red Bull Flying Bach will return to the U.S. this fall for an exclusive engagement. This year, the tour will hit Chicago for three performances at the historic Chicago Theatre (175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601) on September 25-27.

We get it: You’re thinking “Uh, Bach and breakdance don’t go well together.” Well, the four-time breakdance world champions The Flying Steps and opera director Christoph Hagel would like to prove the contrary with their breathtaking performance, Red Bull Flying Bach. Using an interpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier, the show combines Bach’s classical masterpiece with modern electronic beats and clever choreography, dazzling audiences while shifting the borders between classical and urban culture. Expect a powerhouse production that’s equal parts visual amusement and delightful sound. 

The show itself is a beautiful blend of the minds of Artistic Directors Vartan Bassil (choreography) and Christoph Hagel (piano, musical director). Swedish ballerina Anna Holmström joins the seven male breakdancers of The Flying Steps, fusing key elements of urban dance culture with precision ballet. 

Red Bull Flying Bach Chicago will be three performances only:  Friday and Saturday evenings, September 25th and 26th at 8:00pm and Sunday at 4:00pm. Tickets for Chicago will range from $29.50 – $99.50 and can be purchased by visiting The Chicago Theatre box office, all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster phone charge (1.800.745.3000), as well as online at thechicagotheatre.com and ticketmaster.com. 

Click here and scroll down for ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows' Video Interview with The Flying Steps and photo filled coverage of their first Chicago appearance last year.



ABOUT RED BULL FLYING BACH
The Flying Bach is a clash of cultures where classical music meets break-dance.  The Flying Steps, four time break-dance world champions, deliver a creative performance set to Johann Sebastian Bach's "The Well-Tempered Clavier", bridging the art forms of classical and urban culture.  The elegant music along with explosive moves creates an amazing and entertaining show for people of all ages and demographics.

ABOUT THE FLYING STEPS
Flying Steps of Germany are an award winning dance team that has succeeded in marrying urban dance culture with classical music. Founder Vartan Bassil partnered with Conductor Christoph Hagel and Flying Bach was born.  Red Bull invested in a massive sponsorship as part of its Branding investments into cultural events.  This partnership created a powerful marketing platform to launch Flying Bach and they have successfully toured Europe, Australia and Japan in 2011-14.  In 2014 Red Bull and Flying Steps were ready to take North America with performances in Chicago, Toronto, and Montreal.

GET SOCIAL:
FB: facebook.com/FlyingSteps.Official and facebook.com/ChicagoTheatre | TW/IG: @redbullchi @chicagotheatre  | #flyingbach | redbullflyingbach.com

OPENING: Tony Award Winning Kinky Boots is Back at Cadillac Palace 7/7-26 #OriginalPhotos #OriginalVideos

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows it was our great pleasure to cover the pre-Broadway world premier of Kinky Boots right here in Chi, IL back in 2012! We adored it then and it was such a treat to shoot the press conference with Cyndi Lauper and the uber talented team behind this 2013 Tony award winning musical. 

Now we're elated this production is back in town at Cadillac Palace. Don't miss this! It's one of our top favorites with a great message, an excellent score, and a colorful cast. We'll be there for opening night tonight 6/8/15. So check back with us like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. Click here and scroll down for all our Kinky Boots coverage. 

Check out ChiIL Live Shows/ChiIL Mama's footage from the press conference of Kinky Boots World Premiere in Chicago in 2012. Here are producers Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig with background on the movie the show was based on and exciting tidbits about the musical adaptation.

The last time around I brought the whole family and the kids enjoyed it as much as the adults. Kinky Boots has a great message of accepting those different from you, and is fine content wise for most savvy tweens, teens and up.

Check out our prior original video footage of Cyndi Lauper, Composer & Lyricist and Harvey Fierstein, Playwright right here! 

We also have lots of fun stills from the press conference right here, including everyone's fine footwear from kinky boots to leopard heels.

Photo Feature: Grand Opening of Polar Peak at #Frozemont #PolarPeak #OriginalPhotos #Video #Review

NEW FOUR-STORY “POLAR PEAK” TAKES GUESTS ON A FAST-PACED THRILL RIDE WITH TUBING, SHOVEL RACES AND 

SLED BOX DERBY DEC. 12 – JAN. 19

Tired of flat, wet Illinois? There's a magical place with a tube hill, ice skating and snow... and we're not talkin' the North Pole. Just a little bit north of Chicago lies Frozemont and Polar Peak, a mini winter wonderland of active fun. 

My fearless girl rockin' the tube hill. Wish we had a GoPro.



Dug, kickin' up some spray.



Even the Chicago Wolves mascot, Skates, got in on the tubing action. 



Check it out. We caught him on video!

Photo Credit: City of Rosemont

Photo Credit: City of Rosemont

This Winter, Rosemont Becomes “FROZEMONT”

We had a blast with the new Polar Peak. It's a fast ride. The bottom of the track is a bit bumpy and jarring now, but I'm sure the texture will change as more people tube down and once we add real now to the mix. Also, just a FYI, we do have a friend who went so far at the bottom she hit the fence. She wasn't injured and was used to sledding, but it might be a deal breaker for the novice. That said, Frozemont is great, all ages fun.



Just be sure you get the right boots back when you're done. Dad's got some big shoes to fill!



Check out our full set of shots in the slideshow here and favorites embedded at the end of our feature.

As snowflakes fall this winter, the Chicago area’s newest hotspot for winter fun is MB Financial Park at Rosemont’s FROZEMONT attraction, complete with winter tubing, ice skating, a hockey series and more fun for the whole family.

“Falling temperatures are no reason to retreat indoors,” said Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens. “MB Financial Park has a great series of winter attractions that make sure that every visitor has a great time, no matter what the temperature.”

FROZEMONT’s centerpiece is the four-story “Polar Peak,” which will take visitors on a tubing thrill ride Dec. 12 – Jan. 19. Anyone seeking the ultimate snow tubing experience should look no further than Polar Peak’s 260-foot run which will send them racing down a steep grade. Sponsored by “Disney on Ice presents Frozen” and constructed in partnership with StackBox Structures, Polar Peak features five distinct lanes, include a less steep lane for younger children. Tickets for Polar Peak will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mbparkatrosemont.com/frozemont or onsite for $20 per hour. Information on group rates, hours and more is available online.

The excitement continues at Polar Peak with Shovel Racing and a Sled Box Derby scheduled for Dec. 27 and 28. More details regarding these events will be announced at a later date.

Photo Credit: City of Rosemont

OTHER ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE NHL-SIZED ICE RINK FOR FREE SKATING AND HOCKEY SERIES, SPECIAL PERFORMANCES AND MORE FAMILY-FRIENDLY WINTER FUN

For the past three years, one of MB Financial Park’s most popular winter attractions has been its NHL- sized ice rink. Surrounded by a dazzling display of glittering lights, the rink opens to the public for free Skating in the Park. 

    

Other FROZEMONT winter festivities include the Winter Frost Face Off hockey series. The series will return to MB Financial Park for a second season to bring together kids, adults, and local Chicago hockey professionals to participate in a series of hockey games and competitions from Jan. 9 through March 1. A complete schedule of games will be announced at a later date. 

About The Village of Rosemont, Illinois: Rosemont, Illinois, Chicagoland’s business and entertainment suburb, is conveniently located five minutes from O’Hare Airport and twenty minutes from Chicago’s downtown. Rosemont is home to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, a wide variety of hotel and dining options, Allstate Arena, Rosemont Theatre and a host of entertainment and retail venues. Rosemont continues to grow and evolve based on the new vision of Mayor Bradley A. Stephens. MB Financial Park at Rosemont features an array of great dining and entertainment options. For more information, visit www.Rosemont.com.

About The MB Financial Park at Rosemont: MB Financial Park at Rosemont is a 200,000 square-foot entertainment and dining complex whose 13 venues offer upscale international cuisine, live music and comedy, state-of-the-art film, indoor skydiving, bowling and more. Conveniently located near O’Hare International Airport, MB Financial Park at Rosemont is easily accessible from Chicago as well as the suburbs. The address is 5501 Park Place, a looping street situated west of River Road between Bryn Mawr and Balmoral Avenues. A 20-minute drive from Chicago’s Loop, MB Financial Park at Rosemont is walking distance from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, the CTA Blue Line Rosemont station, Fashion Outlets of Chicago and Rosemont Theatre. Convenient parking is available. For more information, visit www.mbparkatrosemont.com.

                                              Photo Credit: City of Rosemont


More of our Favorite Photos:

Snow fun for Sage!

We ran into old friends Amy B. and Chiara of the blog, Amy Writes.

We were stuck in traffic so long coming out from Chicago during rush hour that we missed the press opening food at Sugar and I got literally the last inch of hot cocoa, but we had a great time anyway.

Stop hibernating and check it out! Click here for hours and more details.

Click here for the Polar Peak LIVE Feed Cam!