Fresh Faces for Chicago Auto Show

Keeping pace with trends in the traditional and social media landscape, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), producer of the Chicago Auto Show, announces its new communications and marketing team, which includes both new hires and an expanded role for a current staff member.

The new team is comprised of Mark Bilek, director of communications and technology; Tim McBride, director of marketing; and Jennifer Morand, senior public relations and social media manager.

Collectively, each individual brings a diverse background to create a communications and marketing team that’s uniquely qualified to meet the changing needs of today’s marketing and public relations initiatives, said CATA.

“We’re thrilled to have our new team in place and know the collective experience of Mark, Tim and Jen will deliver innovative ideas and great value for show attendees, our exhibitors and the members of our association,” said David Sloan, general manager of the Chicago Auto Show and president of the CATA.

Bilek, who joined the CATA in 2006, was named director of communications and technology. In addition to providing technology support, Bilek will oversee communications for the Chicago Auto Show, the CATA and DriveChicago.com, and remain the DriveChicago.com general manager. Prior to joining the association, Bilek was associate publisher for Consumer Guide Automotive, appeared on ABC-TV, Fox News and Speed Channel as an automotive consultant and served as president of the Midwest Automotive Media Association.

McBride joins the association as a director of marketing. He will develop marketing and sponsorship programs designed to increase attendance and generate awareness for the Chicago Auto Show as well as the association. McBride, whose former positions include director of marketing for the Phoenix Coyotes and Loyola University of Chicago athletics, brings more than nine years of marketing experience to the organization.

Morand comes on board as the senior public relations and social media manager and will lead strategic media relations efforts, including social media initiatives, for the Chicago Auto Show, the CATA and DriveChicago.com. Most recently, Morand was an account manager at Foodmix Marketing Communications where she oversaw the company’s public relations department and developed and executed campaigns for clients such as Heinz, Kellogg Company and Tyson. Prior to that role, Morand came from a leading global public relations firm, Weber Shandwick, where she spearheaded media relations, conducted national events and served as a media spokesperson for the “got milk?” campaign.

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.

In the picture above (L to R): Mark Bilek, Jennifer Morand, Tim McBride