I spent several days last week at the Chicago Auto Show. With more than 1,000 vehicles and new events daily, there was plenty to keep me interested.
Dating back to 1901, the CAS is the nation’s largest auto show and has been held 112 times, more than any such show in North America. The show fills 1 million square feet in two huge halls at McCormick Place.
As the first major auto show of the year, Chicago is the preferred place for automakers to reveal new models. After three decades of being first, Detroit moved its show to June this year, giving the advantage to Chicago. This should translate into a bigger attendance than ever. Attendance figures are not publicly available, but it is estimated more than 1 million people will have attended CAS in 2020. Nearby hotels and restaurants were at capacity all week.
© Photo by Jack Keenan
The 2020 CAS started with a Media Preview. This is my favorite day. It provides a chance to roam the show floor without the large public crowds. With just the press contingent, it was easy to check out any vehicle inside and out.
Although I admit I am not a “car guy,” I always love the CAS. I get to see and test-drive vehicles I never would have otherwise. In addition to the shiny new vehicles, I learn a lot from the panels. The technology is amazing, and unbelievable innovations continue to develop.
I had the pleasure of talking to race car driver Bryan Herta. After moving into team ownership, his team, Bryan Herta Autosports, won the 2011 and 2016 Indianapolis 500. Only in for the day, Herta missed dining downtown but was complimentary of the nearby Hyatt Regency.
I also caught up with ABC 7 Chicago newscaster Roz Varon. A veteran on the media scene and a cancer survivor, Varon is one of the most popular celebrity guests, although she humbly eschews the celebrity label. Many years back, I worked with Varon on a literacy ad campaign where she tirelessly gave her support and garnered a huge response.
I am not looking to get a new car, but I still had a great time at the CAS. Several days overlapping with Restaurant Week made for full days of awesome cars and delicious food. It’s been quite a week!
— John Wroblewski, online writer
© Photo by Jack Keenan
© Photo by Jack Keenan
© Photo by Jack Keenan
© Photo by Jack Keenan
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Feb 9, 2026A California Inn Where Golfers and Wine Lovers Have it All
Say goodbye to the days of spouses getting mad at one another when one spends too much time golfing, leaving the vacation a bust. One inn doing away with this issue is Temecula Creek Inn, in Temecula Valley Wine Country, California. This inn offers a getaway catering to both golfers and wine lovers. Guests can enjoy a golf-and-wine-country weekend featuring morning tee times and afternoon wine tastings.
Sponsored Content
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel
Imagine a place where European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea, where time slows and every detail is designed to inspire connection, discovery and a deeper sense of ease. This is Explora Journeys, the European luxury lifestyle ocean brand redefining how the world is explored by sea.
Slideshow
Feb 9, 20266 Reasons to Put Fort Worth, Texas, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Fort Worth, Texas, with us.
Daily
Feb 9, 2026Omni Royal Orleans Hotel Opens Three Maries Jazz Club and The Royal Bar
Omni Royal Orleans Hotel recently announced the opening of Three Maries Jazz Club and The Royal Bar. The new jazz club and reimagined lobby bar begin a transformation of the hotel.
Sponsored Content
Ireland: The Pinnacle of Golf by the Sea and Beyond
With the legacy of The Open at Royal Portrush still fresh, Ireland secured its place among the world’s most exceptional golf destinations. For those in search of championship courses, dramatic landscapes and renowned hospitality, the island offers an experience unlike any other.
Daily
Feb 9, 2026Holland America Line Launches 150 New Global Cultural Tours
Ready to experience your cruise destination with a new level of depth and understanding?
6 Neat Gifts for Your Traveling Valentine
Daily
Feb 5, 2026February 2026
Feb 5, 2026Get Your Kicks with High-Performance Personal Watercraft
Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310LX The Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310LX is the fully loaded expression of the Ultra 310 platform, engineered for riders who want maximum performance without sacrificing comfort. Its supercharged 1,498cc inline four delivers explosive acceleration balanced by a deep-V hull that smooths chop and tracks confidently at speed. Premium features separate the LX from the pack, including the industry-first, three-position ERGO-FIT adjustable seat; JETSOUND 4s audio; a 7-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity; rearview camera; launch control; power mode selection; and distinctive LED accent lighting. From $21,799.
Sponsored Content
26 Unforgettable Luxuries Across the Island of Ireland in 2026
From dramatic coastlines and ancient sites to lively festivals and hidden gems, the island of Ireland offers unforgettable experiences year-round. Whether visiting for the first time or returning for more, this list will guide you through both classic favorites and underrated treasures.
Daily
Feb 5, 2026The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ Masters of Crafts Program Returns for 2026
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands announced its lineup for this year’s Masters of Crafts program. The year-long celebration of artistry and innovation welcomes experts across multiple disciplines for residencies each month. Here is a sampling of what to expect:
ShareThis