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