Advance Business Brisk at Chicago Show

As the North American International Auto Show gets ready to open to the public in Detroit later this week, there’s encouraging word from the folks at the Chicago Auto Show that follows in February.

"Exhibitors have contracted for 20,000 sq.-ft. (1,858 sq.-m) more of display space this year, while advance ticket sales are up 11% from this same time a year ago, says Dave Sloan, president of the Chicago Automobile Trade Assn., sponsor of the annual show.

Sloan says sales of First Look for Charity Preview tickets, which run $250 each, are up 46% from a year ago.

“We consider this all great economic news," Sloan says.

The show runs Feb. 10-19 in McCormick Place South and North, following media days and the Feb. 9 Charity Preview.