Students aim to elevate this year’s Northwood University Auto Show by creating a fresh and innovative experience that pushes the boundaries of previous shows.
“We are thrilled to unveil the logo of this year’s theme, which is ‘Elevate.’ It has a sleek element that feels both classy and modern,” says Katrina Ness, a student from Birmingham, Michigan, who is the general chair of this year’s show, which takes place Sept. 19-21, 2025, at Northwood University’s campus in Midland, Michigan.
Ness noted hard work by students combined with incredible advancements in vehicle design and innovation have helped prior shows improve year after year.
“We plan to really take things to the next level — to elevate the experience more than what was previously done,” Ness added.
Chief Marketing Officer Michael Shtutman, a student from Marlton, New Jersey, explained the newly-unveiled logo for this year’s show is a clean, sleek design that captures the innovation and energy Northwood, and its students, bring to the automotive industry.
“The logo captures the bold approach the team is embracing as we organize this fall’s show,” Shtutman added.
Ness said there are many new additions coming this fall.
“Attendees can look forward to several new brands at this year’s show, with additions to the car division, specialty lot, and aftermarket lot,” she added. “We are also working on additional elements to enhance the overall show experience.”
This year, a key focus of the show is increasing community engagement. The team is creating a positive and fun environment for visiting families while building and fostering stronger connections within the Midland community.
From the planning to the execution, the whole show is run entirely by students who serve on the NUIAS Executive Board. The following are the remaining board members and their respective roles and hometowns (all are from Michigan unless noted otherwise).
- Chase Southwick of Livonia — Operations Chair
- Eddie MacNellis of Midland — Aftermarket Chair
- Logan Wilmont of Oxford — Aftermarket Co-Chair
- Nick Catania of Duluth, GA — Specialty Divisional
- Carver Petell of Conway, NH — Asian Divisional
- Gio Akrawi of Clarkston — Domestic Divisional
- Breanne Pratley of St. Joesph — European Divisional
- Emma Ladd of Hillsdale — Marketing Chair
- Julia Lietz of Macomb — Public Relations Chair
- Tommy Rutherford of Grand Rapids — Marketing Innovations Chair
- Kendall Buchman of New Baltimore — Chief Financial Officer
- Nick Nuss of Lake Orion — Finance Vice Chair
- Kamrin Van’t Hof of Grand Rapids — Donor Relations Chair
- Max Hart of Cheboygan — Logistics Chair
- Maggie Nelson of Midland — Vice Logistics Chair
- Bella Smylie of Clare — Signature Events Chair
- Kennedy Williams of Farmington Hills — Signature Events Vice Chair
- Ian Hat of Auburn Hills — Classic Car Chair
As in previous years, there will be no cost to attend the Northwood University International Auto Show. For more information, visit https://auto.northwood.edu.
