International auto show to feature over 500 cars from Oct. 7-9
The public is invited to come “dream” at the 59th Northwood University International Auto Show, Oct. 7-9 in Midland.
“This year’s theme is ‘DREAM’ because we want to inspire others to live their dream and find their dream car,” stated General Chair Ethan Schad. “Also, plenty of businesses are solely based off of a dream, and we wanted to incorporate Northwood’s role in that; honor businesses that contribute to the show; and remind everyone that it all starts with a dream. Come on out to watch our dream come alive.”
The Northwood University International Auto Show is the largest outdoor new car show in North America.
This year’s show will display over 500 vehicles from 65 manufacturers. Attendees will see a wide range of cars, including a “Dream Car” collection powered by the Winkelman collection that will feature a Bugatti Chiron, Pagani Huayra and McLaren Speedtail.
The show also will feature games, activities, photos, interactive booths, and giveaways. Adult beverages will be available at Tavern 59 from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8.
A VIP panel will be held Friday, Oct. 7, featuring Steve Rowley, president of Cox Automotive Inc.; Tina Prew, brand marketing and communications manager for Dodge; Mike Cavanaugh, operations vice president for Lithia & Driveway; Porter Brown, new car sales manager of Garber Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; and Alicia Thomas, Vice President of Acquisitions at Capital Automotive Real Estate Services.
“The VIP panel will be very inspiring for students and others to listen in on,” Schad said. “The panel consists of a unique set of people who come from many different backgrounds and have found their own paths through their love of their industry. I am excited to see our students get excited and inspired by these leaders — and to make new connections that can help them in their future.”
The VIP panel is set to take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7, at the John and Marjorie Hohman Amphitheater near the Founders Garden off the newly-improved Mall Walk.
Saturday will feature a Women in Automotive Roundtable moderated by Northwood First Lady Mary Ellen MacPhee. Panelists will include Lisa-Kusey-Rechsteiner, president of Graff Chevrolet; Susan Michaels, professional development executive for CDK Global; Diane Zimmerman, general manager of Coffman Truck Sales; Nikki Paschall, director of communications and engagement for Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance; Kristin Oosterhart, district sales manager for Buick GMC; Debbie Perschon, enterprise accounts director for CDK Global; Lisa Sailor with the National MS Society; and Tammy Horner, senior vice president, Credit Risk.
“The Women in Automotive Roundtable event is a great opportunity for Northwood’s students to hear from industry professionals on the importance of DE&I, the dream for women in the industry and much more,” stated Signature Events Chair Andria Thompson. “This year, we are so excited for students to be able to connect with these amazing women at a more intimate level and showcase how important women are in the industry.”
The roundtable will take place at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, in the McNair Center.
The show is run entirely by students. This year’s executive board includes the following students, their hometowns, and roles:
• Ethan Schad of Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin — General Chair
• Anthony Giacalone of St. Louis, Missouri — Director of Acquisitions
• Ryan Bost of Chelsea— Chief Financial Officer
• Riley Hayer of Clare — Assistant Chief Financial Officer
• Alaina Randazzo of Woodhaven — Chief Marketing Officer
• Alexa Young of Livonia — Multi Media Chair
• Pietro Vitale of Woodhaven — Public Relations Chair
• Cole Briggs of Port Huron — Logistics Chair
• Andria Thompson of New Baltimore, Michigan — Signature Events Chair
• Logan Lundgren of Woodhaven — Domestic Divisional Chair
• Alexander Mazon of New York, New York — Asian Divisional Chair
• Claire Lyons of Brown City — Classic Car Chair
• Rilyn Ross of Lansing — European Divisional Chair
• Wyatt Caldwell of Holly — Specialty Divisional Chair
• Elisse Richardson of Dexter — Aftermarket Chair
• Miranda Prieur of Novi — Aftermarket Vice Chair
There is no admission to get into the Northwood University International Auto Show, thanks to generous sponsors. Also, there is no fee for parking.
“We are incredibly excited to share all of the hard work that our amazing students and the DREAM team have worked on for the past year,” stated Chief Marketing Officer Alaina Randazzo. “Come on out to watch our dream come alive at the 59th Northwood University International Auto Show. This will be a wonderful show!”
