Legendary Auto Show, O'Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels, Announces Move from McCormick Place for First Time in 47 Years

Show Moves to Rosemont for More Accessibility and Space

Media Contact:

Kurman Communications, Inc.

Stephanie DeMeester / Cindy Kurman

stephanie@kurman.com / prcindy@kurman.com

(312) 651-9000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Rosemont, Ill. (November 2009)—On the heels of the announcement that two major trade shows are leaving Chicago, Championship Auto Shows, Inc. reveals it too is moving its annual O'Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels show from Chicago's McCormick Place for the first time since its 47-year history. When the 2010 show rolls into town March 5-7, muscle car enthusiasts will flock to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont, Ill.).

"The good news is, we aren't leaving the Chicago area," says president of Championship Auto Shows, Inc., Pete Toundas. "The Rosemont venue provides us with more space and accessibility that we are excited to utilize with new exhibit features this year."

The O'Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels, presented by Denny Guest's South Oak Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep is the oldest and largest auto enthusiast event in the Chicago area. Like the other events that have decided to leave, the show producers acknowledge increasing cost and customer convenience are major factors in making the decision to move the show.

Toundas also acknowledges that moving to Rosemont, Ill. is easier on the customers attending the show, providing affordable and convenient valet and garage parking. Since the show began at McCormick Place more than four decades ago, Toundas has seen the price of parking skyrocket, especially in recent years.

Along with the location, the show is also changing its date. Historically, the show has been in late January, one to two weeks within the new car show. This year, the O'Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels takes place in early March, when guests can expect better weather than previous years.

"Championship Auto Shows is committed to providing the best experience possible for guests of the show," says Toundas. "With the move of the show to Rosemont in the spring, we feel the show has more to offer and can continue to be Chicago's largest auto enthusiast event."