2025 is here, and if the Annual Business Meeting was any indication, it’s going to be another fantastic year for the Midwest Automotive Media Association. Buckle up—here’s your fun-filled recap of all the highlights, stats, and what’s on the horizon.

2024 Highlights: 

Virtual Meetings: We hosted five engaging eMeets covering everything from Lexus’s TX debut to collector car insights with Jonathan Shaw of Hemmings. Topics ranged from EVs to iconic concepts, drawing in up to 80 attendees per session.

• Spring Rally (May 21–23): 100 media pros, 60 affiliates, and 80 vehicles (including Polestar, INEOS, and Volvo EX30 debuts). New sponsors Brembo and CDK elevated the experience, with track time, karting, autocross, and off-roading thrills.
• Fall Fest (Oct. 2): A new venue, 40+ vehicles, and plug-ins/EVs joining for the first time made this event unforgettable.

Our events reached new heights with:

• 558.6M in news media reach
• 5.6M from broadcast placements
• 118M on social, with 862k video views and 550+ posts
  
  

2025 Vision: 
We’re putting the pedal down on in-person monthly lunches while keeping streaming options for maximum accessibility. Plus, stay tuned for these exciting events:

• Spring Rally: May 20–22, 2025
• Fall Favorites: Late September or early October (date TBD)
• Chicago Drives Electric: Coming Summer 2025
  
  

Chicago Auto Show Update:

Save the date for February 6–8, 2025! Don’t miss our signature breakfast and the third year of MAMA’s Favorites Awards. This year’s nominees are:

• Family: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
• Luxury: Genesis GV80 3.5T
• Most Affordable: Honda Civic Si
• Off-Roader: Toyota Land Cruiser
• Pickup: Ram 1500 Rebel
• Performance: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
• Plug-In: Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD

New Leadership:
Please join us in congratulating our newly elected board members:

• President: Jim OBrill
• Vice President: Zack Pradel
• Communications Director: Allison Phelps
• President Emeritus: Rob Duffer
  
  Here’s to a new year full of exciting opportunities, thrilling events, and continued growth for MAMA. Let’s make 2025 our best year yet!