January 9, 2019 — The Chicago Auto Show announced today that Wintrust, a financial services company comprised of more than 150 Chicago-area community bank locations, will return as the exclusive bank of the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. With premier partner designation, Wintrust will continue as a corporate supporter of the show's First Look for Charity black-tie gala, held the evening before the show opens to the public.

"Wintrust is committed to supporting Chicago events and organizations that make our area so unique, and we're proud to continue our partnership with the Chicago Auto Show, one of the city's most exciting and well-loved traditions," said Wintrust President, CEO & Founder Edward J. Wehmer. "As a bank born and built in the Chicago area, we're looking forward to joining our community in honoring the innovation that will be displayed and celebrated at this year's show."

Additionally, as part of Wintrust's partnership, the bank will continue to receive naming and branding rights to the show's popular Super Car Gallery, an area featuring rare, exotic and ultra-high-performance sports cars. New this year, Wintrust is offering its customers more opportunities to gain exclusive access inside the Wintrust Super Car Gallery. Now through Jan. 31, customers who visit any Wintrust Community Bank, excluding Town Bank branches in Wisconsin, can enter to win the VIP experience, including four Chicago Auto Show tickets, four VIP access passes to the Wintrust Super Car Gallery and special Super Car Gallery apparel. A total of 14 winners will be randomly selected by Wintrust. In addition, one grand prize winner will be selected to receive an overnight hotel stay at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, a $100 dinner gift card and a $50 gas gift card. Those interested in entering the contest can find the nearest Wintrust Community Bank at www.wintrust.com/findus.

Social media-savvy fans may increase their chances of winning exclusive, behind-the-scenes access into the gallery by sharing a photo of their dream car via Instagram or Twitter with hashtag #SupercarSweeps. (Entrants must tag @thechicagoautoshow on Instagram and @ChiAutoShow on Twitter along with the entry.) Fans may also upload their photo via the official contest link: http://ngx.me/2SRg8yi. Chicago Auto Show organizers will randomly select one winner each week leading up to the show to grant exclusive access and, once the show begins on Feb. 9, a daily winner will be announced through Feb. 17, the day before the show closes. 

"We're thrilled to continue to partner with a local institution such as Wintrust, as the company closely mirrors the values of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, producer of the Chicago Auto Show," said Chicago Auto Show Chairman Ray Scarpelli Jr. "Much like new-car dealers serve as critical anchors in their communities, both financially and charitably, Wintrust has deep roots in Chicago. We hope to continue our relationship with Wintrust for many years to come."

The nation's largest auto show, the Chicago Auto Show spans more than 1 million square feet of contiguous floor space, displays multiple world and North American introductions and showcases a complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars, trucks, sport-utility vehicles, minivans and concept cars. In all, nearly 1,000 different vehicles will be on display, including hundreds of interactive, aftermarket, accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles, antique and collector cars. Additionally, the show will feature four indoor test tracks and six outdoor ride-and-drive opportunities.