Read the April 2023 Newsletter:  Technology--"What You Don't Know Can Hurt You" HERE.

You can catch up with MSE Detroit in our March 2023 Newsletter HERE.

"Do You Feel the Ripple Effect?"  Read MSE Detroit's February 2023 Newsletter HERE.

Please click HERE to read MSE Detroit's January 2023 Newsletter.

"Sending Smoke Signals..."  Read the December 2022 MSE Detroit newsletter by clicking HERE.

Please click HERE to read all of this month's MSE Detroit newsletter.

By Jeff Laskowski

MSE Detroit Board Member

My Take: NAIAS/Detroit Auto Show

As you know, after a three-year hiatus, the Detroit Auto Show has finally returned to The Motor City! While new vehicle technology, experiential offerings, and a Presidential visit (!!) stole the headlines, my intention always has more to do with re-energizing my industry network. And this year did not disappoint.

I think I made it 20 feet out of the garage elevator door before seeing an industry colleague…followed shortly by another grabbing my shoulder to say “hi” and to catch up. To me, this is what industry events are all about. Making/keeping face-to-face connections that you cannot develop by staying home.

I walked the show floor, bumping into many past industry colleagues. Including one colleague that I worked with many years ago…from an entirely different industry. Weird, but that’s what happens.

In addition, there were many other events that surround the Auto Show that also returned.

I was honored to be invited to attend Inforum’s 18th Auto Show Breakfast – courtesy of the SAE Detroit Section. I have never had the pleasure of attending this event before, but my first impression was “This place is PACKED!” The on-stage dialogue was a no-holds-barred conversation that was insightful, funny and engaging, a very much needed reprieve for the 500+ (I’m guessing) attendees.

Following the formal town hall, I networked with past colleagues, made introductions, received introductions, exchanged some business cards (that’s another conversation) and overall, made some solid connections that may help me professionally in the future.

This type of face-to-face networking is irreplaceable -- which is why MSE Detroit is such an asset to the local marketing, sales and communications professionals in the Detroit area. MSED hosts many networking events for professionals – from any industry – to meet, chat and connect.

You never know what the next person you meet might be able to offer, so consider attending our next meeting on November 30th at Shield's in Troy.

     Real Men Wear Pink of Oakland County

Chad Toms, MSE Detroit board member, is a part of this year's "Real Men Wear Pink" campaign in Oakland County. Here is his reason for joining the campaign:

Why I Wear Pink

The day after that I was nominated as an Ambassador for the Real Men Wear Pink program, I found out that a very good friend of our family is fighting for her life with metastatic breast cancer. I viewed that as a sign from up above. 

I will do everything in my power to help.  That's why I'm stepping up to fight breast cancer with all I have. Since I'm in a position to make a difference within my community, I believe I have an obligation to do so. By raising money and awareness through Real Men Wear Pink, I'm helping to save more lives from breast cancer. 

Why I Support the American Cancer Society

Every day, the American Cancer Society is saving more lives from breast cancer than ever before. They're helping people take steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer or find it early, when it's easier to treat. They provide free information and services when and where people need them. They fund groundbreaking breast cancer research and they're working to ensure access to mammograms for women who need them.

To see Chad's interview about the program, please click HERE.

To read more about the "Real Men Wear Pink" campaign, and donate, please click HERE.

A Detroit Auto Show Review

by Joe Melnick, MSE Detroit Treasurer

You may have heard or read that the recent North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) was “not your father’s auto show.” That observation reflects that in addition to moving the show from January to September, technology changes impacting the industry have occurred, including fewer exhibits and fewer automotive manufacturers participating. The new NAIAS reflects new thinking about auto shows and the industry, all within the context of the industry and the world emerging on the other side of a global pandemic.  

The look and feel of this year’s show reflects a much stronger orientation to the consumer experience and celebration of an industry going through its most significant pivot since the industry formed over a century ago. Replacing the glitz and glamor of companies trying to one-up each other with new product introductions, there were hands-on product experiences with exhibits such as Ford and Jeep. There were also previews of what products will look like in an electric future. And there were dinosaurs and a two-story high rubber duck.  

One commentator likened the event to a regional auto show away from a global event of the past. But that simply reflects the orientation and emphasis on engaging consumers and their families in new products in an entertaining way. In addition, the presentation of many exciting new technologies that will appeal to whole new generations of consumers and potential workers was focused on engaging them in one of the largest and most important industries in the world.  

The concept of auto shows of the past was already changing, and this year was one of reinvention and new thinking. The entire world has changed dramatically over the past few years, and this is a first step for the mobility industry. Dates for 2023 have already been set: September 13 - 23. Time to embrace and celebrate the future! 

"It's a Busy Month"--but don't forget to read MSE Detroit's October 2022 newsletter!