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.