Nine years ago, RoShelle Salinas started her first day on the job at a Houston-based advertising agency. Her first assignment: to attend the Houston Auto Show. Five years later, she had left the agency started working for the Houston Automobile Dealers Association full time. Now, she’s the Executive Vice President.
“I love the variety,” she says. “It’s always something new; I get to learn and be the resource and get to work with phenomenal people. It’s like a little family in itself, and the family-owned dealerships bring you into their circle, too.”
Last year, RoShelle and her team added a new element to the Houston Auto Show: a public preview gala. This year, proceeds from the Roaring 20s-themed party go to Bo’s Place, Ducks Unlimited, Easter Seals, and RMHC: $100 of each $250 ticket is tax-deductible as a charitable donation.
In past years, the preview party was invite only. For the Tuesday, January 21 event, the public is invited to purchase tickets and enjoy the swankiest sneak peek in town. At this event, you will have a chance to tip back a few of the coolest drinks, shimmy to the hottest jazz, and best of all, check out the latest automobiles.
What makes the Houston Auto Show different from the rest? RoShelle says it’s partly that Houston is such a driving market.
“The people who come to the auto show are truly consumers and not just auto enthusiasts. People drive a lot in Texas, and it makes the atmosphere a little different.”
The Houston Auto Show, produced by the Houston Automobile Dealers Association and presented by the Houston Chronicle, welcomes nearly 40 manufacturer participants, including; Acura, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, JEEP, Kia, Land Rover, Lamborghini, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Maserati, Mercedes Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Toyota, Scion, Subaru, Volkswagen and Volvo.
A Ride & Drive attraction will feature more than 80 cars to test drive, and the Aftermarket Expo will offer specialty parts of all kinds. The show will also bring back an extensive classic car collection; more than 50 classic vehicles will be on display in the NRG Center lobby and on the show floor.
Join us! DriveMode will be there.
(This is an update to a post that originally appeared at Thrills and Wheels.com)
