BIRMINGHAM, Mich. -

During the preview for April’s New York Auto Show, the Women’s Automotive Association International will host a social media event, which is designed to highlight what the WAAI calls the “fastest growing marketing phenomena.”

“Social Media is the fastest growing marketing phenomena and is no longer considered a passing fad. Consumers are talking about their purchases and the companies that provide them every day. The information that can be leveraged from harnessing this information will be extremely powerful in developing marketing strategies and customer relations,” officials noted.

On Thursday, April 5, the WAAI will host the “Power of Social Media,” where Ian Beavis, executive vice president at Nielsen Global Automotive, will lead a panel of women, working in corporate social media, to discuss social media and how it is being integrated into the auto industry, the association explained. 

The women on the panel include: Melissa Newell, of Mercedes-Benz USA; Jennifer Suzuki, of eDealer Solutions; Lemore Hecht, of Hertz Corp.; Lisa Coffey, of LinkedIn; Kim Kyaw, of Jaguar Land Rover North America; and Hedy Popson, of Productions Plus/The Talent Shop. 

“These experts will discuss trends and career evolution into social media success stories,” among other topics, officials explained.

Registration for the event begins at 8 a.m. and includes a continental breakfast, networking and panel discussion followed by Q&A. 

Tickets are $45 for WAAI members, $60 for non-members and $25 for students.  You do not need a ticket to the auto show to attend, officials stressed. You can purchase tickets at www.waai.com or call the WAAI office at (248) 646-5250.