What I Learned From The North America International Auto Show – Day 1

Subtitled: You Can Take the Girl Out of Detroit, But You Can’t Take Detroit Out of the Girl

I was invited by General Motor’s amazing social media team to be their guest at the North America International Auto Show last week. After kissing my little ones goodbye and having an uneventful 45 minute flight from Chicago, I arrived in Detroit not knowing what to expect and excited for the adventure.

This is what I learned on day one…

1. You Can Take the Girl Out of Detroit,
But You Can’t Take Detroit Out of the Girl

You see, I was born in Detroit and grew up 30 minutes north of the city. I worked downtown for several years at Friends of the Rouge, went into the city for musicals, Tiger games, and concerts in Hart Plaza, but I’ve never actually stayed in the city. I have never been to Detroit as a visitor.

And I have to say, visiting Detroit as a guest of General Motor’s might just be the best Detroit experience you can ask for.

From the moment I arrived at the Marriott hotel, which is nestled within General Motor’s headquarters at the GM Renaissance Center, I felt an enormous sense of pride for my home town. I heard some people in the elevator complain about the city and felt like a Mother Hen wanting to stand up and protect her sick child.

2. Dreams Can Be Renewed

Detroit has been hurting. I’ve been hearing about it and seeing it from the suburbs when I visit my family in Michigan. But here, at the core of downtown, I didn’t see a world hurting. I saw hope, faith, excitement, and a sense of renewal.

I saw a city wanting to thrive and I met the people living and working within the city, who are taking action every day to bring Detroit into the future. During Buick’s press conference at the auto show, they even spoke about dreams being renewed.

3. I’m Grateful for Knowing GM’s Social Media Team

GM was able to show me an inspiring, engaging, and uplifting spirit, that I had not seen in Detroit in a very very long time.

After meeting the amazing GM social media team (@connieburke, @lisagilpin, @debochs, @cbarger, and @maryhenige) and meeting some of the other bloggers and special guests, like Jewel from Jewels Fab Life, I curled up in my comfy Marriott bed happy to be back in Detroit, excited about the future of the auto industry, and grateful GM invited me on this fabulous adventure.

Tomorrow I’ll tell you all about my 15 hour auto show adventure.

I was invited to attend the auto show by General Motors. They provided my travel, meals, and accommodations. My opinions are 100% my own.