auto allies

Houston Auto Show returns this month as part of new innovative coalition

The Houston Auto Show and Houston Boat Show (Houston AutoBoative) run from Jan. 2–Feb. 2. Photo via Houston Auto Show/Facebook

The Houston Auto Show and Houston Boat Show (Houston AutoBoative) have returned to NRG Center this month, and for the first time, the popular events are part of the Automotive Experience Alliance (AEA).

Launched in October, the AEA is a coalition of about 30 auto shows that aim to drive innovation and standardization throughout the auto show industry, according to a news release.

“Formed out of a year-long strategic planning project, the Automotive Experience Alliance unites industry leaders committed to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation while driving interest in and education of the latest vehicles and technology via an exciting and interactive event designed for the consumer,” AEA Chairman Kevin Mazzucola said in a release. “The AEA will initially focus on defining a set of standards that all associated members will adopt, including transparency with third-party audited attendance numbers and expanded demographic and purchase intent data.”

Clean energy coalition Evolve Houston is sponsoring the Houston Auto Show and providing attendees with the opportunity to test drive the latest electric vehicle offerings during its outdoor ride and drive.

Additionally, the show promises sports cars, trucks, and boats, and it includes attractions like sightings of three space rovers from NASA.

From the auto industry, vehicles from Nissan, Rolls Royce, Subaru, Toyota, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Ineos, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Lotus, Mazda, and Volkswagen are on display.

While forming the AEA, 10 U.S. auto shows conducted the Auto Show Insights Initiative to gain feedback from 14,908 auto show attendees about the events to help strengthen shows for members in the coalition and streamline processes for the industry.

Other AEA members include the Austin Auto Show, North Texas Auto Expo and the San Antonio Auto Show, as well as others around the country.

“We’re thrilled to join the Automotive Experience Alliance and contribute to a more innovative future for automotive shows nationwide,” Wyatt Wainwright, President of the Houston Auto Show and AEA Vice President, said in a news release. “Leading as an example, we’ve created the AutoBoative Show, a first-of-its-kind event designed to bring like minded individuals together, broadening our reach to include both auto and boating enthusiasts. The past three years of this collaboration showcases our commitment to evolving with consumer interests and providing a unique, immersive experience that resonates with a wider audience.”

Evolve Houston, which was launched as part of Houston’s Climate Action Plan and is one of the organizations leading the way in the EV space. The nonprofit set out to have 30 percent of the vehicles in Houston be electric by 2030 while improving regional air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Greater Houston area.

Houston AutoBoative runs from Jan. 2–Feb 2. Find more tickets and more information here.

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A View From HETI

Sophia Cunningham is the new executive director of HETI. Photo via htxenergytransition.org

The Houston Energy Transition Initiative has a new executive director.

Sophia Cunningham assumed the position this month, succeeding the organization's founding executive director, Jane Stricker.

"Four years ago, I could never have imagined the opportunities, experiences and relationships this role has enabled," Strickler wrote in an address earlier this year. "I am truly grateful for the support and engagement of Houston’s business and community leaders, the visionary leadership of Bobby Tudor, Scott Nyquist, HETI Members, and the Greater Houston Partnership in creating this initiative at exactly the right moment in time. I am incredibly proud of the HETI and the Partnership team members who have delivered with purpose and passion, and I greatly appreciate Houston’s energy and climate leaders and champions who have supported my agenda, challenged my thinking, broadened my perspectives, and worked with HETI to demonstrate the power of partnership in developing, innovating and advancing the ideas and technologies needed to meet this challenge for our region and the world."

Stricker shared on LinkedIn that she has joined the advisory board of FluxPoint Energy, which launched last month during CERAWeek, in addition to her other roles at Greentown Labs, Prana Low Carbon Economy Investments and UNC Kenan-Flagler Energy Center.

Cunningham previously served as vice president at HETI, where she was responsible for efforts related to carbon capture, use and storage; methane management; community engagement and stakeholder activation. Before joining HETI, she was director of public policy at The Greater Houston Partnership.

She earned her master's in Energy Management and Systems Technology from Texas A&M University and holds a bachelor's degree from Davidson College.

“I’m honored to step into the role of Executive Director of the Houston Energy Transition Initiative at such a pivotal moment for our industry," Cunningham said over email. "Houston has the talent, infrastructure, and leadership to meet growing global energy demand while reducing emissions, and I’m excited to work alongside our members and partners to accelerate solutions that are reliable, affordable, and scalable.”

The Greater Houston Partnership launched HETI in June 2021 to "meet a Dual Challenge of producing more energy that the world needs with less emissions," according to its website.

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