Exhibitors Rush to Pick Up Last-Minute SEMA Show Booth Space

An additional 30 companies have signed up for the SEMA Show since the beginning of October, demonstrating a growing confidence in the specialty-equipment industry’s future heading into 2010. This is a dramatic increase in last-minute activity compared to the same period last year in which only 13 exhibitors signed on.

“This surge in activity can be attributed to an unprecedented launch of new programs and services aimed at saving exhibitors time and money,” says Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events.

SEMA has, for example, negotiated with nearly every major Las Vegas hotel to offer substantial SEMA Show attendee discounts. JetBlue Airways and Continental Airlines are also discounting airfare to Las Vegas during the days leading up to, and immediately following, the Show.

There’s even a ticker on SEMAShow.com updating the lowest fares to Las Vegas from several carriers.

SEMA’s new online Matchmaking Program launched earlier this year is connecting buyers and exhibitors before the Show, allowing them to schedule meetings and set agendas in advance with those most relevant to their business interests. More than 10,000 buyers and exhibitors are using the program and have exchanged more than 25,000 messages.

A larger New Products Showcase in a new location, enhanced by both still photography and video, allows exhibitors to display their latest innovations to not only buyers, but also to journalists and photographers covering the Show for global media outlets.

Exhibitors are also finding relief from drayage costs. SEMA Show exhibitors who bring their freight in a privately owned or rental vehicle (i.e. car, pickup, minivan, U-Haul, trailers or rig) weighing no more than 1,000 lbs. are provided free booth delivery of their freight. Click here for complete details on the free material handling program.

Exhibit space is still available for the 2009 SEMA Show. Don’t hesitate and wait until next year. Don’t let your competitors run out of sight with your market share! Sign up for the 2009 SEMA Show today. Register at www.SEMAShow.com or call ConVexx at 702/450-7662 x120.

Join these 30 exhibitors that have registered this month and positioned their businesses for a profitable 2010 (click here to see where you can find these, and all, 2009 SEMA Show exhibitors):

If you still haven't booked a room, discounted rates are still available at the following Las Vegas hotels:

Don't wait any longer to make reservations, though. Discounted rate reservations close Monday, October 26. Go to www.SEMAShow.com/reservations to secure your lodging.