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Despite uncertainty in the overall economy, the 2009 SEMA Show demonstrated the resilience and determination of the specialty-equipment industry.
More than 1,700 businesses committed to their futures by exhibiting at the 2009 SEMA Show. And those businesses were not just along for the ride, but were actively innovating. Collectively, they showcased more than 1,400 new products.
And as a result of increased floor space and a new location for the New Products Showcase, buyers made a record-high 65,000 scans, requesting additional product information.
Overall, 120,000 members of the industry attended this year’s show, with the largest number ever coming from outside the United States. Roughly 24% of registered buyers came from outside the United States, demonstrating the increased global reach of the specialty-equipment industry and the ability of the SEMA Show to connect buyers and manufacturers across global lines.
The media reach of the SEMA Show was also larger than ever, bringing the industry’s products and style to an ever-growing audience. This year, for example, enough showgoers posted items about products and vehicles to their Twitter accounts to push the SEMA Show into Twitter.com’s Top 10 trends.
“One hundred percent of the businesses who attended the SEMA Show put it all on the line,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “This is an excellent indicator that buyers, manufacturers and services in this industry are ready for an active 2010.”