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| SEMA Show exhibitors perform a bodywork demonstration on the showfloor (top), while attendees inspect this lime-green, customized ’93 Chevy Silverado 1500 truck. |
The Show covers the entire realm of the specialty-equipment industry and is comprised of 12 categories: Business Services; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Hot Rod Alley; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Paint, Body & Equipment; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Racing & Performance; Restoration Marketplace; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Tools & Equipment; Trucks, SUVs and Off-Road; and Wheels & Accessories.
Each will be highlighted separately every week in SEMA eNews. This week’s category is Paint, Body and Equipment (PBE). So far, 98 PBE companies—including 48 first-timers—are exhibiting in the North Hall.
Just two weeks after exhibit space sales opened, many exhibitors have decided to return to the PBE section with larger booths. The increased support comes just one year after the PBE area debuted as a formal SEMA Show floor section.
“Paint and body are essential in the automotive specialty-equipment market,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The creation of the floor section at last year’s Show was just one step in adding value for this important audience. We have much more planned for 2010 and will continue to deliver more to both exhibitors and buyers in this market.”
Organizers announced earlier this year that the PBE area will be larger and in a more prominent area compared to 2009. Additionally, the SEMA Show educational program will include several sessions specifically targeting the paint and body market. SEMA Show organizers are collaborating with representatives from the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) to develop the educational program and schedule meetings for SCRS members during the SEMA Show.
The Collision Industry Conference (CIC), which focuses on the paint and body market, is also hosting its meetings in Las Vegas during the SEMA Show.
“We’re working closely with SCRS and CIC to make it simple and easy for industry professionals in the automotive paint market to get the most value out of being at the SEMA Show,” MacGillivray said. “With meetings, education and quality exhibitors all available to this market, we’re confident that the return on the participants’ investments is sure to be huge.”
The PBE section of the SEMA Show is the fastest-growing area of the event, with nearly 45% more exhibitors already confirmed for 2010. In addition, there are hundreds of other companies throughout the SEMA Show this year that will showcase their products to the paint and body market, including such long-standing exhibitors as House of Kolor, PPG, Sherwin Williams, 3M and more.
“The paint and body market has increasingly become an important market,” MacGillivray said. “That’s why the Paint, Body & Equipment section of the Show was expanded in just its second year of existence. That’s also why we are partnering with industry experts to provide this audience with quality education and networking opportunities.”