By Rachel Tatum
 The SEMA Show Online Media Center, available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, allows exhibitors to submit press releases and photos at no cost. |
As exhibitors select their booth space this month, media are beginning to follow along and report on the new products and trends that will debut. Here are four tips to help exhibitors increase their media coverage:
Press Releases: Press releases can be an effective way to generate buzz throughout the year, and news related to the SEMA Show is of particular interest to journalists. Press releases are designed to make it easy for media to include your information in their publications. Because many news outlets are short staffed, press releases are a welcomed tool to many reporters. Well written releases that include photos and news announcements are more likely to be used by media. Look for news angles and send a steady stream of press releases out for maximum coverage. For more information or additional tips on press release best practices, visit the SEMA Show website.
Online Media Center: Journalists are often bombarded with press releases and emails. To help exhibitors get their press releases to journalists covering the SEMA Show, the SEMA Show Online Media Center is available. Available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, the site allows exhibitors to submit press releases and photos at no cost. Note the following tips prior to submitting a press release:
- Post early. Many publications, including SEMA News, run preview stories with deadlines beginning in July. Releases often run in the order they are submitted.
- Include a photo. Releases with photos are more likely to be used than those without photos.
- Tag correctly when you upload to the site. Many editors use the search function to find news that is relevant to their audience.
New Products Showcase: Participating in the New Products Showcase is more than just a place to highlight products. Because photos of all products in the showcase are taken and provided to the media, exhibitors find that they receive increased coverage by participating in the showcase. All exhibitors qualify to submit one entry at no cost, making it the best ROI at the Show. Exhibitors may enter the New Products Showcase.
Social Media: Social media has great potential to reach many individuals with minimal effort. Exhibitors are encouraged to promote their SEMA Show participation by announcing their booth number and plans for the upcoming November Show. SEMA is active in social media and encourages exhibitors to connect with the official SEMA pages and attract more followers by using the official hashtag #SEMA2020.
SEMA provides services to help exhibitors connect with media at the SEMA Show and is available to assist. For details about SEMA Show exhibitor PR opportunities, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.