Media Coverage of the Annual SEMA Show

SEMA News - June 2009
Required Reading

Not open to the general public, the SEMA Show has been the premier automotive accessories trade show in the world for more than 40 years.

This month’s “Required Reading” highlights the many articles that talk about how important it is for businesses to position themselves as industry leaders. With more than 100,000 automotive professionals expected to attend this annual event, the SEMA Show gives those in attendance a great advantage for doing business. Last year, exhibitors left the SEMA Show with an average of 141 qualified business leads.

The SEMA Show was attended by more than 2,000 credentialed media from all 50 states and approximately 100 foreign countries. Here are several articles that outline how the SEMA Show helps companies stay competitive.

FSC, February 2009
“SEMA Thoughts”

According to Scott Sparrow, editor of FSC magazine, the way to survive is “innovative thinking with a proactive approach.” After spending a day at the 2008 SEMA Show, Sparrow noted that most folks at the event were looking “for ways to create new business opportunities for themselves.” With more than 100,000 business people gathered in Las Vegas, it made sense that they would come to the SEMA Show to do just that.

Trucks & SUV Performance and Accessory Retailing
January/February 2009
“The View From the Floor”
Tr uck & SUV Performance and Accessory Retailing featured top industry suppliers at the SEMA Show in its January/February edition. In the magazine, these experts shared what they thought their customers’ biggest needs were for 2009 and showcased the new products that were unveiled at the SEMA Show.

Like many of the other 2,000 companies exhibiting, these innovators had their fingers on the pulse of the industry and came to the SEMA Show to share their knowledge and build new partnerships.

Mustang Enthusiast, April, 2009
“Seen at SEMA, So Much to See, So Little Time”

Like almost every automotive enthusiast magazine, Mustang Enthusiast featured a slew of products from the Show, and that was just “scratching the surface,” as there was so much to see and just not enough time. The SEMA Show gives exhibitors with new products plenty of opportunities to showcase their creations. In fact, in describing the SEMA Show, Mustang Enthusiast quoted the movie Field of Dreams, saying “if you build it, they will come.” This is, perhaps, a reference to the thousands of attendees who take part in the SEMA Show each year.

Performance Auto & Sound, February 2009
“SEMA Show 2008”

The reporter from Performance Auto & Sound noted that the 2008 SEMA Show had more professionals and decision makers there than in previous years. On average, last year’s exhibitors were able to garner 325 booth visitors and leave the Show with 141 qualified business leads. Exhibitors were also able to spend more time with the media to explain the merits of their products in greater detail and discuss their plans for the upcoming year.

GM High-Tech Performance, April 2009
“Best New Performance Products for 2009”

Reporters want to cover what is hot. The main purpose of their reporting is to get the latest information about these products out to their readers. Even during these tough economic times, the specialty-equipment industry still has a few tricks up its sleeve and is rolling out new products. While GM High-Tech Performance featured dozens of GM products, the 2008 SEMA Show actually had more than 2,000 entries included in the New Products Showcase.

Honda Tuning, February 2009
“SEMA, Only Different”
Honda Tuning said that the SEMA Show seemed to be devoid of the “tire kickers”—those simply looking and not prepared to do business. It also noted that “SEMA is always about the cars. And the parts….” Those in the industry looking to discover the newest products and trends were at the SEMA Show—ready to do business.