SEMA News - September 2009
Value. Every jobber/retailer recognizes that value attracts customers. Consumers will pay a premium price if they believe that they’re receiving a premium product, and they will rush to a sale if they recognize they’re receiving more than they’re paying for. Value is also the goal of the SEMA Show — value for exhibitors and value for the jobber/retailers who expect to find truly innovative new products, outstanding educational opportunities and services that help their stores thrive and grow. Value is what the SEMA Show delivers—especially in this uncertain business climate.
For instance, the SEMA Show and AAPEX have introduced a buyer/supplier matching program this year to pair jobber/retailers with the products they’re seeking at both shows. The matches are based on the demographic questions the jobber/retailers answer during the registration process. (If you haven’t registered yet, do it now. Take advantage of this terrific program!) All of the products that a jobber/retailer selects as items of interest are matched to suppliers who are exhibiting at either show. As new exhibitors register for the shows, jobber/retailers will receive updated match notifications. Attendees are also matched to education seminars at both shows, allowing them to preplan and make the most of the time they spend there.
The extensive schedule of seminars—free to registered attendees—includes topics that range from customer sales and service solutions to marketing and business efficiency. Sessions highlight industry trends and forecasts as well as small-business management, legal issues and the latest technologies that affect automotive retailers of every type. Education Week begins on Monday, November 2, and runs through Thursday, November 5. Review the entire slate of educational offerings.
The SEMA Show has also added two new exhibitor sections to further enhance sales and marketing prospects for jobber/retailers. The Powersports & Utility Vehicles section and the Paint, Body & Equipment section were added in response to growing numbers of buyers seeking cross-selling opportunities. And, of course, buyers will find the latest offerings in those categories along with a huge array of performance, accessory and tool products in the New Products Showcase, which will again feature the unique “key fob” electronic scanning tool that allows buyers and media to quickly select new products for either on-site descriptive printouts or further information via e-mail.
We’re also striving to make this year’s SEMA Show the most affordable ever. We’ve arranged significant discounts on air fare, rental cars and hotel accommodations, and we’ll even be busing buyers from key Southern California cities to the Las Vegas Convention Center for only $25—a huge saving when you consider the cost of fuel these days. For full details on these programs, visit the Travel and Lodging section of the SEMA Show website.
The SEMA Show retains a distinguished reputation as the best automotive aftermarket event in the world. Nowhere else can jobber/retailers access more than 1,500 exhibitors who supply the products that customers not only need but want and are excited to find. More than ever, it’s the one event of the year that you can’t afford to miss.