SEMA News - September 2010

By Chad Simon

Your Guide to the Industry’s Most Valuable Trade Show

Now it’s even easier to register for the 2010 SEMA Show to be held November 2–5. Simply visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Less than two months are left before automotive specialty-equipment industry exhibitors and buyers flock to Las Vegas for the 2010 SEMA Show, to be held Tuesday, November 2, through Friday, November 5. The 2009 Show drew more than 120,000 attendees—24% of whom were international buyers—and nearly 2,000 exhibiting companies. More than 1,400 customized vehicles and new products were on display, and this year promises to deliver even more technology and innovation, so don’t miss out on the action! The following list of programs and events—some of which are brand new—should provide a glimpse into what you can expect for the 2010 SEMA Show.

And don’t forget, it’s even easier to register for the 2010 SEMA Show. Simply visit www.SEMAShow.com, and look to the left side of the page. If you are an exhibitor, click “Exhibitor Registration.” If you are an attendee, click “Register for the Show.”

New Online Floorplan

To view the all-new and improved online floorplan, visit www.SEMAShow.com and click on the “Exhibitor List/Floorplan” tab on the left side of the page. There, you will be able to select which halls you would like to view, check out the names of exhibitors you want to visit and their locations. You can also search by exhibitor category and booth number or section.

The New Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA

For 2010, SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) have created a tire industry-only section of the SEMA Show called the Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA. The new Expo will be open to all segments of the tire industry, including automotive, commercial, retreading, recycling and more.

With 200 exhibiting companies, the Expo will also include expanded educational session tracks targeted to the tire market. The tracks are “TPMS at 10,” “Tires at 2,” “Management at 4,” and “Truck Tires @ 10.”

Every day of the Show, each track will feature a session relevant to tire dealers and will be led by knowledgeable experts in the tire industry. The educational sessions will be located in the skybridge between the Central and South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

“By working with TIA, we have created the Global Tire Expo to meet the needs of the tire industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We’re excited and confident that the 2010 SEMA Show and the Global Tire Expo will be more meaningful and relevant than ever before for tire manufacturers and buyers.”

Kersting pointed out that the SEMA Show has the added benefit of drawing more than 50,000 buyers from all over the world, including those not currently in the tire market. “Many buyers at the SEMA Show are looking to expand their product lines to include tire-related products,” he said. “The dedicated floor section and the other new programs will help buyers discover the potential that the tire industry has to offer.”

For the latest Expo information and updates, visit the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org.

New Products Showcase

”The New Products Showcase is arguably the single best, most effective tool exhibitors have to reach the largest audience possible,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. Exhibitors may enter one product category at no cost if submitted before October 8, by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/newproducts.

With nearly 2,000 companies exhibiting throughout 1 million sq. ft. of the LVCC, the New Products Showcase makes it easy for buyers to get a quick glimpse of what’s new and debuting at the Show.

“The New Products Showcase is arguably the single best, most effective tool exhibitors have to reach the largest audience possible,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events.

“When you consider that every exhibitor can enter a product at absolutely no cost, it’s baffling to me that someone would pass up the opportunity.”

In addition to displaying products in a high-profile area of the SEMA Show, entering the SEMA Show New Products Showcase provides exhibitors with an opportunity to win a SEMA New Product Award. Winners are announced at the New Products Breakfast before the opening of the Show. In addition, professional photographs are taken of every entry and are provided to domestic and international media throughout the year.

“The New Products Breakfast is the pep rally before the Show,” MacGillivray said. “It’s valuable for business reasons because attendees can view the products the judges selected as the best products for the Show. The leading buyers who attend are looking to connect with exhibitors.”

Exhibitors may now enter one product category at no cost if submitted before October 8, by visiting here.

First-Time Exhibitors

The number of first-time exhibitors signed up to attend the 2010 SEMA Show had grown to more than 250 at press time. Based on previous SEMA Shows, this number should double before November 2. Each year, SEMA welcomes hundreds of new exhibitors to the Show, and this year is no exception. These leading-edge exhibitors will be displaying all-new product offerings that represent new sales and profit opportunities for retailers, jobbers and distributors. Check out a list of all exhibitors here.

Powersports Dealer Update Workshops

Presented by Gart Sutton & Associates and open to all powersports dealers, the Powersports Dealer Update Workshops at the 2010 SEMA Show will provide high-level training from industry experts. Eight powersports dealer-specific education workshops will cover essential parts and accessories, finance and insurance, sales, service and dealership-management topics. Registration includes two industry keynote speaker lunches and a special state-of-the-industry powersports panel.

“I am excited about our partnership with Gart Sutton & Associates, a highly respected firm that drives top powersports, marine and recreational vehicle dealers to superior operations, sales and profitability,” said Dan Hobgood, SEMA’s senior director of marketing. “Sutton and his crew transform real-world experiences into world-class education.”

Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, addresses the crowd at last year’s Dealer Day Conference, held during the 2009 SEMA Show. This year’s conference will focus on the three key components of successful dealer accessory programs.

The Powersports Dealer Update Workshops will take place Monday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 2, at the Renaissance Hotel in Ballrooms 1–3. For more information, visit here.

Dealer Day Conference

The 2010 SEMA Show will feature a targeted program specifically for auto dealers on Wednesday, November 3, 2010, from 8:30 a.m.–1:45 p.m. at the Las Vegas Hilton, Pavilion 1. The program marks the third consecutive year that the Dealer Day Conference will be held at the SEMA Show.

“The number of dealers attending the SEMA Show continues to grow each year, and during the past two years that we’ve held a dedicated Dealer Day Conference, we’ve seen more and more participants express a real interest in incorporating an accessories program into their businesses,” Kersting said. “We’re excited about the 2010 program, where dealers will be able to learn how to increase sales and profits through accessories.”

From integration and the sales process to profit generation, the program provides dealers with practical information and resources that will serve as a catalyst in their daily operations. Also featured will be an operations panel consisting of a dealer principal or general manager, a service manager, a parts manager, a new- and used-car sales manager, an office manager and a finance manager. Participants will receive tools, resources and best practices for starting a successful accessories program as well as for enhancing an existing program.

“Dealer Day represents a new business opportunity for auto dealers,” MacGillivray added. “The dealer business is evolving, and they are coming to our industry for more revenue and business opportunities than ever before.”

SCRS Repairer-Driven Education

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) educational track, entitled Repairer-Driven Education (RDE), will feature more than 21 seminars, many of which are being offered for the first time during the 2010 SEMA Show. All of the seminars will specifically focus on issues and information that are relevant to collision-repair professionals operating in today’s marketplace.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network’s annual Speed Networking Breakfast award ceremony has become one of the premier, must-attend networking events during SEMA Show week.

The RDE track, being conducted between 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 4, and Friday, November 5, will be launched with an inspiring opening seminar conducted by Charles Coonradt, author of The Game of Work, Managing the Obvious and The Better People Leader.

The two-day RDE program will also be packed full of information from speakers such as Mike Anderson; Toby Chess; Erica Eversman, J.D.; John Sweigart; Patrick McGuire, Esq.; Steven Feltovich; Tim Ronak; Greg Horn and many more. Seminar topics will include how to legally and practically address steering; getting ready for transitioning your business to a lean model; understanding and performing OEM-recommended repairs; finding out how “quirky” customers can be your most valuable resources; how a lack of understanding of wage and hour compliance could devastate your business; and a look at how to drive business to your door through social networking media.

SBN Speed Networking Breakfast

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network’s annual Speed Networking Breakfast award ceremony has become one of the premier networking events during SEMA Show week. Each year, attendees finish the Speed Networking Breakfast with quality industry contacts, allowing them to create new relationships and new business opportunities.

At the 2009 Industry Awards Banquet, Doug Evans of Source Interlink Media (left) received the 2009 SEMA Person of the Year award from 2008 winner Patrick Judge. The 2010 Banquet will be held on Thursday, November 4, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. at the Las Vegas Hilton. The banquet starts at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are required.

Held in the Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A on Thursday, November 4, from 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., this year’s breakfast will include the popular Speed Networking session and presentation of the Athena, Woman of the Year and Mentor of the Year awards as well as a delicious hot breakfast and a great bag full of goodies. Only 250 reservations will be accepted. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis this year. Visit here for more information.

Industry Awards Banquet

The industry’s most prestigious awards—including SEMA Person of the Year, WD of the Year and Rep of the Year—are presented at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet. In addition, the most recent inductees to the SEMA Hall of Fame will be honored. Join industry leaders as thousands come together to celebrate the innovation and accomplishments of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

“The Awards Banquet represents more than the Show,” MacGillivray said. “It’s when the industry comes together to celebrate milestones and accomplishments. The many personalities of the people participating add another dynamic to the week’s activities.”

The event will be held Thursday, November 4, starting with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. at the Las Vegas Hilton. The banquet starts at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are required.

For the most up-to-date information about the 2010 SEMA Show and to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com.