As the premier automotive trade gathering in the world, the SEMA Show is considered to be a barometer of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Many believe that a strong SEMA Show will be followed by a positive and successful year.

While the 2011 SEMA Show is still a few months away, it’s important to look back at the previous year to gauge the direction the industry is heading. Below are a couple of noteworthy articles that indicate an upward trend. Read what these publications had to say about previous SEMA Shows, and expect more coverage from these and other magazines as they report on the 2011 event taking place in November.

Event Marketer Magazine Event Marketer magazine recently dedicated an entire issue to automotive events. In a special report, the magazine took an in-depth look at the 2010 SEMA Show. Recognizing some of the key features and exhibitors at the Show, the article highlighted some of the most innovative attractions.		Expo Magazine The magazine noted that there were more exhibitors at both the 2009 and 2010 SEMA Shows than show organizers had expected. The reason, according to SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting, was that organizers were flexible and continued to launch new programs that offered value to exhibitors. From offering exhibitors payment options and specialty pavilions to creating new awards programs and research, the SEMA Show continues to deliver value and remains well attended by the entire industry.
Time Magazine A full-page advertorial featured Local Motors and explained why the automaker chose to exhibit at the 2010 SEMA Show. In addition to being the premier event for automotive specialty-product makers, the SEMA Show is ideally located in Las Vegas, where exhibitors have a great selection of hotels, entertainment and more.		Expo Magazine An article from Expo highlighted a significant program that SEMA Show organizers introduced in 2010. It was called the Exhibitor Summit, and exhibitors were invited to attend the two-day, all-expense-paid event to learn how they could maximize the return on their investments. The summit took place about six months before the SEMA Show and featured dozens of seminars conducted by SEMA staff. “The summit really opened a dialogue and connected us with exhibitors in a way we haven’t been connected in years,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events.