SEMA Member News—November/December 2015
Collaboration With NIADA Brings Added Exposure to Restyling Sector
 PRO is partnering with NIADA to expose independent dealerships to accessory programs. |
Independent automobile dealerships have a new resource to help them connect with restylers and aftermarket accessory manufacturers. To help dealers understand the restyling industry, the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) collaborated with the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) to produce videos that expose its membership of more than 17,000 independent dealerships to the incredible diversity of products and services available through the aftermarket.
Through a mobile-friendly web portal, dealers can see the appeal and ease of offering aftermarket accessories. By connecting NIADA dealers with the hundreds of PRO members around the country, the collaboration of the two organizations will improve business relationships and profits for both sectors. Visit www.niada.tv for additional information.
Industry Awards Reception
The annual PRO awards reception will take place at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino on the third-floor pool deck from 5:30 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3. The event’s main goal is to recognize industry leaders and provide a premier networking opportunity for restylers at the SEMA Show. The awards will be presented to honor influential leaders in the restyling industry, as nominated and voted upon by the general membership of the council.
PRO Happy Hour
SEMA Show attendees can take a mid-week break by mingling with motivated restyling buyers and exhibitors and learning more about the council at a PRO Happy Hour on Wednesday, November 4, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. at the PRO booth #12561, in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). Dozens of PRO members will be on hand to share what the council has to offer, discuss the group’s long-term goals and network with peers and colleagues in the industry.
General Membership Meeting
For members who have joined the council recently or who just want to stay in the know, a PRO general membership meeting will be held Thursday, November 5, providing another chance to connect over breakfast. Join the council leadership from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. in LVCC room N234 to learn more about the group’s focus for the next year and beyond.
PRO-Powered Seminars
Education remains an important initiative to PRO. Three seminars in the SEMA Education Auto Dealer Track will feature panelists who work for PRO-member companies. The topics listed below will be especially important for restylers:
Car Dealer Stories: Unfiltered Truths About Operating a Profitable Accessory Program
When: Wednesday, November 4, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Where: LVCC, Room N254
Learn why savvy new-car and independent dealers rely on accessorizing to speed inventory turns, build a strong dealership identity and generate faster sales for greater profits by tapping into the $36-billion market for automotive accessories. Discover how to outmaneuver the competition by offering aftermarket products that deliver valid options for consumers in terms of superior appearance, performance, quality and value.
Enhancing the Consumer Experience: A New Approach to Dealership Profit Centers
When: Wednesday, November 4, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Where: LVCC, room N252
Fine-tune your accessory sales strategy to heighten customer satisfaction and build high-margin profit centers throughout your dealership. Learn how consistently featuring accessorized vehicles attracts new buyers, builds brand loyalty and enhances your customers’ ownership and driving experience.
Accessory Resources for New- and Used-Vehicle Dealers
When: Thursday, November 5, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Where: LVCC, Room N252
Discover the key steps to implementing a successful and profitable accessory program. From the importance of getting key management on board to educating and training sales personnel on the benefits of selling accessorized vehicles to building partnerships with accessory providers, this session delivers the tools and resources you need to succeed.
Separate from the Auto Dealer Track but still a topic near and dear to restylers’ hearts:
The Art of Selling Car-Dealer Direct: What You Need to Know
When: Thursday, November 5, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Where: LVCC, Room N256
Want to get your foot in the door of any auto dealership? Listen and learn as a panel of experts shares tips and tactics on how to achieve positive results. Learn essential elements of a sales strategy. Understand the inner workings of a new-vehicle dealership. Discover how to overcome dealer objections. TORA/PRO-member restylers and retailers who attend this interactive session will receive a complimentary electronic copy of the “PRO Sales-Training Manual: A Restyler’s Guide to Selling Dealer Direct,” which is a $149 value.
