SEMA Member News—January 2020
MPMC Shines at PRI Trade Show
 MPMC calls the PRI Trade Show home, given that its membership is comprised solely of manufacturers that make products used in sanctioned racing applications. |
Indianapolis has a rich motorsports heritage that is indelibly linked to the Indy 500, the world’s oldest major auto race. So it’s fitting that the foremost trade event for the motorsports and racing industry—the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show—has made Indianapolis its home for many years.
It’s also makes perfect sense that SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) calls the PRI Trade Show home, given that its membership is comprised solely of manufacturers that make products used in sanctioned racing applications. Over the years, MPMC has had a track record of hosting successful events during the PRI Trade Show, and 2019 was no exception.
Connecting with Colleagues
The 33rd annual PRI Trade Show took place at the Indiana Convention Center December 12–14. To kick off its event-filled week in Indianapolis, the council hosted its first MPMC Happy Hour on Wednesday, the day prior to the show’s opening.
In years past, MPMC conducted a general membership meeting on Wednesday afternoon. The meetings sometimes featured speakers, presentations and open-forum discussions—the latter yielding some valuable feedback leading to SEMA resources to address Prop. 65 and best practices for the Executive Order process.
According to council leadership, the group felt that it was time for a change. Sights were set on a more informal networking format, which turned out to be quite successful. The Happy Hour not only gave select committee members a chance to more easily engage and talk shop with individual members but also allowed for casual conversation, idea sharing and building new connections within the motorsports community.
Empowering Through Knowledge
 In 2019, MPMC-powered seminars were presented as part of the PRI education program. |
Prior to 2019, MPMC hosted seminars as standalone events during the show. Last year, however, MPMC-powered seminars were presented as part of the PRI education program. The two sessions, presented by industry experts, offered attendees valuable insider tips and takeaways.
During the first session, titled “Sponsorship Proposals,” presenters Chris Meyer, vice president of marketing and client services at marketing agency Charge, and Ken Ung, president and founder of Charge, shared practical pointers on how brands and properties can create exposure, build business value around racing and prepare for sponsorship success.
An all-female panel of industry professionals tackled the topic of “Opportunities for Women in Motorsports” during MPMC’s second seminar. The session was led by Jeanette DesJardins of Car Chix and Crank It Media. Panelists included NASCAR Truck Series driver Natalie Decker, drag racer Lea Ochs, and off-road racers Sarah Burgess and daughter Bridget Burgess. During the discussion, the women shared insights into their achievements, aspirations, challenges, triumphs and efforts to engage and raise awareness among young women interested in pursuing careers in motorsports.
Celebrating the Motorsports Industry
The Performance Industry Reception, hosted by MPMC, is a long-standing PRI Trade Show highlight—a time when hundreds of motorsports professionals, including exhibitors, media, council members and nonmembers alike, gather on Friday evening to celebrate the performance industry.
In keeping with tradition, the reception offered a fun and relaxing atmosphere in which guests enjoyed refreshments and hors d’oeuvres, networked with colleagues, made new connections and interacted with council members to learn what SEMA and MPMC have to offer.
It was, said MPMC Chair Rob Fisher, the perfect place to mark the end of yet another highly successful PRI Show and the important role MPMC played in delivering value to those who participated in council events.
“Our goal was to create something special with value-added benefit for exhibitors and attendees,” he said. “Hosting events and seminars during the week was a perfect way to accomplish our goal.”
