Industry Indicators: Economic Outlook Remains Positive, but Supply Constraints and Inflation Remain Challenges
The overall U.S. economic outlook remains positive as the country continues to bounce back from 2020. However, challenges remain on the horizon, including supply-chain constraints, inflationary pressure, a tight labor market and a potential COVID-19 resurgence, according to the latest edition of “SEMA Industry Indicators.”
Supply-chain disruptions continue to affect many sectors of the economy. For the auto industry, the chip shortage is disrupting production, reducing inventory levels and driving up prices. Nearly every car manufacturer reported higher average transaction prices in June compared with 2020. While economists expect inflationary pressures like this to be short-term, it is weighing on consumers’ minds.
Employment in the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic continues to improve, especially leisure and travel. Average hourly earnings are also up, suggesting that employers are having to offer higher wages to attract workers. COVID-19 cases have also risen in recent weeks. If outbreaks emerge more broadly, economic activity may slow down.
Want to learn more about the economic factors shaping the industry? Download the July “SEMA Industry Indicators” report at www.sema.org/research.
SEMA Show Education Prepares Businesses for Next-Level Success
The 2021 SEMA Show will include more than 100 industry-leading seminars designed to help businesses and employees succeed and advance their careers. Through the Education Program, Showgoers have an easy and cost-effective way to learn about new trends and topics, hear from top experts and presenters, and gain new skills and ideas while discovering new products, seeing custom vehicles and meeting with business partners at the 2021 SEMA Show, to be held November 2–5 in Las Vegas.
“Attending the SEMA Show is an investment—particularly for small businesses that close up shop while they are away,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We work hard to provide Showgoers with the greatest possible return on their investment, and we are excited about this year’s SEMA Show Educational Program.”
Among the 2021 SEMA Show Education Program offerings are tracks focused on or targeted to automotive electronics, vehicle builders, CEOs, digital marketing and international exports. This year’s program also includes a new leadership track sponsored by the world-renowned Dale Carnegie Program, and the return of popular market-segment-specific tracks presented in partnership with the Industry Conference of Auto Collision Repair, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, and the Tire Industry Association. Be sure to visit www.SEMAShow.com/education to see the full range of seminars and schedules.
New Products Showcase Moves to Upper South Hall for 2021 SEMA Show
The New Products Showcase is renowned for its display of cutting-edge industry innovations. So much so that it’s a favorite first stop for attendees upon entering the Show. But this year, thanks to Convention Center expansion, the Showcase is
relocating.
New for this year, the New Products Showcase will be located in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Upper South Hall in booth #31255. In addition, buyers and media can now use the SEMA Show app on their mobile devices to scan and save products and provide step-by-step directions to the exhibitors that submitted each product. The app is available for free from native Android or Apple app stores.
According to Show planners, the popular Showcase had outgrown its former location and needed additional room for future growth. The feature will contain thousands new and featured products. The expanded space will also allow for better displays of the latest industry offerings and an overall improved visitor experience.
Members Lounges: Connect, Refuel and Recharge at the 2021 SEMA Show
For 2021, SEMA members attending the Show now have elite access to three strategically situated Member Lounges and are invited to enjoy the lounges during Show hours.
Members Lounge–North: Located on the upper level of the North Hall in room N251, the lounge offers a relaxing environment to take a break between meetings or seminars, recharge devices, or catch up on work at a computer connected to an in-lounge printer. Hot meals are available for purchase daily from 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Members Lounge–South: Located in the South Hall, booth #49031, this lounge area offers a relaxing atmosphere with access to free charging stations. Grab ’N’ Go snacks are available for purchase any time during Show hours. The Members Lounge offers private meeting rooms which can only be reserved for two nonconsecutive one-hour time slots per day, per company.
Members Lounge–West: Located in the West Hall, booth #58065, this lounge area offers a relaxing atmosphere with ample seating and access to free charging stations. Grab ’N’ Go snacks, beverages and sandwiches are available for purchase any time during Show hours. The Members Lounge offers private meeting rooms that are available by reservation.
SEMA Member Lounges give members the opportunity to grab a snack, recharge their devices, or to engage in some company networking.
