SEMA Member News - November/December 2010
Island Attitude for WTC Reception
Tropical Awards Reception Rounds Out Council’s SEMA Show Activities
 The WTC will be bring some island attitude to the Las Vegas desert at this year’s SEMA Show in the form of a new Tropic Awards Reception. Complete with island fare, libations and leis, the council will use the beautiful backdrop of the Renaissance Hotel’s Pool and Envy Cellar to create an oasis retreat from the hustle and bustle. |
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At this year’s SEMA Show, the Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) will be bringing some island attitude to the Las Vegas desert. Complete with tropical fare, libations and leis, the council will use the beautiful backdrop of the Renaissance Hotel’s Pool and Envy Cellar to create an oasis retreat from the hustle and bustle. From 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 3, the WTC will welcome its members, guests and those interested in learning more about the council’s efforts to an evening that honors the industry and recognizes a lifetime achievement recipient.
Adding to the festivities will be comedian Mike Stigs—a true Italian from New York who doesn’t play to stereotypes. After working in the auto industry and racing for 15 years, he sold his race car, lit his toolbox on fire and is burning up comedy stages from coast to coast. So bring your best Hawaiian shirt, and join the WTC during its industry awards reception!
Another function of the SEMA Show and council receptions is to launch upcoming events, such as educational conferences, workshops and meetings. Networking mixers provide council leaders with important information regarding industry trends, challenges and opportunities. These interactions often lead to the development of events and services that are created to address specific feedback from members. WTC has been working closely with SEMA staff and is excited to announce that the inaugural WTC Conference and Product Showcase has been green-lighted.
The one-day event will take place in early February 2011 at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. The goal of the conference is to provide education and training that addresses industry-specific challenges and services. The product showcase will provide manufacturers with the opportunity to exhibit their products and receive valuable feedback regarding style, application and market trends. The WTC Conference and Product Showcase will also offer manufacturers and attendees the opportunity to participate in the WTC’s Long-Range Planning meeting.
The Long-Range Planning meeting is a key council initiative in which the Select Committee (the WTC’s elected leadership) comes together to outline strategic objectives for the future. Participation and input from guests and the general membership are welcomed and encouraged. This is a great way to get involved, join a task force or just gain a better understanding of what the councils and SEMA strive to accomplish. For instance, the council previously identified the importance of continuous improvement practices that will help sustain and promote the wheel and tire segment. To that end, the council worked with the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) to develop an online learning resource for selling techniques tailored specifically for the wheel and tire industry. The G.E.A.R.S selling method includes:
- Greet
- Explore
- Assist
- Recommend Product Presentation
- Sell
- Overcome Objections
- Re-Sell
Whether you are a seasoned salesperson or are new to the industry, the WTC has developed this method to improve closing ratios, develop customer relations and create more business. The program can be accessed through www.SEMA.org and the SEI homepage.
Take advantage of all SEMA and WTC benefits by joining the council for the Tropical Awards Reception, WTC Conference and Product Showcase, Long-Range Planning meeting and by learning from an online education track. For more information or to get involved, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.