The WTC’s Guide to the 2011 SEMA Show

	The WTC industry awards reception will again take place against the backdrop of the Renaissance Hotel’s picturesque pool and Envy Cellar. The annual reception serves to honor WTC’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and serve as the council’s premier networking opportunity.

It is that time again! The 2011 SEMA Show is nearly upon us, and you can almost hear the hustle and bustle of the South Hall beginning to rev up as exhibitors, buyers and media all prepare for what is anticipated to be a fantastic Show. The Show offers so many opportunities for attendees that it is often difficult to schedule your time and take advantage of everything. A few of the must-attend events for the wheel and tire segment of the specialty-equipment industry are hosted by the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and include a general membership meeting, networking, the awards reception and educational programming. Do not miss these opportunities to get involved, influence change and better position your business.

WTC General Membership Meeting
Monday, October 31
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center, S227

Open meetings provide a valuable opportunity for WTC members and interested parties to come together, network and share ideas. The WTC leadership hosts this meeting to provide updates on council activities and initiatives, and it’s a great venue to learn how to get more involved in SEMA and WTC, give feedback, voice concerns and share opportunities. As the WTC moves forward and strategically maps out its direction, it is more important than ever to hear from the industry and create a cooperatively active and engaged membership.

WTC Industry Reception
Tuesday, November 1
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Las Vegas Renaissance Pool

The WTC Industry Awards Reception will again take place against the backdrop of the Renaissance Hotel’s picturesque pool and Envy Cellar. The annual reception serves to honor WTC’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and serve as the council’s premier networking opportunity.

Past recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award include distinguished individuals, such as Fenton Liffick, Dick Horasian, Greg Weld and Louis Senter. The honor recognizes those persons who have devoted a majority of their lifetimes, business time and resources to a product or service related to the wheel and tire industry. These individuals epitomize professionalism, integrity and service over a period of 20 or more years. If you know of a professional in our industry who fits this profile, contact WTC Council Director Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Networking and good business go hand-in-hand. Apart from honoring the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, the WTC reception provides a relaxed atmosphere in which attendees can catch up with old friends, explore new opportunities and strengthen existing partnerships. Be sure to take advantage of this one!

Educational Programming

The WTC has renewed its emphasis on education and training as a means of promoting and sustaining its segment of the industry. As the wheel and tire segment continues to face challenges and identify opportunities, one thing is indisputable: the need to constantly reassess marketing and business models. To that end, the WTC has partnered with the SEMA Education Institute to support content that addresses these critical areas. The WTC will be “powering” the following session:

Retail Revolution:
How to Make Your Store Stand Out
Las Vegas Convention Center, N257

In this competitive retail world of ours, a chain store does something unique for customers, and the others quickly follow suit. The leading independent retailer introduces a new service, and the store across town adds it, too. Pretty soon, every store is doing the same things to build sales—and customers barely even notice.

With so much sameness out there, the question is this: What are you doing in your own store that makes it special? What are you prepared to do for your customers that no competitor can knock off? Are you willing to forget the latest self-help book from the latest industry guru and rely on the uniqueness of your store and your people? You compete today for your customers’ pocketbook, mind share and heart share. Once you capture their attention, it takes work to keep it.

See you in Vegas!