News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Exhibitors: Grow Brand Awareness, Media Coverage With the SEMA Show Online Media Center

Thu, 10/03/2024 - 09:33

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Show Online Media Center is now available for exhibiting companies to submit SEMA Show-related press releases to be included on the SEMA Show website.

Exhibitors can post press releases at semashow.com/press-release to generate excitement and awareness, as well as possible inclusion in association publications and promotion to media attendees.

With thousands of media members in attendance, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media to their booths. The Online Media Center was designed specifically for journalists to find Show-related news and announcements.

Below are several announcements you will find in the Online Media Center:

Press release tips:

Use a strong headline that catches the reader's attention.
Keep the press release brief. Readers want to know what the press release is about right from the beginning.
Include a photo if possible. Many editors use only releases that have photos. Submit photos in a high-resolution (300 dpi) image format.
Always include your booth number and contact information.

To learn more about press conferences, the online media center, or other PR resources available to SEMA Show exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org.

Like 12 Shows in One: Expect More Exhibitors, New Products at 2024 SEMA Show

Thu, 10/03/2024 - 07:00

By Laura Pitts

There is no better place to witness the newest automotive innovations and technology, industry trends and opportunities to grow your business or career than at the SEMA Show, November 5-8, in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

If you're still on the fence about registering, know that this year's event will amaze attendees with what is essentially 12 Shows in one across categories like First-Time & Featured Exhibitors; Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Business Services; Racing & Performance; Hot Rod Alley; Collision Repair & Refinish; Tools & Equipment; Wheels and Tires; and the Global Tire Expo (GTE) presented by the Tire Industry Association (TIA). [Editor's note: Visit the 2024 SEMA Show floorplan here. View the list of current exhibitors here and spotlight exhibitors here.]

One show-within-the-Show is the Global Tire Expo--Presented by TIA, a cornerstone of the tire industry situated in the Lower South Hall. This dedicated Show section, which stems from a partnership between TIA and SEMA beginning in 1996, serves as a comprehensive showcase of the latest tire products, technologies and services from leading manufacturers and suppliers. With around 250 brands in the GTA presented by TIA, it's a can't-miss exhibit area for dealers, retailers, distributors and automotive enthusiasts. In addition, the displays will be complemented by a full schedule of events, providing an excellent platform for networking, business development and knowledge sharing, thanks to TIA. Visit the TIA booths #40067 and #41067 for more details!

In addition to countless new trends and technology on the Show floor, the 2024 SEMA Show will feature the world's largest display of new automotive aftermarket products at the New Products Showcase (Booth #10160 in North Hall). There, buyers can focus on the newest innovations to keep their inventories fresh, while media members, content creators and attendees can get a glimpse of the latest trends shaping the marketplace today and tomorrow. New Product Showcase categories include:

Exterior Accessory Product
Interior Accessory Product
Engineered New Product
Performance--Street Product
Performance--Racing Product
Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product
Street Rod/Custom Car Product
Tools and Equipment Product
Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product
Packaging Design
Merchandising Display
Mobile Electronics Product
Powersports Product
Tire and Related Product
Wheel and Related Product
Collision Repair & Refinish
Electric Vehicle Product
Advanced Driver Assistance System Product (ADAS)

For those interested, SEMA will celebrate New Products Showcase award winners on Tuesday, November 5, at the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast.

Of course, the SEMA Show also features the latest builds, plus new areas dedicated to the future of electric vehicle (EV) and propulsion and other innovations, and world-class education tracks and seminars that give attendees a best-in-class professional development experience.

Unique events and activations such as Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring The Goo Goo Dolls, the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, vehicle demonstrations and unveilings and the second-annual SEMA Fest will provide ample opportunities for the industry to unite. As if all that's not incentive enough, the following are some of the top reasons to attend the Show.

2,400-Plus Exhibitors: With so many brands projected to exhibit, this is where the industry and media gather to see the products and concepts that companies will be delivering to the marketplace in 2025. The event's multifaceted nature generates unmatched ROI while meeting your company's business goals.
Millions of Square Feet Under Roof: The size and scope of the SEMA Show provide your best opportunity to discover new products, increase your awareness of industry trends and innovation, and grow your business in the coming year--and beyond.
12 Product Communities: You'll find a dozen distinct product sections conveniently gathered in one place, bringing ease and efficiency to your search for the brands and innovations most relevant to you and your business. There's a place for everyone at the SEMA Show.
1,400-Plus Vehicles on Display: The Show's wide variety of vehicle displays help familiarize you with the countless new concepts, ideas and products being presented by exhibiting brands--while leading you directly to the booths where you'll find those products on the Show floor.
SEMA Education: The Show offers the largest, most robust, customizable industry education platform for empowering your business, pursuing your own professional development and training/developing your team.
140,000 Attendees, Including 70,000 Buyers and Decision-Makers: The global industry gathers to engage with the entire automotive aftermarket in one location, strengthen and nurture business relationships, generate leads and forge the business connections to be successful. Your competition will be here, shouldn't you be too?
2,500-Plus Media and Content Creators: This massive presence of global media reps whets enthusiast and consumer appetites for the trends and products coming their way--and you can witness first hand what's wowing the crowds and the news being made. This presents a tremendous strategic advantage for your business.
140-Plus Countries/Territories Represented: If you're looking to expand markets beyond the United States, there's no better venue than the SEMA Show.

Builders: Use Exhibitor Products for Your 2024 SEMA Show Project Vehicles

Thu, 10/03/2024 - 06:57

By SEMA News Editors

Exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas Convention Center, are offering products, parts and services for builders working on vehicles set for display at the SEMA Show this year.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list is updated frequently, and features product offers and contact information from confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors looking to collaborate with builders. Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should connect with exhibitors directly using the provided contact information.

Note: All product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder. Each project vehicle on display at the SEMA Show must be supported by a current 2024 SEMA Show exhibitor.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show only. Exhibitors: to be included in the list, complete the form at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

Qualified builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2024 Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, as it is updated when submissions come in.

Note: Submissions appear on a first-come, first-served basis. The Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used by exhibitors to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2024 SEMA Show. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to confirm the builder is affiliated with and working on a vehicle that will be on display at the SEMA Show. For more information about the list, contact Laura Pitts at projectvehicles@sema.org.

SEMA Show Alert: Registration System Is Down, Price Deadline to Be Extended

Tue, 10/01/2024 - 23:43

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Show management is aware of a CompuSystems issue preventing SEMA Show/AAPEX registration. SEMA is working with the vendor to resolve the situation as soon as possible and will extend the price deadline to accommodate those who did not register before the previously announced badge price increase deadline.

The domestic badge mailing process will not be affected by this outage. More details will be announced as soon as they are available. Those with questions or who would like to be notified when the SEMA Show registration portal is re-opened, contact RegMgr@sema.org.

"We appreciate your patience as we resolve this matter and will provide updates as they become available," SEMA Show management.

SEMA Applauds Newsom Veto of SB 961, Pledges Support for Cohesive National Vehicle Safety Policies

Tue, 10/01/2024 - 23:02

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA applauds California Governor Gavin Newsom for his decision over the weekend to veto Senate Bill 961 (Wiener), a bill that would have fragmented national vehicle safety policies by mandating a state-level standard that could have conflicted with ongoing federal safety efforts and preempted national vehicle safety regulations. Under SB 961, certain new vehicles sold in California would have been required to come equipped with a passive speed notification system.

SEMA, representing over 7,000 primarily small businesses nationwide, including over 1,500 in California, had expressed serious concerns about SB 961, citing its potential to disrupt the well-established federal regulatory framework governed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO, emphasized the importance of a unified, national approach to vehicle safety standards.

"Gov. Newsom's veto of SB 961 demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that California's vehicle safety policies are aligned with federal law, regulations and policy," Spagnola said. "A patchwork of conflicting state regulations would have harmed consumers and the automotive industry, potentially stifling innovation and limiting choice."

SB 961 would have required vehicles to be equipped with a passive speed notification system that audibly and visually alerts drivers when they exceed the speed limit by 10 MPH or greater. However, the bill arbitrarily exempted several vehicle types, including medium- and heavy-duty trucks and motorcycles.

"While SEMA fully supports initiatives to improve road safety, SB 961 bypassed targeted, data-driven approaches in favor of broad mandates that could have created unnecessary complications," Spagnola noted. "NHTSA is already actively evaluating speed assistance technology, and it is critical that the federal agency be allowed to continue its work on this issue."

The $337 billion specialty-equipment industry contributes significantly to California's economy, generating more than $40 billion annually in economic output and supporting more than 149,000 jobs in the Golden State. SEMA remains committed to working with policymakers to ensure that automotive safety regulations are balanced and fair and foster innovation.

SEMA would also like to thank the nearly 48,000 SEMA and SEMA Action Network members who contacted their lawmakers and Gov. Newsom to oppose this bill.