The second annual SEMA Awards were presented at the 2011 SEMA Show, casting a light on the vehicle models that are most accessory friendly and customizable. The prestigious honors were determined by the vehicle models that exhibitors chose to display most often in their booths. The awards were presented in various categories, including car, truck, 4x4-SUV and, for the first time, sport compact. Recognizing the unique ability that Show exhibitors have to determine trends and influence buying behavior, media took notice and reported on the vehicles that the exhibitors selected. Here are some of the articles that appeared about the awards.

While there are trade shows that target specific automotive aftermarket segments, the SEMA Show is the premier trade show that covers every aftermarket category. From hot rods, mobile electronics and paints, to wheels, tires, trucks and more, the SEMA Show is unique in that it provides the industry with an opportunity to cross market and discover new opportunities for growth. Nowhere else are industry professionals able to see such a variety of products and accessories.

While the vehicles at the SEMA Show may be the most visual aspect of the annual event, it’s the products that remain the stars. Manufacturers exhibit at the SEMA Show to feature their products, and the number-one reason buyers attend the Show is to discover hot new products. Even the media come to the SEMA Show to see what new products are about to hit the market. Below are a few media clips that prove just how important products are to the SEMA Show.

This month, we’re highlighting a few publications written for race fans. While these publications focus primarily on consumer events, they are important to industry professionals because they reach thousands of active and loyal consumers. These publications do a great job informing their readers about our industry’s products as well as relaying important information, such as legislation updates. We encourage the industry to support these publications and add them to your list of required reading.

The SEMA Show attracts professionals from more than 100 countries, including many journalists who come to the SEMA Show to discover new products and trends. While enthusiasts in different countries may be interested in different segments of the industry, they all look to the United States for the hottest and coolest products. For manufacturers in the United States, this opens endless opportunities to grow their markets and export products internationally. To get an idea of the possibilities, take a look at some of the international media coverage that resulted from the 2010 SEMA Show.

While the 2011 SEMA Show is still a few months away, it’s important to look back at the previous year to gauge the direction the industry is heading. Below are a couple of noteworthy articles that indicate an upward trend. Read what these publications had to say about previous SEMA Shows, and expect more coverage from these and other magazines as they report on the 2011 event taking place in November.

Wheels continue to be one of the first modifications that car and truck owners make to their vehicles. The popularity of these products may be one reason why wheels are so prominent at the SEMA Show. Located in the lower South Hall, where buyer activity tends to be among the highest, the SEMA Show’s Wheels & Accessories section is a key destination for many. Just take a look at what the media captured at last year’s event.

Narrowing down the list of must-read magazines during the first quarter of the year is always a huge challenge. It’s during that time that coverage from the previous SEMA Show hits the newsstands. Go to the automotive section, and you’ll find that just about every car and truck magazine is featuring the new products and trends that were unveiled at the Show. While these issues are likely to be off the shelves by now, you can access most of them online. Take a look at a few that we found.

The 2010 SEMA Show provided the collision repair industry with an expanded program that featured larger and more prominent floor space, targeted educational programs (such as the Society for Collision and Repair Specialists’ Repairer Driven Education—RDE—series) and close collaboration with groups (including the SCRS, ICAR and Collision Industry Conference—CIC).

The 2010 SEMA Show featured the brand-new Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA (Tire Industry Association). This new show within a show brought all segments of the tire industry together in a single location and made it easier than ever for tire professionals to navigate the SEMA Show.