By Ashley Reyes and Laura Pitts
As part of the SEMA initiative for a robust career- and professional-development program year-round, the education program at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, features all-new sessions and tracks, like the new "Digital Marketing Bootcamp." This dynamic session took place Monday afternoon on October 30 before the Show's official opening Tuesday morning to provide broader access to education on what is usually considered an exhibitor "setup day."
Erin King of Strikepoint Media during the Digital Marketing Bootcamp at the 2023 SEMA Show.
Digital Marketing Bootcamp attendees learned how to stay ahead of the competition in the ever-changing digital landscape and gain invaluable knowledge with expert instruction by leaders from Kahn Media, Microsoft, Rhino Reviews, Strikepoint Media, (un)Common Logic and Walser Automotive Group.
Among topics discussed was the ongoing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital marketing, including how auto-generated blog posts and marketing copy can maximize your business' impact online, something buyer Patrick Mooney of Veteran Detail, American Fork, Utah, told SEMA News he plans to implement into his marketing plan.
"[The most effective takeaway] was the future, really the use of AI and how it's going to impact all forms of marketing. [AI] is still in its infancy, but it's very exciting. Those guys have a really good insight into it," Mooney said of the Digital Marketing Bootcamp presenters. "I'm at the age of 60, and new technology has to be embraced no matter what age you are. You just have to embrace it."
Erin King was among a lineup of experts who covered best practices in digital marketing to a large group of attendees on Monday, October 30.
The lineup of experts also covered best practices of digital advertising, including how not to lose money on an advertising investment, which resonated with attendee Rocky Nash, executive producer of Savvy Streaming based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"A big takeaway was from Darrell Booker, corporate affairs specialist, [Microsoft]," said Nash, emphasizing how Booker stressed how important it is to start with piece-by-piece campaigns and "invest a little at a time into ad spend. The last thing you want to do is spend $30,000 on a campaign to find out they don't know your audience. Invest little by little until you see the success of the campaign before you put more dollars into it."
The Digital Marketing Bootcamp program featured the following speakers and panelists:
- Erin King of Strikepoint Media.
- Jim McKinley of (un)Common Logic.
- Darrell Booker of Microsoft.
- Dan Kahn of Kahn Media.
- Ashley Cavazos of DeMontrond Auto Group.
- Chelsea Craig of Rhino Reviews.
Those who attended and completed the Digital Marketing Bootcamp sessions also earn a coveted SEMA Certificate of Completion if they completed at least two additional digital marketing sessions.
The 2023 SEMA Show Education Program encompasses nearly 100 sessions led by subject matter experts, an EV certification program, Women in Automotive Symposium, and globally recognized speakers. Featured speakers include Tim Tebow, Willy T. Ribbs and Margaret Hoover. Find the complete schedule and register for events in the SEMA Show app and on the SEMA Show planner.
This year's SEMA Show is shaping up to be the best one yet. It's not too late to register for the premier automotive industry homecoming, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas. If you are a professional in the automotive aftermarket, you don't want to miss this opportunity to network, learn, and grow your business. Registration is still available online for $120 through Tuesday. Badge pick-up will be available on-site at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the West Hall for those who register online. Full-service registration (and badge pick-up) will be open in South Hall for those who still need to register. Register now at SEMAShow.com/register!
After you've registered, create a customized schedule, view the floorplan and exhibitor list, browse education sessions, keynote addresses and other Show-related events with the SEMA app at SEMAShow.com/app.