Perhaps indicative of recent TV shows that highlight and glamorize custom car and motorcycle building, more custom builders/fabricators attended the SEMA Show in 2007 than in the two years prior. A majority of the 49 other business classifications also demonstrated significant growth.
Registration data from the 2007 Show revealed a 16% increase in attendees who classified themselves as custom builders and fabricators compared to the 2005 Show. They accounted for the fourth-largest segment of the industry in attendance at the Show, and the second fastest-growing in actual headcount (704 additional custom builders and fabricators), trailed only by the rapid rise in attendees from the collision repair business (1,849 additional attendees compared to 2005, a 90% increase).
The accessories and installation category remained the largest group in attendance for the third consecutive year, followed by auto parts retailers and car dealers. The largest percentage of attendee growth among business segments, however, includes car washes and detailers (238%), and program group buyers and electrical/mechanical remanufacturers (108% each).
“With such a diverse group of exhibitors and attendees, the SEMA Show is really a reflection of what's going on in the accessories industry,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Trends gleaned from the show can represent business opportunities for our members looking to expand their businesses.”
For information on the upcoming 2008 SEMA Show, go to www.SEMAShow.com.