87 DAYS TO THE SEMA SHOW—IMPORTANT EXHIBITOR NEWS HERE


The 2008 SEMA Show opens its doors in 87 days.

SHOW DAYS: Tuesday, November 4–Friday, November 7, 2008

EXHIBITOR SERVICES MANUALS
The complete SEMA Show 2008 Exhibitor Services Manual is available online. You should have received an e-mail with a direct link to the Exhibitor Services Manual a couple of weeks ago, and you can always check www.SEMAShow.com for the link to the Exhibitor Services Manual and begin ordering services for your SEMA Show booth. You do not need to register or login to download the forms contained on this website, unless you are ordering services directly from Freeman.

Rather than sharing one hard-bound Exhibitor Services Manual as has been required in the past, you can forward this webpage to others in your organization so everyone can conveniently download the forms that they require to have a successful Show.  

Note: This year we will not automatically mail the hard copy of the Exhibitor Services Manual. If you need assistance or wish to order a hardcopy or CD of the Exhibitor Services Manual, please contact SEMA Show Management at 702/450-7662, ext. 120, or e-mail Show Management at Exhibit-SEMA@ConvExx.com.

Important: All the forms for all contractors, SEMA and Show Management are available under the “FORMS & BROCHURES” link located in the left column of the online services manual.

If this is your first time using Freeman online, and you intend to order products or services from Freeman, click on the LOGIN link to register. If you misplaced your Freeman Online password, contact Freeman Exhibitor Services Department at 702/407-4696.

NEW THIS YEAR!

First Aid Additional Locations
Three new locations for first aid have been added to the Show, in order to expedite service. The location areas are:

  • North Lobby
  • East end of the South Hall upstairs
  • Roving first-aid in the Silver Lot for the Front Halls

Material Handling
In order to help the significant number of exhibitors that arrive at the SEMA Show with freight in their own personally operated vehicle, SEMA and Freeman have expanded the Free Hand Carry/Cart Service program from 500 lbs.– 1,000 lbs. Essentially, if you arrive on-site at the SEMA Show with less than 1,000 lbs. of freight in your vehicle, which can be delivered in one trip to your booth, Freeman labor will assist you in carrying the freight to your booth for FREE. This service will be available Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and on Monday, November 3, 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

All information regarding this free service, including the locations around the convention center where you can take advantage of this service, can be found in the Exhibitor Services Manual website under Tab 14. If you have any further questions regarding the freight handling assistance, or any other questions regarding freight handling at the SEMA Show, contact Freeman at 702/407-4694.

You will also find under Tab 14 of the online Exhibitor Services Manual great tips on how to package your freight that will save you money not only for the transportation, but the freight handling onsite. Customer service at Freeman will also be able to answer any questions you may have at 702/407-4694.

New "Clean Floor" Deadline in Effect
In an effort by SEMA and the Official Service Contractor to ensure a fluid move-in of the Show for all exhibitors, a new "clean floor" deadline will be in force at the 2008 SEMA Show. "Clean Floor" refers to the requirement that all crates and "empties" be ready for pick up by the Official Service Contractor for storage during the Show. All crates must be sealed, closed and labeled for Freeman or to commence "cleaning" the floor for final preparation of the Show's opening (i.e., laying aisle carpet, completing hanging banners, etc.).

Previously, the deadline was 5:00 p.m. on the Monday before Show opening, but the deadline has been changed to 3:00 p.m. Although this is only two hours, those two hours are vital to the successful opening of the Show, ensuring everything is completed prior to the first attendees walking the Show floor Tuesday morning, and alleviating any issues you—the exhibitor—may have prior to the Show opening.

Show Management greatly appreciates your understanding and observation of this deadline.

Non-Exhibiting Manufacturers Rule Change
Non-Exhibiting Manufacturers registration continues to be restricted to two (2) badges per company. However, the cost for registration has increased to $200 per badge.

Registration
Exhibitor registration is available online at www.SEMAshow.com. Additional badges required over the allocated amount are $15 per badge.  Please note that exhibitor registration onsite is $15 per badge, regardless of any remaining allotment. Unique individual e-mail addresses are required to complete registration for booth personnel. In order to receive a badge, each registrant is required to confirm their e-mail address once registration is complete. If the e-mail is not confirmed prior to the badge mailing, the badges will be held for pick up at the Show. 

If you did not receive your exhibitor registration password via e-mail, contact customer service at SEMA-Reg@convexx.com or call 702/450-7662, ext. 120.

Registration for attendees continues to be strong, and thousands of new buyers are planning on attending the 2008 SEMA Show. Attention from the international community has never been greater, and we look forward to another successful Show this year. Please make sure that you plan accordingly, including taking advantage of all the outreach opportunities made available to exhibitors through the Center for International Commerce and other resources around the SEMA Show, so your company can capture the best leads possible. You can find much of the information in the online Exhibitor Services Manual, or feel free to contact SEMA Show Management at 702/450-7662, ext. 120.

Show Office Additional Location
An additional Show Office will be located above in the Grand Lobby on the second floor next to Members Lounge in order to serve North and Central Hall.

DEADLINES

August 15: Complimentary Banquet Ticket Request Due

August 22: Exhibitor Registration Due – (To receive Badges in Mail) for International Mail/Fax

August 28: Exhibitor Registration Due – (To Receive Badges in Mail) International Online

August 29:

  • International Buyers Guide Advertising Space Reservation
  • Lead Retrieval Rental (Early Bird Rate)
  • Media Conference Application
  • Show Directory Advertising Space reservations

SHOW COLORS

  • Business Services (North Hall): Burgundy
  • Front Exhibit Hall: Red
  • Hot Rod Alley (Central Hall): Burgundy
  • Mobile Electronics & Technology (North Hall): Blue
  • Tires, Wheels & Equipment (Lower South Hall): Blue
  • Racing and Performance (Central Hall): Red
  • Restoration Marketplace (Central Hall): Plum
  • Restyling & Car Care Accessories (North Hall): Green
  • Tools and Equipment (North Hall): Plum
  • Trucks/SUV’s, Off-Road (Upper South Hall): Green

SPONSORSHIPS

Want your company to stand out in the crowd? SEMA offers several ways to give you that opportunity by becoming a sponsor at the Show. This is a great way to promote your company, and your sponsorship dollars go right back into the automotive aftermarket industry. Contact Motor Media Inc. at 818/248-4449. 

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

SEMA has worked hard this year to ensure there are hotel rooms in every price point available to show attendees and exhibitors.  You can find a list of hotels that are AAIW Official Hotels at www.SEMAshow.com/travel.  At that website you can make all your hotel reservations, or simply by calling the AAIW Housing Bureau at 800/967-8852 or 847/948-6789.