By Becca Butler
 Participating in the Priority Booth Space Selection process gives exhibiting companies the opportunity to select the best possible space for the SEMA Show. | |
Monday, April 6, is the deadline for exhibitors to submit their 2015 SEMA Show booth space applications (available at www.semashow.com/buyabooth) and be included in the Priority Booth Space Selection Process. What exactly does this mean? Here’s everything exhibitors need to know:
What is the Priority Booth Space Selection?
Priority Booth Space Selection is a three-week process when the booth space for the SEMA Show is assigned to and confirmed by exhibitors. Participating in the Priority Booth Space Selection process gives exhibiting companies the opportunity to select the best possible space for the SEMA Show. This year’s selection is scheduled for May 4–22, 2015.
Who is included in the Priority Booth Space Selection?
Manufacturers that submit an application (often referred to as an “ESRA” – or Exhibit Space Rental Agreement) with their deposits prior to April 6 will be included in the Priority Booth Space Selection. The ESRA simply secures a space and provides Show organizers with details and information that is needed to assign a space. There are typically about 1,500 companies that participate in this process. Companies that submit an ESRA after April 6 will be assigned space after the Priority Booth Space Selection.
How do Show organizers determine my booth space at the SEMA Show?
There are a few factors that determine an exhibitor’s space at the SEMA Show. The first factor is an exhibitor’s market category. The SEMA Show is sectionalized to help connect exhibitors with the most relevant buyers at the Show. For those taking part in the Priority Booth Space Selection process, the next factor is based on seniority. Companies that have exhibited longer will be assigned space before newer exhibitors. The other factor that determines the actual location has to do with booth size and configuration. Some configurations, such as an endcap, have limited availabilities. Learn more about SEMA Show booth configurations.
How does the Priority Booth Space Selection Process work?
During the week of April 27, the person listed on the ESRA as the “exhibitor contact” will receive an e-mail that includes an assigned date, approximate time (a one-hour time range), a link to the online SEMA Show Floorplan and other important details. During your company’s assigned date and time, Show organizers will call the number listed on the booth space application. At that time, exhibitors will be asked to check the online floorplan and select an open booth location that matches what was requested on the ESRA. Immediately following the selection process, an e-mail will be sent confirming the location and size of the booth that was selected.
FAQs
What if I know I will not be available during my assigned date/time, or I will not have access to a computer?
Exhibitors who know they cannot make their assigned date/time can assign another individual or allow SEMA Show Management to select their booth location on their behalf. If you will not have access to a computer, it will be best to have another individual or SEMA Show management select your space as well. The computer is needed to view the updated floorplan and will allow you to see what space is available. A proxy form must be filled out to allow another individual to select your space. For information on the proxy form, please contact sales@sema.org.
How will SEMA Show management select my space for me?
If you are not available to select your space, SEMA Show management will select the best space available, based on the information provided on the application. Exhibitors will receive a confirmation listing the space assigned and will have 24 hours to confirm the location. If unhappy with the space, exhibitors can cancel and receive 100% of their money back.
What if I miss my phone call during my assigned date/time?
Exhibitors who do not answer the phone call will be assigned the best available space based on the specifications listed on their application. A confirmation e-mail will be sent immediately following the booth selection and exhibitors will have 24 hours to either confirm the location, call back to see what other locations are still available or receive their money back. Exhibitors can call 909-396-0289 in order to change the space that was assigned.
What if I’m not happy with the location that I am assigned or with any of the options available?
Exhibitors who are not happy with their booth location will have 24 hours after receiving the confirmation e-mail to alert SEMA Show management for a full refund.
What if I don’t receive an assigned date/time for the Space Selection process?
Exhibitors who do not receive an e-mail with their assigned date and time during the week of April 27 should contact sales@sema.org.
Can I change the size or type of booth during the selection process?
No. The size selected on the ESRA is what will be assigned during the Priority Booth Space Selection. Changes to the size will result in moving to the end of the allocation process and assigned at that time.
To secure a booth space and be included in the Priority Booth Space Selection Process, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth. For more information or additional questions regarding the Priority Booth Space Selection process, contact sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289.