By SEMA Editors
 While the SEMA Show was for many the first real exposure to data standardization, it was also a chance for companies that were already familiar with the topic to connect with the SDC team and see first-hand demonstrations of how the program works. |
The number of specialty-equipment businesses discovering and leveraging quality product data as a tool for increasing sales is on the rise, with hundreds of companies investing time and connecting with the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The SDC kicked the SEMA Show week off with a dedicated “Education Day” on Monday, followed by four days of one-on-one meetings where companies discovered how to best manage product data in today’s technology-heavy marketplace.
“It’s always exciting for us to connect with the industry in person,” said Jim Graven, director of membership for the SDC. “We were happy to see so many Showgoers take time out of their week to learn about data standardization and how it can help their businesses. We’ve found that over the last few years, more and more members are realizing that this is something that is really important, and it’s something that will help their businesses tremendously.”
In one of the most popular seminars, Curt McDowell from Channel Advisor gave insights into how online marketplaces utilize product data to increase sales in “What Every CEO Needs to Know About Sales and Product Data” presentation. This was followed by a detailed introduction to the industry PIES and ACES standards presented by Stephanie Jones of the SDC.
While the SEMA Show was for many the first real exposure to data standardization, it was also a chance for companies that were already familiar with the topic to connect with the SDC team and see first-hand demonstrations of how the program works. As a result, many existing members had personal meetings where experts were able to review their data. Meanwhile, more than 40 new members joined the program during the week.
Since launching in 2013, the SDC has grown to include more than 425 industry brands and 725 data receivers.