Global Update

SEMA’s Inaugural Export Fair Highlights Your International Opportunities

By Linda Spencer

export
The SEMA Export Fair is designed to offer current exporters the opportunity to exchange best practices and discuss strategies for overcoming problems that cost them time and money.

Participate in the first SEMA Export Fair. The event, to take place July 27 in the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will include the opportunity to participate in roundtables and seminars featuring seasoned exporters, top overseas buyers and other key stakeholders.

Companies that want to grow their business through exporting should consider attending. The program is designed to offer current exporters the opportunity to exchange best practices and discuss strategies for overcoming problems that cost them time and money. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with a panel of international buyers and delve into some “hot-button” topics, including identifying the right mix of products based on the vehicles on the road in the targeted market; the most cost-effective and expedient way to get your products to overseas customers; getting paid; vetting potential international customers; and protecting your trademarks, patents and copyrights. The program is also designed for those new to exporting who are interested in learning how to grow their customer base to reach some of the estimated 90% of buyers located outside the United States.

Attendees will learn about what vehicles are on the road in key markets and SEMA’s overseas business development programs to Australia, the Middle East and China, and how to apply for available federal and state support to defray the costs of participating.

Additional program highlights include:

  • Participating in a 30-minute confidential meeting with an IPR attorney to learn about taking the appropriate steps to protect your patents and trademarks. Time slots for private meetings with the attorneys are limited. Reserve your slot on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Measuring vehicles popularly customized abroad but not sold in the United States, including the ’16 Toyota HiLux, a ’14 Mitsubishi L200, a ’14 UAZ Hunter and a ’14 Mitsubishi L200.
  • Learning how to access the SEMA Garage Tech Transfer program’s CAD files for other popular international vehicles not sold in the United States, such as the Nissan Patrol and the diesel Ford Ranger.

Registration fees are $50 per person, which includes breakfast, lunch and happy hour. The event, co-sponsored with the U.S. Department of Commerce, is limited to the first 100 participants. 

Read this SEMA News article for more information on how to connect with international buyers at the SEMA Show.