By Becca Butler
 Press conferences require a great deal of time and effort, but they can be effective in yielding great results. |
Companies exhibiting at the 2016 SEMA Show can connect with members of the media in many different ways. Posting a press release in the Online Media Center, distributing press kits onsite and participating in social media using the hashtag #sema2016 are all simple actions to get your news in front of editors and reporters.
Additionally, those who have significant company news that appeals to a large variety of media outlets may want to host a press conference. While press conferences require a great deal of time and effort, and there is risk that media attendance or interest may be low, they can be effective in yielding great results.
A press conference might be right for you if:
- Your announcement will be of interest to a large number of journalists. If your announcement is niche-specific and is more likely to interest a few select reporters, consider offering exclusive one-on-one meetings and interviews instead.
- Your announcement provides journalists with timely photos and interviews. If journalists can obtain your news without having to attend a press conference, consider sending them a press release that includes a photo and quote instead of limiting them to a specific date/time.
- Your product is completely new to the industry. If your product is not completely new to the industry, then it is unlikely that media will go out of their way to block out a specific 20-minute press conference to obtain details on your product. Instead, consider entering a product into the New Products Showcase or offering your product to project vehicle builders.
If you are interested in hosting a press conference, review this video on How to Host a Successful Press Conference.
The deadline to apply is Friday, July 29. Please know that submitting an application does not guarantee placement, and press conferences will be scheduled at the sole discretion of SEMA Show management. Upon submitting an application, an automatic message will be emailed to confirm it was received. Those who do not receive the automatic email or who have questions can contact Becca Butler at beccab@sema.org or call 909-978-6669 for details.