By Linda Spencer
 “Chinese enthusiasts crave American-made parts,” said Robert Scheid (second left), director of business development for McLeod Racing LLC. “Knowing what they are looking for and finding credible distribution takes participating in this huge market in person.” |
Meet with pre-vetted resellers (distributors, retailers and installers) of specialty products in China’s market of 1.3 billion people, August 15–19, in Shanghai.
Five $1,500 grants are available from the state of California (in addition to $800 from the federal government) to attend the 2018 SEMA China Business Development Program, bringing the cost down to $2,000. The trip includes a turnkey booth, car and driver, interpreter, hotel and meals.
Where?
This year, SEMA is moving to downtown Shanghai, and will exhibit for the first time in the new centrally located National Convention and Expo Center (NCEC), as the China Auto Salon (CAS) has outgrown the space in Anting.
Stay at the Intercontinental Hotel
SEMA will stay at the brand-new Intercontinental Hotel (on the grounds of the expo center).
Car, Driver and Interpreter
On August 16, attendees can explore specialty-equipment shops at their leisure with a list of recommended shops provided by SEMA with their own driver, car and interpreter. On August 17–18, participating companies will exhibit in a turnkey booth with their interpreters.
Grants
In addition to $800 in federal funds available to defray the costs, a number of states also have funds. For example, qualified California companies are eligibile for an additional $1,500 in state funds to participate in the 2018 SEMA China program. North Carolina, Ohio and Connecticut are making funds available to qualified businesses.