Business Tools

Free Publication Opportunities for SEMA Show Exhibitors

By Jason Catullo

SEMA Show Daily
Participating in SEMA’s Show publications is a simple, no-cost process that begins by submitting a press release to the SEMA Show Online Media Center.

From now until the opening of the 2018 SEMA Show, exhibitors are encouraged to highlight their Show plans through SEMA’s Online Media Center. Announcements about new product releases, celebrity appearances, demonstrations and unique booth attractions are just some examples of what companies submit. As the database of information grows, it serves as a beneficial, one-stop resource for buyers and media leading up to the Show. There is no cost to upload press releases and related images.

An additional benefit of using the Online Media Center is that many of the releases and announcements are used in SEMA Show publications, both electronic and print materials, prior to and during the Show. SEMA’s Show publications are ideal for promoting Show plans and new products, while creating more outreach opportunities for business. 

There are three content types that are relevant for both the October and November issues of SEMA News and the four-issue SEMA Show Daily: new product announcements, Show-related activities and custom-vehicle premieres.

SEMA News Magazine

October SEMA News
Commonly known as the “pre-Show” issue, the October issue features a dedicated section previewing the products to be unveiled during the Show. The deadline for submissions is August 1.

November SEMA News
As the “Show” issue, November includes a preview of some of the world’s most impressive, innovative project vehicles and rare builds, as well as a Show map, schedule of celebrity appearances, Show educational seminars schedule and more. The deadline for submissions is September 1. The issue also contains a sneak peek of several vehicles that are taking part in the 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. More information is available at www.SEMAShow.com/botb.

SEMA Show Daily

There are four issues of the SEMA Show Daily, three of which are distributed at the Show on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

  • The first issue has a circulation of 40,000 and mails September 7, providing a sneak peek of the SEMA Show’s major attractions and can’t-miss features. The deadline for the first issue is July 31.
  • Show Daily #2 will be distributed Tuesday, October 30—the first day of the 2018 SEMA Show. It has a circulation of 10,000 and will be distributed at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The deadline is August 31.
  • Show Daily #3 and #4 also have a circulation of 10,000 each. They will be distributed Wednesday, October 31, and Thursday, November 1. The deadline for both issues is September 14.

The November issue of SEMA News and all issues of Show Daily feature press releases regarding celebrity appearances and related Show activities. Exhibitors should closely monitor editorial deadlines to finalize their Show promotions. To submit a release for consideration, upload it directly to the Online Media Center.

Editorial content is chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, once you do have a release and image ready, submit it, even if it is after the deadline. Journalists from around the world access this library for potential stories. When additional space becomes available, SEMA’s editorial team will continue to utilize the Online Media Center for new stories.

In terms of releases, oftentimes there is only space for 100–200 words. Our editorial team will shorten a longer release given space constraints. When it comes to images, the art department is looking for high-resolution images. That means 300 dpi and in one of the following file types—JPG, EPS or TIF. It is also perfectly acceptable to submit renderings of new products or a picture of a car while it’s still being built.

Key contacts for SEMA’s Online Media Center and SEMA’s editorial department:

Della Domingo
Public Relations Director
dellad@sema.org

John Stewart
Vice President/Editorial Director
johns@sema.org