By Linda Spencer
 “We knew we’d have a chance to meet a few automotive enthusiasts while attending the Custom Show Emirates in Abu Dhabi, but the number and overall demand for aftermarket auto parts in general far exceeded our expectations,” noted Scott Spiva (left), who works in sales for Icon Vehicle Dynamics. |
 “Truck Hero took full advantage of the well-organized and balanced SEMA Middle East conference, ranging from several insightful presentations to numerous selected businesses visits,” said Yannick Greiner (left), who works in international sales for Truck Hero and seen here with Sally Goldberg (second left), director of international sales. “We at Truck Hero were able to efficiently focus on prospecting for new leads and nurturing existing business relationships in the Middle East while at the same time gathering valuable feedback and market intelligence.” |
Join SEMA on Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) for an hour-long conference call to learn more about a popular member benefit—SEMA Business Development Programs in both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Australia. The conference call will also provide SEMA members an opportunity to propose additional markets for consideration. More than 200 companies have participated in SEMA’s business development programs to meet potential vetted buyers, visit local specialty-equipment shops and exhibit at regional customizing shows. U.S. government grants are available to qualified companies to defray the cost of participating. A turnkey booth, hotel and meals are included at a rate starting at $3,850 per company.
Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic-car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.
The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.
SEMA Australia Business Development Conference, Melbourne, Australia, May 9–13, 2019
Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Sales of the new Ford Mustang are red-hot, and rumor has it that they have more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.
The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.
For more information about the SEMA Business Development Programs, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs, at lindas@sema.org.