By Della Domingo
Applications are now available for exhibitors of the 2021 SEMA Show to host a press conference here. While a press conference is not ideal for every exhibitor, it can be effective for those who have an announcement that appeals to a large number of media.
Here are some important tips to consider before applying:
Be Detailed on the Application
Press conferences are scheduled based on information on the application. Include detailed information about the press conference and clearly indicate your day and time preferences. Also note if there are factors that should be considered when assigning a date or time (such as a presenter’s limited availability).
Apply Before the Deadline
All applications are due Friday, August 6. The schedule is created shortly after the deadline. Once the schedule is created, it’s difficult—if not impossible—to add to the schedule.
Confirm Your Application Was Received
Exhibitors will receive a confirmation email automatically after the application is submitted. If a confirmation email is not received, there may be technical problems and the application may not have gone through successfully. Exhibitors who do not receive the confirmation email should follow up with pr@sema.org.
Look For Your Update in Late-August
All exhibitors who applied for a press conference will be notified of the status of their application in late-August. Exhibitors will be required to respond to the notification to confirm the assigned day and time.
Plan To Promote Your Press Conference
While SEMA promotes the official press conference schedule to all media, exhibitors should plan on promoting their own press conferences. There is no guarantee that media will attend all press conferences and historically there is a direct correlation between the amount of outreach an exhibitor makes to the number of media who attend a press conference. Exhibitors should be targeted in their outreach and communicate to media who are in their market segment.
Consider Alternatives to A Press Conference
Press conferences require a great deal of time and planning, yet media may not be able to attend. Media often prefer flexibility and may be more likely to cover your news if you provide it to them in advance. Consider offering the media embargos to release news on a specific day and time, instead of requiring that they attend a press conference at a specific day and time. Also consider posting SEMA Show press releases in the Online Media Center prior to the Show, giving media the opportunity to search for relevant news in their product category.
Reach out to the pr team at pr@sema.org to learn more about SEMA Show press conferences and other media resources.