Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities. Click on an item for more details.

Niedzwiecki Joins NSF International Strategic Registrations Ltd.
NSF International Strategic Registrations Ltd. appointed William Niedzwiecki to president and general manager. He will help expand the company's management system registration services both domestically and abroad. According to a release, Niedzwiecki will work closely with NSF’s other business units and international offices to assess industry needs across a global and diverse organization.

S. Kellie Colf Appointed VP of Sales
S. Kellie Colf was appointed vice president of sales for the Aftermarketer Club. Colf, who has extensive sales and marketing experience, will work to help grow the company's presence among aftermarket and auto industry companies. Prior to this appointment, she worked as the market development manager for EATON Detroit Spring for six years. She has more than a decade’s worth of sales and marketing experience with some of the top companies in the auto industry. Colf was named “Woman of the Year” by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network for 2010, and she currently sits on several SEMA committees.

Inaugural Formula DRIFT UAE Invitational Competition Announced
Formula DRIFT Holdings LLC, operators of the Formula DRIFT Championship, and Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, operators of the Yas Marina Circuit, have announced the Inaugural Formula DRIFT UAE Invitational Competition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on February 25, 2011. According to the companies, eight of the top drivers and cars from Formula DRIFT will showcase world-class drifting in a competition format to the Persian Gulf region. With two drivers to be named at a later date, the current drivers include two-time Formula DRIFT champion and three-time X-Games Gold Medalist Tanner Foust, 2010 Formula DRIFT rookie of the year and past Scandinavian champion Fredric Aasbo, 2009 Formula DRIFT champion Chris Forsberg, as well as Darren McNamara, Ryan Tuerck and Daijiro Yoshihara.

Michael Cardone Jr. Named First Chair for Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association
Michael Cardone Jr., chief executive officer of CARDONE Industries Inc., was selected as the first chairman of the newly formed Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA), an affiliate association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). "Michael has been a driving force in the establishment of this new association and we are pleased that he has accepted this new role with the organization," said Bob McKenna, president and CEO of MEMA. "Michael's insights and leadership will be invaluable to MERA during its early growth and development," he added.

Toyo Tires Promotes Stevenson to Regional Sales Manager
Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. promoted Bill Stevenson to regional sales manager. He is responsible for the sales region that includes Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky and part of Indiana. Stevenson joined Toyo in October 2008, serving on the company’s Northeast team as a district sales manager.

 

Last time the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. set their sights on Ford's Fiesta-based CUV undergoing tests, it was winding its way up the mountains in Europe. Here are some shots of the small CUV riding the roads in Southeast Michigan.

The disguised front end on this prototype almost certainly means the Fiesta CUV will get a unique front end, according to Priddy. The larger steel wheels, raised ground clearance and larger gap between the tops of the tires and bodywork reveal just how high-riding this new CUV is. The wheels also protrude past each side of the car, showing the wider track.

Priddy says to expect a stylish design that blends the off-road influence of the Kuga with the Fiesta’s acclaimed looks, plus a choice of two- and four-wheel-drive variants and EcoBoost engines.

Photo Credit: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company

Last time the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. set their sights on Ford's Fiesta-based CUV undergoing tests, it was winding its way up the mountains in Europe. Here are some shots of the small CUV riding the roads in Southeast Michigan.

The disguised front end on this prototype almost certainly means the Fiesta CUV will get a unique front end, according to Priddy. The larger steel wheels, raised ground clearance and larger gap between the tops of the tires and bodywork reveal just how high-riding this new CUV is. The wheels also protrude past each side of the car, showing the wider track.

Priddy says to expect a stylish design that blends the off-road influence of the Kuga with the Fiesta’s acclaimed looks, plus a choice of two- and four-wheel-drive variants and EcoBoost engines.

Photo Credit: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company

Last time the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. set their sights on Ford's Fiesta-based CUV undergoing tests, it was winding its way up the mountains in Europe. Here are some shots of the small CUV riding the roads in Southeast Michigan.

The disguised front end on this prototype almost certainly means the Fiesta CUV will get a unique front end, according to Priddy. The larger steel wheels, raised ground clearance and larger gap between the tops of the tires and bodywork reveal just how high-riding this new CUV is. The wheels also protrude past each side of the car, showing the wider track.

Priddy says to expect a stylish design that blends the off-road influence of the Kuga with the Fiesta’s acclaimed looks, plus a choice of two- and four-wheel-drive variants and EcoBoost engines.

Photo Credit: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company

Generating leads and establishing connections with buyers is a top priority for exhibitors, and a successful Show typically means once the Show closes, the real value of committing to the SEMA Show begins to pay dividends.

It's been exactly one month since the Las Vegas Convention Center was taken over by the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Since that time, the media has worked day and night developing articles, radio broadcasts and television shows, dedicated to giving audiences at least a taste of the 2010 SEMA Show experience. While the media's highlight reels magnificently capture Show floor excitement, for a report on the business impact of the recent SEMA Show, the most powerful stories are coming directly from SEMA Show exhibiting manufacturers.

Generating leads and establishing connections with buyers is a top priority for exhibitors, and a successful Show typically means once the Show closes, the real value of committing to the SEMA Show begins to pay dividends. For Doug Worswick, CEO of Bubba Rope, his company's rolodex is now filled with contacts stretching from Oklahoma to South Africa.

"Being fortunate and honored to receive one of 15 awards from 2,000 entrants in the New Products Showcase as 'Best New Packaging Design' truly puts Bubba Rope on the automotive specialty-equipment map," said Worswick. In fact, according to Worswick, the excitement and enthusiasm generated by Bubba Rope's presence at the Show lead to multiple distribution deals with domestic and international partners. "We found ourselves unexpectedly finalizing exclusive distribution in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, with many other countries showing tremendous interest." Bubba Rope also initiated multiple new business opportunities with domestic buyers. Worswick explained, "Nationally, we scored huge as well, having opened up new distribution channels in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wyoming and Iowa, with many more distribution leads to follow up on."

For many exhibitors, the face-to-face meetings that are only possible at the SEMA Show, create enthusiasm unlike any other form of advertisement. Todd Deshler of Time Shaver Tools saw first hand the value of showcasing his company's Panel Thing painting stand in front of Show attendees. "As we demonstrated our products to bodyshop operators, their enthusiasm was not lost on the wholesale buyers standing nearby," said Deshler. "We can’t overestimate the value an auto body technician explaining to an overseas buyer why he likes a particular product so much." Similar to Bubba Rope, Time Shaver Tools continues to reap the benefits of exhibiting at the Show. "For Time Shaver Tools, the SEMA Show represents a primary location for developing closer relationships with our customers both here and abroad. Our sales from this year’s Show far exceeded our greatest expectations."

For other exhibitors, it's not just following up on leads, a successful SEMA Show has served as a catalyst to hire new employees to meet demands. In a recent article in aftermarketNews, Signal Extraprise Corp. was singled out for having to add sales executives to help "enhance the profitability and productivity of their operations." Signal Extraprise President and CEO A.J. McKenna further suggested that his company's success at the SEMA Show is a positive indicator for the entire industry.

“SEMA Show organizers and TIA deserve praise for creating the Global Tire Expo this year and providing exhibitors and attendees with a refreshed venue for face-to-face meetings and networking opportunities," said McKenna. "Our positive experience was a clear signal that the aftermarket has been emboldened and is preparing for a resurgence after challenging times.”

Ultimately, it is the year-long impact on specialty-equipment business that makes the annual SEMA Show so much more than a four-day business trip to Las Vegas. It's the momentum that the Show creates that brings attendees and exhibitors back, year after year. Speed Dawg LLC General Manager Christopher Figdore cited his company's tremendous success last year as a first-time exhibitor as the primary reason they returned in 2010. According to Figdore, it's a can't-miss event, and his company's presence not only generated new business, but caught the global media's attention as well.

"The SEMA Show enabled Speed Dawg to develop new business relationships, show the quality of our products and expand the awareness of our brand," said Figdore. "Speed Dawg also received a 2010 SEMA Global Media Best New Product Award—a tremendous honor for us that will be utilized in our promotional endeavors."

The business impact of the SEMA Show is something that exhibiting manufacturers will continue to report on throughout 2011. Though each company's story is unique, the common theme is that by claiming a booth space and being a part of the Show, exhibitors will continue to find opportunities that didn't exist a month ago. Throughout the new year, look for 2010 SEMA Show exhibitors to continually grab the media spotlight, taking what premiered in Vegas and delivering it to the world.

Generating leads and establishing connections with buyers is a top priority for exhibitors, and a successful Show typically means once the Show closes, the real value of committing to the SEMA Show begins to pay dividends.

It's been exactly one month since the Las Vegas Convention Center was taken over by the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Since that time, the media has worked day and night developing articles, radio broadcasts and television shows, dedicated to giving audiences at least a taste of the 2010 SEMA Show experience. While the media's highlight reels magnificently capture Show floor excitement, for a report on the business impact of the recent SEMA Show, the most powerful stories are coming directly from SEMA Show exhibiting manufacturers.

Generating leads and establishing connections with buyers is a top priority for exhibitors, and a successful Show typically means once the Show closes, the real value of committing to the SEMA Show begins to pay dividends. For Doug Worswick, CEO of Bubba Rope, his company's rolodex is now filled with contacts stretching from Oklahoma to South Africa.

"Being fortunate and honored to receive one of 15 awards from 2,000 entrants in the New Products Showcase as 'Best New Packaging Design' truly puts Bubba Rope on the automotive specialty-equipment map," said Worswick. In fact, according to Worswick, the excitement and enthusiasm generated by Bubba Rope's presence at the Show lead to multiple distribution deals with domestic and international partners. "We found ourselves unexpectedly finalizing exclusive distribution in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, with many other countries showing tremendous interest." Bubba Rope also initiated multiple new business opportunities with domestic buyers. Worswick explained, "Nationally, we scored huge as well, having opened up new distribution channels in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wyoming and Iowa, with many more distribution leads to follow up on."

For many exhibitors, the face-to-face meetings that are only possible at the SEMA Show, create enthusiasm unlike any other form of advertisement. Todd Deshler of Time Shaver Tools saw first hand the value of showcasing his company's Panel Thing painting stand in front of Show attendees. "As we demonstrated our products to bodyshop operators, their enthusiasm was not lost on the wholesale buyers standing nearby," said Deshler. "We can’t overestimate the value an auto body technician explaining to an overseas buyer why he likes a particular product so much." Similar to Bubba Rope, Time Shaver Tools continues to reap the benefits of exhibiting at the Show. "For Time Shaver Tools, the SEMA Show represents a primary location for developing closer relationships with our customers both here and abroad. Our sales from this year’s Show far exceeded our greatest expectations."

For other exhibitors, it's not just following up on leads, a successful SEMA Show has served as a catalyst to hire new employees to meet demands. In a recent article in aftermarketNews, Signal Extraprise Corp. was singled out for having to add sales executives to help "enhance the profitability and productivity of their operations." Signal Extraprise President and CEO A.J. McKenna further suggested that his company's success at the SEMA Show is a positive indicator for the entire industry.

“SEMA Show organizers and TIA deserve praise for creating the Global Tire Expo this year and providing exhibitors and attendees with a refreshed venue for face-to-face meetings and networking opportunities," said McKenna. "Our positive experience was a clear signal that the aftermarket has been emboldened and is preparing for a resurgence after challenging times.”

Ultimately, it is the year-long impact on specialty-equipment business that makes the annual SEMA Show so much more than a four-day business trip to Las Vegas. It's the momentum that the Show creates that brings attendees and exhibitors back, year after year. Speed Dawg LLC General Manager Christopher Figdore cited his company's tremendous success last year as a first-time exhibitor as the primary reason they returned in 2010. According to Figdore, it's a can't-miss event, and his company's presence not only generated new business, but caught the global media's attention as well.

"The SEMA Show enabled Speed Dawg to develop new business relationships, show the quality of our products and expand the awareness of our brand," said Figdore. "Speed Dawg also received a 2010 SEMA Global Media Best New Product Award—a tremendous honor for us that will be utilized in our promotional endeavors."

The business impact of the SEMA Show is something that exhibiting manufacturers will continue to report on throughout 2011. Though each company's story is unique, the common theme is that by claiming a booth space and being a part of the Show, exhibitors will continue to find opportunities that didn't exist a month ago. Throughout the new year, look for 2010 SEMA Show exhibitors to continually grab the media spotlight, taking what premiered in Vegas and delivering it to the world.

Media registration is now open for the 14th MPMC Media Trade Conference. The MPMC Media Trade Conference takes place January 25–27, 2011, at Embassy Suites Los Angeles International Airport South, El Segundo, California. Media attendance is free, and includes lunch each day, and a media reception on Tuesday evening of the Conference.

Media: Register here.

Media registration is now open for the 14th MPMC Media Trade Conference. The MPMC Media Trade Conference takes place January 25–27, 2011, at Embassy Suites Los Angeles International Airport South, El Segundo, California. Media attendance is free, and includes lunch each day, and a media reception on Tuesday evening of the Conference.

Media: Register here.

Distributors and retailers from throughout China gathered in Beijing to meet with 21 SEMA-member companies that were participating in the first SEMA China Business Development Conference. The hotel-based program held in Beijing in September was built around a series of one-on-one meetings with pre-selected Chinese buyers who traveled to the event from cities throughout China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Ha'erbin in the far north, Guangzhou in the south and Hubei in the center of the country. [Read more]