SEMA applauded the signing into law of the “Small Business Jobs and Credit Act” (H.R. 5297), including $12 billion in tax incentives for small businesses and creating a $30 billion resource to activate greater lending to small businesses by community banks.

 

This photo gallery is dedicated to the incredible assortment of Jeeps that exhibitors built for the 2009 SEMA Show. For a closer look at all the vehicles from last year's SEMA Show, simply point your browser to www.enjoythedrive.com and click on view all vehicles.

Many SEMA members have secured design or utility patents from the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office only to discover that their patented product is being infringed by imports. If litigation is ultimately necessary to combat the problem, there are two possible forums in which to pursue a grievance, the U.S. International Trade Commission and a federal district court. Each forum has advantages and disadvantages.

As part of its ongoing efforts to help SEMA members protect their intellectual property, SEMA asked Merritt Blakeslee of the Blakeslee Law Firm to prepare an exclusive guide to patent infringement litigation options. Blakeslee specializes on the topic and has conducted a number of intellectual property protection seminars and webinars for SEMA members.

Click here to download the article. For general information about IPR protection, visit www.sema.org/ipr.

Many SEMA members have secured design or utility patents from the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office only to discover that their patented product is being infringed by imports. If litigation is ultimately necessary to combat the problem, there are two possible forums in which to pursue a grievance, the U.S. International Trade Commission and a federal district court. Each forum has advantages and disadvantages.

As part of its ongoing efforts to help SEMA members protect their intellectual property, SEMA asked Merritt Blakeslee of the Blakeslee Law Firm to prepare an exclusive guide to patent infringement litigation options. Blakeslee specializes on the topic and has conducted a number of intellectual property protection seminars and webinars for SEMA members.

Click here to download the article. For general information about IPR protection, visit www.sema.org/ipr.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted goals to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and other greenhouse gases from cars and light trucks in 18 urban areas around the state. While the goals are nonbinding, local jurisdictions will need to demonstrate a likelihood of success in order to take advantage of other incentives, such as streamlined permitting for development projects.

The emissions-reduction goals cover the years 2020 to 2035. Many of the urban areas encompass towns, cities and counties in the state’s four largest regions, namely Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Sacramento. For these areas, CARB’s goals are to reduce CO2 emissions by 7% to 8% by 2020 and 13% to 16% by 2035. CARB set provisional goals of 5% for 2020 and 10% for 2035 for the San Joaquin Valley's eight planning areas.

For other urban areas, the targets vary widely, from zero to 6%. For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted goals to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and other greenhouse gases from cars and light trucks in 18 urban areas around the state. While the goals are nonbinding, local jurisdictions will need to demonstrate a likelihood of success in order to take advantage of other incentives, such as streamlined permitting for development projects.

The emissions-reduction goals cover the years 2020 to 2035. Many of the urban areas encompass towns, cities and counties in the state’s four largest regions, namely Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Sacramento. For these areas, CARB’s goals are to reduce CO2 emissions by 7% to 8% by 2020 and 13% to 16% by 2035. CARB set provisional goals of 5% for 2020 and 10% for 2035 for the San Joaquin Valley's eight planning areas.

For other urban areas, the targets vary widely, from zero to 6%. For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

	Click to view the 2010 SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual in its entirety

The 2010 SEMA Show is just four weeks away and deadlines are quickly approaching, which not only ensure services will be provided in a timely manner onsite, but also many contractors offer “early bird” or “advance rates” that can save you money if received by the published deadlines. To help streamline the process, below are some of the deadlines coming up in the next two weeks.

Freeman – Advance Rate Deadline – October 8

• Carpet and Cleaning Order
• Electrical Order
• Exhibit Accessories
• Exhibit Furnishings
• Hanging Truss, Chain Hoist, Lighting and Stagehand Labor
• Labor, Installation and Dismantle
• Material Handling Order Form
• Method of Payment Form
• Rental Exhibit Order
• Rigging Equipment Labor
• Special Signs and Graphics
• Target Time Changes
• Third Party Payment
• Utilities: Air/Water/Drain Order

SEMA Official Contractors – Advance Rate Deadline

October 8

• Copy/Printing Services (FedEx)
• Cable Order (Smart City)
• Security Guard Service (Cop & Protect)
• Telephone/Internet Order (Smart City)

October 15

• Audio/Visual (PRG)
• Computer Rental (PRG)

Important Promotional & Marketing Opportunities

October 8

• Feature Vehicle Display Application
• Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation
• New Products Awards Entry

October 11

• Exhibitor Registration Due (To Receive Badges in Mail) Domestic Mail, Fax or Online

October 15

• Exhibitor Product Training Programs
• Manufacturers Rep Matching Service
• Meeting/Function Space Reservation
• Project Vehicle Builders

	Exhibitors are encouraged to offer to host students in their booths and work with them to greet potential buyers, re-stock catalogs, handout marketing materials and learn more about their products and services.

With growing concerns about the next generation's perception of cars, SEMA has a tangible way the industry can extend a hand to college students attending the SEMA Show. "We feel it's critical to help students and companies in the aftermarket connect at the industry's leading trade show," said Jamie Eriksen, SEMA's education director. "Now more than ever, the industry needs to proactively engage the next generation and let them know 'We have a place for you here.' Many years ago we developed the SEMA Show Student Program for this express purpose."

One way the industry can connect with the 250 students attending the 2010 SEMA Show is to "host" a student at the Show. You may offer to host them in your booth and work with them to greet potential buyers, re-stock catalogs, handout marketing materials and learn more about your products and services. If you're in marketing or public relations, perhaps a student could spend a half-day at the Show observing how you interact with current and potential customers. If you are in the media, they can shadow you and understand how to approach and cover potential stories. The possibilities are endless. We have students anxious to learn. We need industry volunteers willing to provide opportunities.

If you are interested in helping, complete this form by Friday, October 8, 2010.

	Exhibitors are encouraged to offer to host students in their booths and work with them to greet potential buyers, re-stock catalogs, handout marketing materials and learn more about their products and services.

With growing concerns about the next generation's perception of cars, SEMA has a tangible way the industry can extend a hand to college students attending the SEMA Show. "We feel it's critical to help students and companies in the aftermarket connect at the industry's leading trade show," said Jamie Eriksen, SEMA's education director. "Now more than ever, the industry needs to proactively engage the next generation and let them know 'We have a place for you here.' Many years ago we developed the SEMA Show Student Program for this express purpose."

One way the industry can connect with the 250 students attending the 2010 SEMA Show is to "host" a student at the Show. You may offer to host them in your booth and work with them to greet potential buyers, re-stock catalogs, handout marketing materials and learn more about your products and services. If you're in marketing or public relations, perhaps a student could spend a half-day at the Show observing how you interact with current and potential customers. If you are in the media, they can shadow you and understand how to approach and cover potential stories. The possibilities are endless. We have students anxious to learn. We need industry volunteers willing to provide opportunities.

If you are interested in helping, complete this form by Friday, October 8, 2010.

	Register early for the 2010 SEMA Show to save $50.

Buyers: October 17 is the last day to register for the 2010 SEMA Show and save $50 on early-bird registration. Register now and pay just $25!

Don’t put it off! Register today, receive your Show badges early and cross one thing off your SEMA Show to-do list. Follow this link to register now!

The 2010 SEMA Show is scheduled for November 2–5 in Las Vegas. Follow this link for more information about registering for the Show as well as educational seminars, celebrity appearances and Las Vegas hotel accommodations.