Seventy-five percent of 2009 SEMA Show buyers were from the United States and were most interested in exterior accessories.

Even as the specialty-equipment industry grows worldwide and international attendance at the annual SEMA Show continues to increase, the bulk of buyers still come from the United States, according to data from SEMA Show researchers Hedges & Company.

At the 2009 SEMA Show, 75% of buyers (as well as total attendees) were from the United States.

And in an encouraging trend, 57% of American businesses in attendance had been operating for 11 or more years, an increase of 5% from 2008.

The typical U.S. buyer at the SEMA Show has been in business for more than a decade, has $1 million or less in annual sales from one location and does at least some wholesale business.

In 2009, 68% reported at least 10% of their business was wholesale, a 3% decrease from 2008. The data also shows that buyers from companies doing 51% or more of wholesale business decreased in 2009, while companies not doing any wholesale business grew 2%, up to 32%.

Additionally, 66% of businesses attending the 2009 SEMA Show operated from a single location, a 3% increase from 2008.

With the exception of the Western region buyers, who showed most interest in engines, engine parts and components, exterior accessories was the product category of most interest to the rest of the country's buyers. This was followed by engines, engine parts and components; interior accessories; car care, cleaning, wax and polish; and graphics and trim.

Buyers from the Eastern region showed the strongest interest in appearance, restyling and lighting products and also registered more curiousity in business systems and car care and cleaning than buyers from any other region. Western buyers, not surprisingly, gravitated to engine, transmission and exhaust parts and also had a higher interest in equipment and parts than buyers from other regions.

Most U.S. Show attendees came from the West (57%), followed by the South (18%), Midwest (16%) and the Eastern region (9%).

Fewer buyers came from California in 2009, however, a decrease of 17%. Other notable buyer declines included Michigan (-62%) and Ohio (-38%), although 22 states sent more buyers than in 2008, the largest increases coming from Nevada and Texas.

For information about the upcoming 2010 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	Seventy-five percent of 2009 SEMA Show buyers were from the United States and were most interested in exterior accessories.

Even as the specialty-equipment industry grows worldwide and international attendance at the annual SEMA Show continues to increase, the bulk of buyers still come from the United States, according to data from SEMA Show researchers Hedges & Company.

At the 2009 SEMA Show, 75% of buyers (as well as total attendees) were from the United States.

And in an encouraging trend, 57% of American businesses in attendance had been operating for 11 or more years, an increase of 5% from 2008.

The typical U.S. buyer at the SEMA Show has been in business for more than a decade, has $1 million or less in annual sales from one location and does at least some wholesale business.

In 2009, 68% reported at least 10% of their business was wholesale, a 3% decrease from 2008. The data also shows that buyers from companies doing 51% or more of wholesale business decreased in 2009, while companies not doing any wholesale business grew 2%, up to 32%.

Additionally, 66% of businesses attending the 2009 SEMA Show operated from a single location, a 3% increase from 2008.

With the exception of the Western region buyers, who showed most interest in engines, engine parts and components, exterior accessories was the product category of most interest to the rest of the country's buyers. This was followed by engines, engine parts and components; interior accessories; car care, cleaning, wax and polish; and graphics and trim.

Buyers from the Eastern region showed the strongest interest in appearance, restyling and lighting products and also registered more curiousity in business systems and car care and cleaning than buyers from any other region. Western buyers, not surprisingly, gravitated to engine, transmission and exhaust parts and also had a higher interest in equipment and parts than buyers from other regions.

Most U.S. Show attendees came from the West (57%), followed by the South (18%), Midwest (16%) and the Eastern region (9%).

Fewer buyers came from California in 2009, however, a decrease of 17%. Other notable buyer declines included Michigan (-62%) and Ohio (-38%), although 22 states sent more buyers than in 2008, the largest increases coming from Nevada and Texas.

For information about the upcoming 2010 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	Seventy-five percent of 2009 SEMA Show buyers were from the United States and were most interested in exterior accessories.

Even as the specialty-equipment industry grows worldwide and international attendance at the annual SEMA Show continues to increase, the bulk of buyers still come from the United States, according to data from SEMA Show researchers Hedges & Company.

At the 2009 SEMA Show, 75% of buyers (as well as total attendees) were from the United States.

And in an encouraging trend, 57% of American businesses in attendance had been operating for 11 or more years, an increase of 5% from 2008.

The typical U.S. buyer at the SEMA Show has been in business for more than a decade, has $1 million or less in annual sales from one location and does at least some wholesale business.

In 2009, 68% reported at least 10% of their business was wholesale, a 3% decrease from 2008. The data also shows that buyers from companies doing 51% or more of wholesale business decreased in 2009, while companies not doing any wholesale business grew 2%, up to 32%.

Additionally, 66% of businesses attending the 2009 SEMA Show operated from a single location, a 3% increase from 2008.

With the exception of the Western region buyers, who showed most interest in engines, engine parts and components, exterior accessories was the product category of most interest to the rest of the country's buyers. This was followed by engines, engine parts and components; interior accessories; car care, cleaning, wax and polish; and graphics and trim.

Buyers from the Eastern region showed the strongest interest in appearance, restyling and lighting products and also registered more curiousity in business systems and car care and cleaning than buyers from any other region. Western buyers, not surprisingly, gravitated to engine, transmission and exhaust parts and also had a higher interest in equipment and parts than buyers from other regions.

Most U.S. Show attendees came from the West (57%), followed by the South (18%), Midwest (16%) and the Eastern region (9%).

Fewer buyers came from California in 2009, however, a decrease of 17%. Other notable buyer declines included Michigan (-62%) and Ohio (-38%), although 22 states sent more buyers than in 2008, the largest increases coming from Nevada and Texas.

For information about the upcoming 2010 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	Seventy-five percent of 2009 SEMA Show buyers were from the United States and were most interested in exterior accessories.

Even as the specialty-equipment industry grows worldwide and international attendance at the annual SEMA Show continues to increase, the bulk of buyers still come from the United States, according to data from SEMA Show researchers Hedges & Company.

At the 2009 SEMA Show, 75% of buyers (as well as total attendees) were from the United States.

And in an encouraging trend, 57% of American businesses in attendance had been operating for 11 or more years, an increase of 5% from 2008.

The typical U.S. buyer at the SEMA Show has been in business for more than a decade, has $1 million or less in annual sales from one location and does at least some wholesale business.

In 2009, 68% reported at least 10% of their business was wholesale, a 3% decrease from 2008. The data also shows that buyers from companies doing 51% or more of wholesale business decreased in 2009, while companies not doing any wholesale business grew 2%, up to 32%.

Additionally, 66% of businesses attending the 2009 SEMA Show operated from a single location, a 3% increase from 2008.

With the exception of the Western region buyers, who showed most interest in engines, engine parts and components, exterior accessories was the product category of most interest to the rest of the country's buyers. This was followed by engines, engine parts and components; interior accessories; car care, cleaning, wax and polish; and graphics and trim.

Buyers from the Eastern region showed the strongest interest in appearance, restyling and lighting products and also registered more curiousity in business systems and car care and cleaning than buyers from any other region. Western buyers, not surprisingly, gravitated to engine, transmission and exhaust parts and also had a higher interest in equipment and parts than buyers from other regions.

Most U.S. Show attendees came from the West (57%), followed by the South (18%), Midwest (16%) and the Eastern region (9%).

Fewer buyers came from California in 2009, however, a decrease of 17%. Other notable buyer declines included Michigan (-62%) and Ohio (-38%), although 22 states sent more buyers than in 2008, the largest increases coming from Nevada and Texas.

For information about the upcoming 2010 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

The Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC)—set for Friday, April 30, 2010, at the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) in Lima, Ohio—offers 12 seminars/workshops to help sharpen the skills of accessory installers. The program features one-hour sessions (with two classes running concurrently throughout the day) offered by companies, such as Webasto, Katzkin, Audiovox, Restyler’s Choice, Eagle Enterprises and more.

The sessions cover the following tracks:

• Leather
• Sunroofs
• 12-Volt
• Truck Accessories
• Towing and Suspension
• Diesel Performance
• Self-Adhesive
• ASE/A6 Electrical

The event also includes a “bullpen” area offering hands-on experience, in addition to classroom training. Cost to attend is $25 for the first attendee from each company, $15 for each additional person. The price includes a catered breakfast, lunch and evening reception; admission to the PRO council General Membership Meeting (learn about PRO, what it's doing for the industry and how to get involved); and entrance to the PRO Long Range Planning meeting (for PRO members, Saturday, May 1).

Don’t wait until the event is full—click here to sign up! For more information, visit www.sema.org/TSTC.

The Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC)—set for Friday, April 30, 2010, at the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) in Lima, Ohio—offers 12 seminars/workshops to help sharpen the skills of accessory installers. The program features one-hour sessions (with two classes running concurrently throughout the day) offered by companies, such as Webasto, Katzkin, Audiovox, Restyler’s Choice, Eagle Enterprises and more.

The sessions cover the following tracks:

• Leather
• Sunroofs
• 12-Volt
• Truck Accessories
• Towing and Suspension
• Diesel Performance
• Self-Adhesive
• ASE/A6 Electrical

The event also includes a “bullpen” area offering hands-on experience, in addition to classroom training. Cost to attend is $25 for the first attendee from each company, $15 for each additional person. The price includes a catered breakfast, lunch and evening reception; admission to the PRO council General Membership Meeting (learn about PRO, what it's doing for the industry and how to get involved); and entrance to the PRO Long Range Planning meeting (for PRO members, Saturday, May 1).

Don’t wait until the event is full—click here to sign up! For more information, visit www.sema.org/TSTC.

The Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC)—set for Friday, April 30, 2010, at the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) in Lima, Ohio—offers 12 seminars/workshops to help sharpen the skills of accessory installers. The program features one-hour sessions (with two classes running concurrently throughout the day) offered by companies, such as Webasto, Katzkin, Audiovox, Restyler’s Choice, Eagle Enterprises and more.

The sessions cover the following tracks:

• Leather
• Sunroofs
• 12-Volt
• Truck Accessories
• Towing and Suspension
• Diesel Performance
• Self-Adhesive
• ASE/A6 Electrical

The event also includes a “bullpen” area offering hands-on experience, in addition to classroom training. Cost to attend is $25 for the first attendee from each company, $15 for each additional person. The price includes a catered breakfast, lunch and evening reception; admission to the PRO council General Membership Meeting (learn about PRO, what it's doing for the industry and how to get involved); and entrance to the PRO Long Range Planning meeting (for PRO members, Saturday, May 1).

Don’t wait until the event is full—click here to sign up! For more information, visit www.sema.org/TSTC.

	GM has expanded its project-vehicle program by making additional Silverado HD trucks and GMC Sierra HD trucks available.

General Motors has made provisions for additional Camaros, Silverado HD trucks and GMC Sierra HD trucks to this year's project-vehicle program. Anyone considering applying for a vehicle is asked to submit a proposal to Bob Kern no later than April 30.

For the 2010 SEMA Show, General Motors will focus on passenger car performance accessories and pickups with full accessory programs from the accessories market.

Key passenger cars for consideration include the Chevrolet Cruze and Camaro. Other GM product lines will be available in limited quantities within the scope of this program, and proposals will be reviewed on an individual basis for approval.

To submit a proposal, prepare three copies, including a rendering on 8 1/2 x 11 paper (stapled, not bound). Mailed proposals are preferred to e-mailed submissions. Proposals must include the four General Motors criteria listed below for content and definition:

1: Introductory letter defining the theme of the project vehicle (i.e. target market segment), its general content, date you will need the vehicle and project completion date.

2: A list of specific system upgrades, including partnered sources, if appropriate (using a formatted Excel spreadsheet available from SEMA Relations Manager Bob Kern; contact info below).

3: A proposed list of intended events, trade shows, publications, etc., where the vehicle will be promoted. Availability for the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is required. State where the vehicle will be displayed at the SEMA Show and who will sponsor it if placed in a feature spot. Note that partners are required to promote the vehicle through November 1, 2011. Proposals with guaranteed interior booth space will be given preferred consideration.

4: 8 1/2 x 11 copy of a color rendering illustrating front and side appearance (composite 3/4 views acceptable) with the intended color and graphic scheme defined. If the interior will be significantly modified, an interior sketch is also recommended. Preservation of front end brand identity (division emblem and possibly grille features) is mandatory.

SEMA members interested in developing a General Motors project vehicle for the 2010 SEMA Show are encouraged to prepare a Project Description Plan and submit it to:

Bob Kern, SEMA Relations Manager
2382 Browning Dr.
Orion, MI, 48360

For additional details, contact Kern at
rob_eagle22@yahoo.com
phone: 313/667-6126
cell: 313/300-9471
fax: 313/667-5001

Please note that quantities for each brand are limited. Vehicle availability (timing) may vary by brand, depending on start-of-production schedules. GM recommends submitting proposals early for preferential consideration, but no later than April 30, 2010.

Approved projects will need to be completed no later than October 18, 2010.

	GM has expanded its project-vehicle program by making additional Silverado HD trucks and GMC Sierra HD trucks available.

General Motors has made provisions for additional Camaros, Silverado HD trucks and GMC Sierra HD trucks to this year's project-vehicle program. Anyone considering applying for a vehicle is asked to submit a proposal to Bob Kern no later than April 30.

For the 2010 SEMA Show, General Motors will focus on passenger car performance accessories and pickups with full accessory programs from the accessories market.

Key passenger cars for consideration include the Chevrolet Cruze and Camaro. Other GM product lines will be available in limited quantities within the scope of this program, and proposals will be reviewed on an individual basis for approval.

To submit a proposal, prepare three copies, including a rendering on 8 1/2 x 11 paper (stapled, not bound). Mailed proposals are preferred to e-mailed submissions. Proposals must include the four General Motors criteria listed below for content and definition:

1: Introductory letter defining the theme of the project vehicle (i.e. target market segment), its general content, date you will need the vehicle and project completion date.

2: A list of specific system upgrades, including partnered sources, if appropriate (using a formatted Excel spreadsheet available from SEMA Relations Manager Bob Kern; contact info below).

3: A proposed list of intended events, trade shows, publications, etc., where the vehicle will be promoted. Availability for the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is required. State where the vehicle will be displayed at the SEMA Show and who will sponsor it if placed in a feature spot. Note that partners are required to promote the vehicle through November 1, 2011. Proposals with guaranteed interior booth space will be given preferred consideration.

4: 8 1/2 x 11 copy of a color rendering illustrating front and side appearance (composite 3/4 views acceptable) with the intended color and graphic scheme defined. If the interior will be significantly modified, an interior sketch is also recommended. Preservation of front end brand identity (division emblem and possibly grille features) is mandatory.

SEMA members interested in developing a General Motors project vehicle for the 2010 SEMA Show are encouraged to prepare a Project Description Plan and submit it to:

Bob Kern, SEMA Relations Manager
2382 Browning Dr.
Orion, MI, 48360

For additional details, contact Kern at
rob_eagle22@yahoo.com
phone: 313/667-6126
cell: 313/300-9471
fax: 313/667-5001

Please note that quantities for each brand are limited. Vehicle availability (timing) may vary by brand, depending on start-of-production schedules. GM recommends submitting proposals early for preferential consideration, but no later than April 30, 2010.

Approved projects will need to be completed no later than October 18, 2010.

	GM has expanded its project-vehicle program by making additional Silverado HD trucks and GMC Sierra HD trucks available.

General Motors has made provisions for additional Camaros, Silverado HD trucks and GMC Sierra HD trucks to this year's project-vehicle program. Anyone considering applying for a vehicle is asked to submit a proposal to Bob Kern no later than April 30.

For the 2010 SEMA Show, General Motors will focus on passenger car performance accessories and pickups with full accessory programs from the accessories market.

Key passenger cars for consideration include the Chevrolet Cruze and Camaro. Other GM product lines will be available in limited quantities within the scope of this program, and proposals will be reviewed on an individual basis for approval.

To submit a proposal, prepare three copies, including a rendering on 8 1/2 x 11 paper (stapled, not bound). Mailed proposals are preferred to e-mailed submissions. Proposals must include the four General Motors criteria listed below for content and definition:

1: Introductory letter defining the theme of the project vehicle (i.e. target market segment), its general content, date you will need the vehicle and project completion date.

2: A list of specific system upgrades, including partnered sources, if appropriate (using a formatted Excel spreadsheet available from SEMA Relations Manager Bob Kern; contact info below).

3: A proposed list of intended events, trade shows, publications, etc., where the vehicle will be promoted. Availability for the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is required. State where the vehicle will be displayed at the SEMA Show and who will sponsor it if placed in a feature spot. Note that partners are required to promote the vehicle through November 1, 2011. Proposals with guaranteed interior booth space will be given preferred consideration.

4: 8 1/2 x 11 copy of a color rendering illustrating front and side appearance (composite 3/4 views acceptable) with the intended color and graphic scheme defined. If the interior will be significantly modified, an interior sketch is also recommended. Preservation of front end brand identity (division emblem and possibly grille features) is mandatory.

SEMA members interested in developing a General Motors project vehicle for the 2010 SEMA Show are encouraged to prepare a Project Description Plan and submit it to:

Bob Kern, SEMA Relations Manager
2382 Browning Dr.
Orion, MI, 48360

For additional details, contact Kern at
rob_eagle22@yahoo.com
phone: 313/667-6126
cell: 313/300-9471
fax: 313/667-5001

Please note that quantities for each brand are limited. Vehicle availability (timing) may vary by brand, depending on start-of-production schedules. GM recommends submitting proposals early for preferential consideration, but no later than April 30, 2010.

Approved projects will need to be completed no later than October 18, 2010.