Tips to connect with buyers before the Show, on the Show floor, and once you're back at the shop.

It’s countdown time for the 2016 SEMA Show, to be held November 1–4 in Las Vegas—which means that it’s time to assess your preparations for the Show as an exhibitor. Have you done everything you can to ensure success by attracting buyers to your booth? According to SEMA Vice President of Communications and Events Peter MacGillivray, more than 60,000 buyers are anticipated at this year’s SEMA Show, and an extremely large number of them are already deciding which exhibitors they want to see.

Tips to connect with buyers before the Show, on the Show floor, and once you're back at the shop.

It’s countdown time for the 2016 SEMA Show, to be held November 1–4 in Las Vegas—which means that it’s time to assess your preparations for the Show as an exhibitor. Have you done everything you can to ensure success by attracting buyers to your booth? According to SEMA Vice President of Communications and Events Peter MacGillivray, more than 60,000 buyers are anticipated at this year’s SEMA Show, and an extremely large number of them are already deciding which exhibitors they want to see.

By Jason Catullo

Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra

The Online Media Center has recently received several project-vehicle reveal announcements taking place during the 2016 SEMA Show. The Online Media Center is a free resource for exhibitors to post their SEMA Show news and press releases. Attendees and media access the digital news resource to learn about exhibitor products, Show demonstrations, special appearances, vehicle displays and more.

Latest SEMA Show Vehicle Reveal News

Transamerican Auto Parts, Bass Pro Shops - Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra

• Transamerican Auto Parts, in conjunction with Bass Pro Shops, will perform an on-site build of “The Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra.” The “live” build will be featured at booth #62112 within the SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience Area (located outside of the South Hall, in the Silver Lot).

Addictive Desert Designs - Springfield Armory Legacy 2017 Ford Raptor

• Springfield Armory and Addictive Desert Designs have joined forces to build the ultimate tactical vehicle package. Using the all-new ’17 Ford Raptor platform, the custom accessories will emphasize the firearm enthusiast and embody several Springfield Armory products in the build. The unveiling will take place at the Addictive Desert Designs SEMA booth #34237, Tuesday, November 1, at 1:00 p.m.

"Rat Trap"

Quarter Mile Foundation, Rat Trap Racing - “Rat Trap”

• The Quarter Mile Foundation teamed up with Rat Trap Racing to display “Rat Trap,” a classic fuel-altered car based on the Austin Bantam roadster body shell, mated to the Watson chassis. The car will be a part of the Foundation’s booth (#11000) in the Grand Lobby area of the Central Hall.

Valor Automotive - “Sweet” Custom Rides

• The Valspar Automotive booth (#10851, North Hall) will feature a ’50 Studebaker Dragster in Matrix Automotive Finishes by Tony Lanesky of Anton’s Hot Rod Shop of Cleveland, Ohio; a ’78 Pontiac Trans Am in Prospray Finishes by John Wargo of The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois; and a custom trike in Matrix colors from Count’s Kustoms and History’s “Counting Cars.”

ITW Global Brands, Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) – “Thin Blue Line” Mustang

• ITW Global Brands will feature the Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) “Thin Blue Line” Mustang in its booth (#15119) in the Westgate Hall. For $20 or more SEMA Show attendees can sign the hood of the Mustang. All proceeds raised will be presented to DRAGG to support its mission of police officers and the automotive industry mentoring youth in their home community of Oxnard, California. The DRAGG “Thin Blue Line” Mustang was customized and built by the students of DRAGG in Oxnard. Ford partnered with DRAGG and donated the Mustang Fastback used to create the “Thin Blue Line.”

For the latest news and press releases from 2016 SEMA Show exhibitors, visit the Online Media Center.

By Jason Catullo

Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra

The Online Media Center has recently received several project-vehicle reveal announcements taking place during the 2016 SEMA Show. The Online Media Center is a free resource for exhibitors to post their SEMA Show news and press releases. Attendees and media access the digital news resource to learn about exhibitor products, Show demonstrations, special appearances, vehicle displays and more.

Latest SEMA Show Vehicle Reveal News

Transamerican Auto Parts, Bass Pro Shops - Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra

• Transamerican Auto Parts, in conjunction with Bass Pro Shops, will perform an on-site build of “The Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra.” The “live” build will be featured at booth #62112 within the SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience Area (located outside of the South Hall, in the Silver Lot).

Addictive Desert Designs - Springfield Armory Legacy 2017 Ford Raptor

• Springfield Armory and Addictive Desert Designs have joined forces to build the ultimate tactical vehicle package. Using the all-new ’17 Ford Raptor platform, the custom accessories will emphasize the firearm enthusiast and embody several Springfield Armory products in the build. The unveiling will take place at the Addictive Desert Designs SEMA booth #34237, Tuesday, November 1, at 1:00 p.m.

"Rat Trap"

Quarter Mile Foundation, Rat Trap Racing - “Rat Trap”

• The Quarter Mile Foundation teamed up with Rat Trap Racing to display “Rat Trap,” a classic fuel-altered car based on the Austin Bantam roadster body shell, mated to the Watson chassis. The car will be a part of the Foundation’s booth (#11000) in the Grand Lobby area of the Central Hall.

Valor Automotive - “Sweet” Custom Rides

• The Valspar Automotive booth (#10851, North Hall) will feature a ’50 Studebaker Dragster in Matrix Automotive Finishes by Tony Lanesky of Anton’s Hot Rod Shop of Cleveland, Ohio; a ’78 Pontiac Trans Am in Prospray Finishes by John Wargo of The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois; and a custom trike in Matrix colors from Count’s Kustoms and History’s “Counting Cars.”

ITW Global Brands, Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) – “Thin Blue Line” Mustang

• ITW Global Brands will feature the Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) “Thin Blue Line” Mustang in its booth (#15119) in the Westgate Hall. For $20 or more SEMA Show attendees can sign the hood of the Mustang. All proceeds raised will be presented to DRAGG to support its mission of police officers and the automotive industry mentoring youth in their home community of Oxnard, California. The DRAGG “Thin Blue Line” Mustang was customized and built by the students of DRAGG in Oxnard. Ford partnered with DRAGG and donated the Mustang Fastback used to create the “Thin Blue Line.”

For the latest news and press releases from 2016 SEMA Show exhibitors, visit the Online Media Center.

By Jason Catullo

Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra

The Online Media Center has recently received several project-vehicle reveal announcements taking place during the 2016 SEMA Show. The Online Media Center is a free resource for exhibitors to post their SEMA Show news and press releases. Attendees and media access the digital news resource to learn about exhibitor products, Show demonstrations, special appearances, vehicle displays and more.

Latest SEMA Show Vehicle Reveal News

Transamerican Auto Parts, Bass Pro Shops - Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra

• Transamerican Auto Parts, in conjunction with Bass Pro Shops, will perform an on-site build of “The Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra.” The “live” build will be featured at booth #62112 within the SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience Area (located outside of the South Hall, in the Silver Lot).

Addictive Desert Designs - Springfield Armory Legacy 2017 Ford Raptor

• Springfield Armory and Addictive Desert Designs have joined forces to build the ultimate tactical vehicle package. Using the all-new ’17 Ford Raptor platform, the custom accessories will emphasize the firearm enthusiast and embody several Springfield Armory products in the build. The unveiling will take place at the Addictive Desert Designs SEMA booth #34237, Tuesday, November 1, at 1:00 p.m.

"Rat Trap"

Quarter Mile Foundation, Rat Trap Racing - “Rat Trap”

• The Quarter Mile Foundation teamed up with Rat Trap Racing to display “Rat Trap,” a classic fuel-altered car based on the Austin Bantam roadster body shell, mated to the Watson chassis. The car will be a part of the Foundation’s booth (#11000) in the Grand Lobby area of the Central Hall.

Valor Automotive - “Sweet” Custom Rides

• The Valspar Automotive booth (#10851, North Hall) will feature a ’50 Studebaker Dragster in Matrix Automotive Finishes by Tony Lanesky of Anton’s Hot Rod Shop of Cleveland, Ohio; a ’78 Pontiac Trans Am in Prospray Finishes by John Wargo of The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois; and a custom trike in Matrix colors from Count’s Kustoms and History’s “Counting Cars.”

ITW Global Brands, Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) – “Thin Blue Line” Mustang

• ITW Global Brands will feature the Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) “Thin Blue Line” Mustang in its booth (#15119) in the Westgate Hall. For $20 or more SEMA Show attendees can sign the hood of the Mustang. All proceeds raised will be presented to DRAGG to support its mission of police officers and the automotive industry mentoring youth in their home community of Oxnard, California. The DRAGG “Thin Blue Line” Mustang was customized and built by the students of DRAGG in Oxnard. Ford partnered with DRAGG and donated the Mustang Fastback used to create the “Thin Blue Line.”

For the latest news and press releases from 2016 SEMA Show exhibitors, visit the Online Media Center.

By SEMA Editors

All proceeds raised during the 2016 SEMA Show will be presented to DRAGG to support its mission of police officers and the automotive industry mentoring youth in their home community of Oxnard, California.

ITW Global Brands (booth #15119) will feature the Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) “Thin Blue Line” Mustang at the 2016 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show attendees can sign the hood of DRAGG’s “Thin Blue Line” Ford Mustang for $20 or more. All proceeds raised during the 2016 SEMA Show will be presented to DRAGG to support its mission of police officers and the automotive industry mentoring youth in their home community of Oxnard, California. The display is located in the Westgate Hall, directly across from the Ford Customer Service booth.

“We are honored and excited to be supporting DRAGG at SEMA this year,” said Patrick Mallon, ITW Marketing Director. “It is important for us to give back to our community and DRAGG’s mentoring efforts are a great way to get involved and offer at-risk youth a future and a hope for a better life.”

Some of the “Thin Blue Line” 2015 Ford Mustang Fastback features include:

• 2.3L EcoBoost engine
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Vortech Engineering Intercooler
• Borla “Attack” cat-back exhaust
• American Muscle Airlift performance suspension
• Custom paint and lights

Visit booth #15119 to see the complete list of customized features during SEMA 2016.

The DRAGG “Thin Blue Line” Mustang was customized and built by the students of DRAGG in Oxnard, California. Ford partnered with DRAGG and donated the Mustang Fastback used to create the “Thin Blue Line”. The “Thin Blue Line” was displayed at SEMA 2015 and has appeared at Barrett Jackson 2016 in Phoenix, and other tour stops.

“DRAGG is honored to be partnered with ITW Global Brands at SEMA this year. Working with great companies like ITW is what helps our program grow,” said Sergeant Charles Woodruff, Personnel and Training Unit, DRAGG Director, Oxnard Police Department. “It shows our students the fundamentals of working in the industry from the build of our projects to the final showcase. It keeps them engaged in the process and hopefully a mentorship to continue in the industry.”

By SEMA Editors

All proceeds raised during the 2016 SEMA Show will be presented to DRAGG to support its mission of police officers and the automotive industry mentoring youth in their home community of Oxnard, California.

ITW Global Brands (booth #15119) will feature the Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) “Thin Blue Line” Mustang at the 2016 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show attendees can sign the hood of DRAGG’s “Thin Blue Line” Ford Mustang for $20 or more. All proceeds raised during the 2016 SEMA Show will be presented to DRAGG to support its mission of police officers and the automotive industry mentoring youth in their home community of Oxnard, California. The display is located in the Westgate Hall, directly across from the Ford Customer Service booth.

“We are honored and excited to be supporting DRAGG at SEMA this year,” said Patrick Mallon, ITW Marketing Director. “It is important for us to give back to our community and DRAGG’s mentoring efforts are a great way to get involved and offer at-risk youth a future and a hope for a better life.”

Some of the “Thin Blue Line” 2015 Ford Mustang Fastback features include:

• 2.3L EcoBoost engine
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Vortech Engineering Intercooler
• Borla “Attack” cat-back exhaust
• American Muscle Airlift performance suspension
• Custom paint and lights

Visit booth #15119 to see the complete list of customized features during SEMA 2016.

The DRAGG “Thin Blue Line” Mustang was customized and built by the students of DRAGG in Oxnard, California. Ford partnered with DRAGG and donated the Mustang Fastback used to create the “Thin Blue Line”. The “Thin Blue Line” was displayed at SEMA 2015 and has appeared at Barrett Jackson 2016 in Phoenix, and other tour stops.

“DRAGG is honored to be partnered with ITW Global Brands at SEMA this year. Working with great companies like ITW is what helps our program grow,” said Sergeant Charles Woodruff, Personnel and Training Unit, DRAGG Director, Oxnard Police Department. “It shows our students the fundamentals of working in the industry from the build of our projects to the final showcase. It keeps them engaged in the process and hopefully a mentorship to continue in the industry.”

SEMA Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso shares valuable information for 2016 SEMA Show exhibitors and buyers.

With the 2016 SEMA Show just around the corner and plans already in the works for 2018, Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso is always three steps ahead of the game when it comes to coordinating America’s largest annual gathering of small businesses. He has produced automotive events for 22 years—five of them with SEMA. He recently took some time to talk about what to expect and how to plan for the 2016 SEMA Show.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2016/10/a-conversation-with-tom-gattuso

SEMA Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso shares valuable information for 2016 SEMA Show exhibitors and buyers.

With the 2016 SEMA Show just around the corner and plans already in the works for 2018, Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso is always three steps ahead of the game when it comes to coordinating America’s largest annual gathering of small businesses. He has produced automotive events for 22 years—five of them with SEMA. He recently took some time to talk about what to expect and how to plan for the 2016 SEMA Show.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2016/10/a-conversation-with-tom-gattuso

SEMA Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso shares valuable information for 2016 SEMA Show exhibitors and buyers.

With the 2016 SEMA Show just around the corner and plans already in the works for 2018, Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso is always three steps ahead of the game when it comes to coordinating America’s largest annual gathering of small businesses. He has produced automotive events for 22 years—five of them with SEMA. He recently took some time to talk about what to expect and how to plan for the 2016 SEMA Show.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2016/10/a-conversation-with-tom-gattuso