In partnership with Ford, the SEMA Garage has announced the ’20 Ford Escape Measuring Session, Tuesday, August 13, 2019.

By Rachel Tatum

Journalists sat down with exhibitors during last month’s Exhibitor Summit in Las Vegas, sharing proven tips and personal insight on how exhibitors can obtain additional media coverage before, during and after the SEMA Show.

A press kit (sometimes referred to as a media kit) is the most effective way to communicate with journalists. Because reporters are running from one place to another during the SEMA Show, it’s especially important to have a comprehensive press kit during the event.

A press kit is a packet of information that includes key information about exhibiting companies, products or events, in a format that is easy for reporters to use. SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to display their media kits at the SEMA Show Media Center (Room S229), where reporters spend a great deal of time during the week. While the quantity will vary depending on an exhibitor’s market segment and news, most exhibitors find that 50–100 press kits in the Media Center is sufficient.

The contents of the press kit will also vary, depending on the exhibitor. Some things to consider include:

Press Releases: Editors love press releases. An effective press release allows editors to quickly and easily fill their publications (whether print or digital) with relevant content. Like many businesses, media outlets are often understaffed and editors are challenged with developing content to fill their news outlets in a short amount of time. Draft your press release in a standard news release format, with the “Five Ws” included in the first paragraph. Stick to the facts and avoid opinions, unless it is attributed to an individual in the form of a quote.  

Media Contact: Include contact information for the media contact. This should be someone who is available to work with journalists and prepared to accommodate their deadlines. This person does not need to be the product expert or spokesperson, but should be able to coordinate between the expert and the reporter.

Company Fact Sheet: A company fact sheet makes it easy for journalists to develop stories while ensuring key facts about your organization are accurate. Make it easy to read by using simple fonts, bullet points and categories.  

Photos, Logos, and Video: While many media outlets post news stories online, many also have printed publications and need high-res images and logos. Include three to five high-res images of your products from varying angles, in high-res for print and a lower-res version for web. You may also want to include a black-and-white version for print publications that do not include color. Consider offering online media links to short videos that capture how the product is used in the real world.

Provide Information Electronically: Provide press materials electronically, whether on a USB drive or via a URL to your company website. The idea is to make it easy for journalist to copy and paste the text. If a reporter only has room for one article, and they have the choice between a press release that is available electronically, versus one that they have to re-type manually, they will likely choose the electronic version.   

Presentation: Media kits are typically packaged in a simple two-pocket folder. If your company has wide brand awareness, your company name may be all you need on the folder. If you’re newer to the industry, you may want to include some graphics to grab the attention of journalists in your market segment. Consider including a few press kits in the Media Center as well as in your booth.

For additional tips to generate SEMA Show media coverage or for assistance with media outreach during the SEMA Show, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

By Rachel Tatum

Journalists sat down with exhibitors during last month’s Exhibitor Summit in Las Vegas, sharing proven tips and personal insight on how exhibitors can obtain additional media coverage before, during and after the SEMA Show.

A press kit (sometimes referred to as a media kit) is the most effective way to communicate with journalists. Because reporters are running from one place to another during the SEMA Show, it’s especially important to have a comprehensive press kit during the event.

A press kit is a packet of information that includes key information about exhibiting companies, products or events, in a format that is easy for reporters to use. SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to display their media kits at the SEMA Show Media Center (Room S229), where reporters spend a great deal of time during the week. While the quantity will vary depending on an exhibitor’s market segment and news, most exhibitors find that 50–100 press kits in the Media Center is sufficient.

The contents of the press kit will also vary, depending on the exhibitor. Some things to consider include:

Press Releases: Editors love press releases. An effective press release allows editors to quickly and easily fill their publications (whether print or digital) with relevant content. Like many businesses, media outlets are often understaffed and editors are challenged with developing content to fill their news outlets in a short amount of time. Draft your press release in a standard news release format, with the “Five Ws” included in the first paragraph. Stick to the facts and avoid opinions, unless it is attributed to an individual in the form of a quote.  

Media Contact: Include contact information for the media contact. This should be someone who is available to work with journalists and prepared to accommodate their deadlines. This person does not need to be the product expert or spokesperson, but should be able to coordinate between the expert and the reporter.

Company Fact Sheet: A company fact sheet makes it easy for journalists to develop stories while ensuring key facts about your organization are accurate. Make it easy to read by using simple fonts, bullet points and categories.  

Photos, Logos, and Video: While many media outlets post news stories online, many also have printed publications and need high-res images and logos. Include three to five high-res images of your products from varying angles, in high-res for print and a lower-res version for web. You may also want to include a black-and-white version for print publications that do not include color. Consider offering online media links to short videos that capture how the product is used in the real world.

Provide Information Electronically: Provide press materials electronically, whether on a USB drive or via a URL to your company website. The idea is to make it easy for journalist to copy and paste the text. If a reporter only has room for one article, and they have the choice between a press release that is available electronically, versus one that they have to re-type manually, they will likely choose the electronic version.   

Presentation: Media kits are typically packaged in a simple two-pocket folder. If your company has wide brand awareness, your company name may be all you need on the folder. If you’re newer to the industry, you may want to include some graphics to grab the attention of journalists in your market segment. Consider including a few press kits in the Media Center as well as in your booth.

For additional tips to generate SEMA Show media coverage or for assistance with media outreach during the SEMA Show, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

By Rachel Tatum

Journalists sat down with exhibitors during last month’s Exhibitor Summit in Las Vegas, sharing proven tips and personal insight on how exhibitors can obtain additional media coverage before, during and after the SEMA Show.

A press kit (sometimes referred to as a media kit) is the most effective way to communicate with journalists. Because reporters are running from one place to another during the SEMA Show, it’s especially important to have a comprehensive press kit during the event.

A press kit is a packet of information that includes key information about exhibiting companies, products or events, in a format that is easy for reporters to use. SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to display their media kits at the SEMA Show Media Center (Room S229), where reporters spend a great deal of time during the week. While the quantity will vary depending on an exhibitor’s market segment and news, most exhibitors find that 50–100 press kits in the Media Center is sufficient.

The contents of the press kit will also vary, depending on the exhibitor. Some things to consider include:

Press Releases: Editors love press releases. An effective press release allows editors to quickly and easily fill their publications (whether print or digital) with relevant content. Like many businesses, media outlets are often understaffed and editors are challenged with developing content to fill their news outlets in a short amount of time. Draft your press release in a standard news release format, with the “Five Ws” included in the first paragraph. Stick to the facts and avoid opinions, unless it is attributed to an individual in the form of a quote.  

Media Contact: Include contact information for the media contact. This should be someone who is available to work with journalists and prepared to accommodate their deadlines. This person does not need to be the product expert or spokesperson, but should be able to coordinate between the expert and the reporter.

Company Fact Sheet: A company fact sheet makes it easy for journalists to develop stories while ensuring key facts about your organization are accurate. Make it easy to read by using simple fonts, bullet points and categories.  

Photos, Logos, and Video: While many media outlets post news stories online, many also have printed publications and need high-res images and logos. Include three to five high-res images of your products from varying angles, in high-res for print and a lower-res version for web. You may also want to include a black-and-white version for print publications that do not include color. Consider offering online media links to short videos that capture how the product is used in the real world.

Provide Information Electronically: Provide press materials electronically, whether on a USB drive or via a URL to your company website. The idea is to make it easy for journalist to copy and paste the text. If a reporter only has room for one article, and they have the choice between a press release that is available electronically, versus one that they have to re-type manually, they will likely choose the electronic version.   

Presentation: Media kits are typically packaged in a simple two-pocket folder. If your company has wide brand awareness, your company name may be all you need on the folder. If you’re newer to the industry, you may want to include some graphics to grab the attention of journalists in your market segment. Consider including a few press kits in the Media Center as well as in your booth.

For additional tips to generate SEMA Show media coverage or for assistance with media outreach during the SEMA Show, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Wade Kawasaki

Coker Group Expands Opportunities Under New Name: Legendary Companies

Coker Group, which includes Coker Tire, Wheel Vintiques, Universal Vintage Tire, Phoenix Race Tires, Specialty Wheel and Roadster Wire Wheel, has announced a rebranding of the group name to reflect its forward-looking focus on the entirety of the automotive aftermarket including, but not limited to, the performance and restoration markets. The new name—Legendary Companies—is meant to represent the breadth and scope of its current market segments while providing Legendary Companies with greater opportunities for future expansion into new sectors.

“We’re proud to announce our rebranding of Coker Group as Legendary Companies,” said President and CEO Wade Kawasaki, “and excited for this chance to expand Legendary Companies into diverse markets while remaining true to our core consumers. The naming was very intentional; we chose the word ‘Legendary’ because we see our diverse, vibrant enthusiast customer base as the real legends in our industry. Now with this change, we will be positioned to bring our direct to consumer expertise and global distribution model to enhance the efforts of the performance brands we personally use and admire,” he added.

This rebrand represents a major expansion in potential scope for Legendary Companies, particularly in the fast-growing performance-vehicle and late-model aftermarket sectors. These sectors are expected to be major targets for Legendary Companies and its private equity firm partner Irving Place Capital in future acquisitions. This announcement comes after several months of expansion for Legendary Companies, including subsidiary Coker Tire’s acquisition and integration of German-based classic and vintage car tire distributor, MOR, which has already expanded global sales and distribution. In addition, subsidiary company Wheel Vintiques recently expanded its product line to include modern wheel fitments and high-performance alloy wheels following the purchase of two performance aluminum wheel companies. To learn more about Legendary Companies, visit www.legendarycompanies.com. 

Aaron Shelby (right), co-president of the Carroll Shelby Foundation, presented a $15,000 check to Brian Feingold, M.D. (left), medical director of the Heart Failure and Transplantation Programs at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Carroll Shelby Foundation Donates $15,000 To UPMC Children’s Hospital Of Pittsburgh

Aaron Shelby, co-president of the Carroll Shelby Foundation, presented a $15,000 check to Brian Feingold, M.D., medical director of the Heart Failure and Transplantation Programs at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, July 11. The donation was made on behalf of the charity’s board during the Team Shelby East Coast Nationals banquet in Pittsburgh. UPMC Children’s Hospital is a leader in the treatment of childhood conditions and diseases, a pioneer in the development of new and improved therapies and a top educator of the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists. Over the past several years, the Carroll Shelby Foundation has donated money to pediatric hospitals and organ transplant wards. In 2018, it donated $5,000 to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital in Loma Linda, California, and handed out gifts to kids in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. During the Mustang Club of America’s 2017 Grand National event in Kansas City, the Carroll Shelby Foundation surprised Children’s Mercy Hospital with a $10,000 check.

Al Liebmann	Yvonne Bowe

Internet Brands Auto Classifieds Welcomes Two Industry Experts to Sales Team

The Internet Brands Auto Classifieds group has welcomed race and performance industry veterans Yvonne Bowe and Al “Big Al” Liebmann to its sales team. IB Classifieds, led by flagship site RacingJunk.com, specializes in racing, performance, hot rods, classics and antique vehicle and parts classifieds. Bowe and Liebmann bring decades of experience in the race, performance and hot-rod spaces as both account representatives and hands-on enthusiasts. Known for championing the grassroots racing community in every aspect of the sport, RacingJunk seeks to connect its members to the people, parts and services they need with its online classifieds, business partnerships, social media channels and sales and customer service teams.

Bowe is a veteran of the aftermarket industry, having worked for both Steele Rubber Products and Kook’s Headers and Exhaust. She’s passionate about drag racing and classic cars, with knowledge, sales experience and connections in the aftermarket industry that IB Classifieds says will benefit both the classifieds verticals and new and continuing advertisers equally. Drag racer, crew member, promoter and enthusiast, Liebmann has 30-plus years of hands-on experience in the auto industry. As the promoter of Frantic Ford and Super Camaro Funny Cars, Liebmann has worked with HotRodHotLine since 2002. The new additions to the sales team will help the Auto Classifieds vertical continue to grow as RacingJunk marks its 20th anniversary. 

Josh McFarlin

Josh McFarlin Joins AirPro Diagnostics

AirPro Diagnostics has announced the appointment of Josh McFarlin as vice president of strategic business operations. In his new position, McFarlin will be responsible for daily service operations, including multiple technician service centers and all field personnel. McFarlin joins AirPro Diagnostics from I-CAR, where he was director of curriculum and product development. He played a key role in the establishment of a five-year strategy that included an overhaul of the entire professional development program and also led the curriculum and product development team for I-CAR. 

Tim Kerr

Stertil-Koni Names Tim Kerr New Product Manager

Stertil-Koni has announced that Tim Kerr has joined the company as product manager. Kerr will be responsible for spearheading a range of initiatives, including Stertil-Koni’s new product concepts, advancing customer satisfaction and the training of Stertil-Koni’s North American distributor network. Kerr has a proven track record with complex electro-mechanical systems from concept and design to installation and commissioning of industrial equipment. He has extensive expertise in after-sales support, on-site training and system enhancements.

VP Racing Fuels Consumer Products Now Available at 4 Wheel Parts

VP Racing Fuels Inc., has announced the expanded distribution of its VP Consumer Products line through the 4 Wheel Parts nationwide chain and TransAmerican Wholesale distribution network.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Rachel Tatum

Members of the media can find exhibitor press releases in the SEMA Show Online Media Center.

SEMA Show exhibitors are announcing plans for the event taking place November 5–8, in Las Vegas, with new-product debuts and innovations. Many announcements can be found in the SEMA Show Online Media Center.

Below are some of the latest announcements you will find in the Online Media Center:

• Kleinn Releases Direct-Fit Onboard Air System for Second-Generation Ford Raptor
• Trulers is proud to sponsor Griffin Designs and their display vehicle at this year’s SEMA Show
• How TuxMat Is Trendsetting With Their Ultimate Car Mat
• Increase Exhaust Efficiency and Lower Temperatures With Paintable Heatshield Armor Pipe Kit
• Roll Bar Accessory Mounts From TKO Clamping Systems

To see more press releases from SEMA Show exhibitors, visit the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Find all SEMA Show News on the SEMA Show website.

Exhibitors can upload releases to be included in the Online Media Center. For information about PR opportunities for SEMA Show exhibitors, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org, 909-978-6669.

By Rachel Tatum

Members of the media can find exhibitor press releases in the SEMA Show Online Media Center.

SEMA Show exhibitors are announcing plans for the event taking place November 5–8, in Las Vegas, with new-product debuts and innovations. Many announcements can be found in the SEMA Show Online Media Center.

Below are some of the latest announcements you will find in the Online Media Center:

• Kleinn Releases Direct-Fit Onboard Air System for Second-Generation Ford Raptor
• Trulers is proud to sponsor Griffin Designs and their display vehicle at this year’s SEMA Show
• How TuxMat Is Trendsetting With Their Ultimate Car Mat
• Increase Exhaust Efficiency and Lower Temperatures With Paintable Heatshield Armor Pipe Kit
• Roll Bar Accessory Mounts From TKO Clamping Systems

To see more press releases from SEMA Show exhibitors, visit the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Find all SEMA Show News on the SEMA Show website.

Exhibitors can upload releases to be included in the Online Media Center. For information about PR opportunities for SEMA Show exhibitors, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org, 909-978-6669.

By Rachel Tatum

Members of the media can find exhibitor press releases in the SEMA Show Online Media Center.

SEMA Show exhibitors are announcing plans for the event taking place November 5–8, in Las Vegas, with new-product debuts and innovations. Many announcements can be found in the SEMA Show Online Media Center.

Below are some of the latest announcements you will find in the Online Media Center:

• Kleinn Releases Direct-Fit Onboard Air System for Second-Generation Ford Raptor
• Trulers is proud to sponsor Griffin Designs and their display vehicle at this year’s SEMA Show
• How TuxMat Is Trendsetting With Their Ultimate Car Mat
• Increase Exhaust Efficiency and Lower Temperatures With Paintable Heatshield Armor Pipe Kit
• Roll Bar Accessory Mounts From TKO Clamping Systems

To see more press releases from SEMA Show exhibitors, visit the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Find all SEMA Show News on the SEMA Show website.

Exhibitors can upload releases to be included in the Online Media Center. For information about PR opportunities for SEMA Show exhibitors, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org, 909-978-6669.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors of the 2019 SEMA Show can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

Exhibitors of the 2019 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2019 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2019 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2019 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors of the 2019 SEMA Show can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

Exhibitors of the 2019 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2019 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2019 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2019 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.