By Jason Catullo

Exhibitors can take steps now to prepare for the Show by following some early planning tips from SEMA Show Management.

With the SEMA Show floorplan continuing to fill and registration open, Show Management has provided several tips to help exhibitors get the most value from their experience. Whether introducing a new product line or showcasing installation techniques, conducting a tool demonstration or featuring a project build, there are key steps to take now to help all Showgoers save money, attract more business and be prepared when the Show opens October 31.   

Next Steps for Exhibitors

1. Registration for exhibitors is available at www.semashow.com/register. The primary contact may register the entire staff at one time quickly and easily. Domestic exhibitors (United States/Canada) who register before the early October deadline will receive their badges in the mail.
   
   
2. The Online Media Center is available for exhibitors to announce product and SEMA Show announcements, such as guest and celebrity appearances, descriptions of the new products planned for display, special booth vehicles, product giveaways and more. Note: Many of the press releases and announcements submitted to the Online Media Center are used in SEMA’s Show publications, including the SEMA Show Daily and the September, October and November issues of SEMA News magazine.
   
   
3. Staying on track with planning will help companies take advantage of special opportunities and Show programs that are designed to help them save money. The SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual includes the information and forms needed to prepare now for the Show. In fact, many of the booth services (electrical, furnishings, etc.) have discount rates available for placing orders by the early-bird deadlines. Two of the forms suggested by Show management to help track and monitor Show expenses and planning are the Budget Checklist and the Deadline Checklist. The Budget Checklist helps exhibitors track their Show budget based on booth needs. The Deadline Checklist is where exhibitors will find all of the due dates for booth services and rentals, along with the deadlines and advance rates for ordering early.
   
   
4. Those taking part in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit will work with Show experts, including SEMA Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso, to enhance their Show investment through effective planning, marketing and budgeting. Attendees will learn how to minimize costs on services such as material handling and electrical, explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships, and learn proven strategies to drive buyer traffic to their booths.

Often thrown about in today’s trendy business and marketing circles, “rich data” can be a confusing buzz term. Nevertheless, it’s become an essential component in the aftermarket supply chain for everyone from manufacturers to warehouse-distributors to retailers. Consequently, manufacturers can obtain a real advantage in mainstream markets if they grasp and follow the latest rich-data best practices.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/06/understanding-rich-data

Often thrown about in today’s trendy business and marketing circles, “rich data” can be a confusing buzz term. Nevertheless, it’s become an essential component in the aftermarket supply chain for everyone from manufacturers to warehouse-distributors to retailers. Consequently, manufacturers can obtain a real advantage in mainstream markets if they grasp and follow the latest rich-data best practices.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/06/understanding-rich-data

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Governor Kate Brown has signed into law legislation to allow a military vehicle the opportunity to be registered as a “vehicle of special interest.”

Legislation to allow a military vehicle the opportunity to be registered as a “vehicle of special interest” has been signed into law by Governor Kate Brown. Included in the definition would be a “high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle originally manufactured for military use.” Owners may apply for the special-interest vehicle registration for a one-time fee of $81 and a single plate for a one-time fee of $12. Special-interest vehicles may only be used for exhibitions, parades, club activities and similar uses.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Governor Kate Brown has signed into law legislation to allow a military vehicle the opportunity to be registered as a “vehicle of special interest.”

Legislation to allow a military vehicle the opportunity to be registered as a “vehicle of special interest” has been signed into law by Governor Kate Brown. Included in the definition would be a “high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle originally manufactured for military use.” Owners may apply for the special-interest vehicle registration for a one-time fee of $81 and a single plate for a one-time fee of $12. Special-interest vehicles may only be used for exhibitions, parades, club activities and similar uses.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Governor Kate Brown has signed into law legislation to allow a military vehicle the opportunity to be registered as a “vehicle of special interest.”

Legislation to allow a military vehicle the opportunity to be registered as a “vehicle of special interest” has been signed into law by Governor Kate Brown. Included in the definition would be a “high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle originally manufactured for military use.” Owners may apply for the special-interest vehicle registration for a one-time fee of $81 and a single plate for a one-time fee of $12. Special-interest vehicles may only be used for exhibitions, parades, club activities and similar uses.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to increase the age requirement of an antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicle from 20 years old or older to 30 years old or older was amended to remove all restrictions to these hobby vehicles.

Legislation to increase the age requirement of an antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicle from 20 years old or older to 30 years old or older was amended to remove all restrictions to these hobby vehicles. The amendments also removed language that would have increased the maximum property tax assessment on any antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicle from $500 to $1,000. 

As introduced, the bill provided that those vehicles no longer eligible for antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicle status would be valued at the same percentage of its actual valuation, thereby increasing the property tax. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to increase the age requirement of an antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicle from 20 years old or older to 30 years old or older was amended to remove all restrictions to these hobby vehicles.

Legislation to increase the age requirement of an antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicle from 20 years old or older to 30 years old or older was amended to remove all restrictions to these hobby vehicles. The amendments also removed language that would have increased the maximum property tax assessment on any antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicle from $500 to $1,000. 

As introduced, the bill provided that those vehicles no longer eligible for antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicle status would be valued at the same percentage of its actual valuation, thereby increasing the property tax. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to increase the age requirement of an antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicle from 20 years old or older to 30 years old or older was amended to remove all restrictions to these hobby vehicles.

Legislation to increase the age requirement of an antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicle from 20 years old or older to 30 years old or older was amended to remove all restrictions to these hobby vehicles. The amendments also removed language that would have increased the maximum property tax assessment on any antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicle from $500 to $1,000. 

As introduced, the bill provided that those vehicles no longer eligible for antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicle status would be valued at the same percentage of its actual valuation, thereby increasing the property tax. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) is organizing and presenting a series of “China IP Roadshows” throughout the United States. The event is intended to help U.S. businesses and inventors understand how to obtain and enforce intellectual property (IP) rights in China. The next scheduled stops are Detroit (July 10) and Grand Rapids, Michigan (July 12). The program is free and open to all, but space is limited.

USPTO China IP Road Show Registration: Detroit & Grand Rapids.

The presentations include general information about China’s IP system, brand protection, anti-counterfeiting measures and enforcing IP rights in the United States, along with issues of concern to the auto industry. The PTO has tentative plans to hold the program later this year in the following cities:

• Salt Lake City and Denver: Early October.
• Indianapolis and Chicago: Mid-October.
• Seattle, Portland and San Francisco: Mid-November.

For inquiries about the event please email midwestregion@uspto.gov or call 313-446-4800.