By SEMA Editors

With the 2019 SEMA Show just five days away, Show management’s exhibitor update provides companies with the latest news and key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

The video below features Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events, offering suggestions on how to prepare and what to pack for a week at the SEMA Show.

Complete Deadlines Checklist - Take advantage of Early-bird rates—order before the deadlines!

The deadlines checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensures that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show. 

Enter the New Products Showcase – Reach out to more business.

The SEMA Show New Products Showcase puts the spotlight on new and signature products from exhibitors representing the segments of the specialty-equipment industry.

The New Products Showcase features a Promo Package, which is offered to exhibitors through the new products entry form as an optional upgrade. This is a great opportunity for exhibitors to add value and additional exposure to their presence in the New Products Showcase—the SEMA Show’s No. 1 buyer and media destination.

The cost is $499 per product and includes the following:

• Company logo carpet ad (2x2 ft.) in the New Products Showcase.
• A meter panel listing at the New Products Showcase entrance.
• Enhanced product listing in the January 2020 issue of SEMA News.

The New Products Showcase area serves as an extra avenue for exhibitors to reach new customers, and remains enormously popular with buyers and media seeking the latest product advancements and innovations. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed, featured in SEMA News and hosted on the SEMA website, www.SEMAphotos.com. The images are also promoted to the media and used for the product information available to buyers at the Show.

The first entry in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $150. Entries submitted on-site will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Know the Show – Download the SEMA Show App.

The SEMA Show App includes links to the Show’s essential info—a list of Show hours, details on ground transportation, maps of the Show grounds and halls, a list of special events with times and locations and feeds from the official SEMA Show social-media accounts. To quickly navigate the Las Vegas Convention Center, the app will take you where you want to go from anywhere on the Show floor. Simply enter your current location by booth number, exhibitor name or room number, then enter your destination and the app will supply you with the best route. Download the app at www.SEMAShow.com/app.

Exhibitor Appreciation Reception – Featuring SEMA Show Vehicle Reveal.

Exhibitors can meet with colleagues and other exhibitors and enjoy food and beverages, compliments of SEMA, during the Exhibitor Appreciation Reception, beginning 4:00 p.m., Monday, November 4. During the reception, the SEMA Show Vehicle Reveal, one of the Show’s newest attractions, will take place. The Vehicle Reveal will feature several Show builders introducing their vehicles and sharing stories of how the projects were brought to life. SEMA Awards will be presented.

Register Your Personnel – Exhibitor registration available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Go to www.SEMAShow.com/register to register the employees who will be working your SEMA Show booth or display.

The Westgate is among several hotels in the SEMA Show block located within 2 mi. from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Reserve Hotel Rooms – Lock-in your guaranteed low rate.

Exhibitors who have not yet secured hotels for the 2019 SEMA Show can take advantage of the guaranteed low rates offered at www.SEMAShow.com/travel. SEMA Show management works with one official hotel provider, OnPeak, to ensure that all Showgoers receive guaranteed low rates and an extra level of service.

There are still several properties available that accommodate the style and budget of all business types making the trip to Vegas for the Show. Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to book rooms now—space is limited and available on a first come, first-served basis.

SEMA Show management encourages exhibitors, attendees and media to be vigilant if approached by any company or service other than OnPeak that claims to be a housing provider for the SEMA Show or AAPEX. Leading up to the Show, Showgoers might be contacted by other travel agencies or housing companies to book guest rooms. SEMA has no affiliation with these organizations and cannot vouch for their services in any way.

For booking assistance, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Companies with existing reservations need to have their OnPeak attendance/group ID number handy.

The Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan saves companies money by consolidating shipments with other exhibitors.

SEMA Show to PRI Freight-Transportation Special

Exhibitors who are participating in the 2019 SEMA Show and the 2019 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show can take advantage of a special shipping offer through the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, which saves companies money by consolidating shipments with other exhibitors. The caravan will carry freight from the Las Vegas Convention Center to the Fern Expositions Advance Warehouse in Indianapolis.

For added convenience, exhibitors can call 800-995-3579 to schedule in advance, or make arrangements at the SEMA Show through the Freeman transportation team, who are also available to assist with any shipping needs.

For more information about the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, email exhibit.transportation@freeman.com.   

New Products Breakfast – Recognizing the best of the industry.

Open to all SEMA Showgoers on Tuesday, November 5, 7:30 a.m., the SEMA Show New Products Breakfast is where winners of the Best New Products awards are announced. Buyers can get a jump on what’s hot in the marketplace and winning exhibitors can promote the honor. Tickets are free, but space is limited and must be reserved in advance.

The iconic Blue Man Group will join attendees at this year's SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, the industry’s premier celebration taking place Thursday, November 7, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino.

SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet – Celebrate with the industry.

Held annually on Thursday evening of the SEMA Show, this year’s SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet will feature The Blue Man Group. The banquet is where the industry’s most prestigious awards are presented. With 3,000 industry professionals and celebrities in attendance, winners are announced for the SEMA Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, WD of the Year, Rep Agency of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. The 2019 Hall of Fame inductees are also honored.

Upcoming Exhibitor Deadlines – Take advantage of discounts by acting before the deadlines.

• November 4 – Onsite Press Releases/Kits submitted to the Media Center in #S220
• November 8 – Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation

More information on the 2019 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

With the 2019 SEMA Show just five days away, Show management’s exhibitor update provides companies with the latest news and key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

The video below features Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events, offering suggestions on how to prepare and what to pack for a week at the SEMA Show.

Complete Deadlines Checklist - Take advantage of Early-bird rates—order before the deadlines!

The deadlines checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensures that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show. 

Enter the New Products Showcase – Reach out to more business.

The SEMA Show New Products Showcase puts the spotlight on new and signature products from exhibitors representing the segments of the specialty-equipment industry.

The New Products Showcase features a Promo Package, which is offered to exhibitors through the new products entry form as an optional upgrade. This is a great opportunity for exhibitors to add value and additional exposure to their presence in the New Products Showcase—the SEMA Show’s No. 1 buyer and media destination.

The cost is $499 per product and includes the following:

• Company logo carpet ad (2x2 ft.) in the New Products Showcase.
• A meter panel listing at the New Products Showcase entrance.
• Enhanced product listing in the January 2020 issue of SEMA News.

The New Products Showcase area serves as an extra avenue for exhibitors to reach new customers, and remains enormously popular with buyers and media seeking the latest product advancements and innovations. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed, featured in SEMA News and hosted on the SEMA website, www.SEMAphotos.com. The images are also promoted to the media and used for the product information available to buyers at the Show.

The first entry in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $150. Entries submitted on-site will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Know the Show – Download the SEMA Show App.

The SEMA Show App includes links to the Show’s essential info—a list of Show hours, details on ground transportation, maps of the Show grounds and halls, a list of special events with times and locations and feeds from the official SEMA Show social-media accounts. To quickly navigate the Las Vegas Convention Center, the app will take you where you want to go from anywhere on the Show floor. Simply enter your current location by booth number, exhibitor name or room number, then enter your destination and the app will supply you with the best route. Download the app at www.SEMAShow.com/app.

Exhibitor Appreciation Reception – Featuring SEMA Show Vehicle Reveal.

Exhibitors can meet with colleagues and other exhibitors and enjoy food and beverages, compliments of SEMA, during the Exhibitor Appreciation Reception, beginning 4:00 p.m., Monday, November 4. During the reception, the SEMA Show Vehicle Reveal, one of the Show’s newest attractions, will take place. The Vehicle Reveal will feature several Show builders introducing their vehicles and sharing stories of how the projects were brought to life. SEMA Awards will be presented.

Register Your Personnel – Exhibitor registration available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Go to www.SEMAShow.com/register to register the employees who will be working your SEMA Show booth or display.

The Westgate is among several hotels in the SEMA Show block located within 2 mi. from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Reserve Hotel Rooms – Lock-in your guaranteed low rate.

Exhibitors who have not yet secured hotels for the 2019 SEMA Show can take advantage of the guaranteed low rates offered at www.SEMAShow.com/travel. SEMA Show management works with one official hotel provider, OnPeak, to ensure that all Showgoers receive guaranteed low rates and an extra level of service.

There are still several properties available that accommodate the style and budget of all business types making the trip to Vegas for the Show. Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to book rooms now—space is limited and available on a first come, first-served basis.

SEMA Show management encourages exhibitors, attendees and media to be vigilant if approached by any company or service other than OnPeak that claims to be a housing provider for the SEMA Show or AAPEX. Leading up to the Show, Showgoers might be contacted by other travel agencies or housing companies to book guest rooms. SEMA has no affiliation with these organizations and cannot vouch for their services in any way.

For booking assistance, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Companies with existing reservations need to have their OnPeak attendance/group ID number handy.

The Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan saves companies money by consolidating shipments with other exhibitors.

SEMA Show to PRI Freight-Transportation Special

Exhibitors who are participating in the 2019 SEMA Show and the 2019 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show can take advantage of a special shipping offer through the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, which saves companies money by consolidating shipments with other exhibitors. The caravan will carry freight from the Las Vegas Convention Center to the Fern Expositions Advance Warehouse in Indianapolis.

For added convenience, exhibitors can call 800-995-3579 to schedule in advance, or make arrangements at the SEMA Show through the Freeman transportation team, who are also available to assist with any shipping needs.

For more information about the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, email exhibit.transportation@freeman.com.   

New Products Breakfast – Recognizing the best of the industry.

Open to all SEMA Showgoers on Tuesday, November 5, 7:30 a.m., the SEMA Show New Products Breakfast is where winners of the Best New Products awards are announced. Buyers can get a jump on what’s hot in the marketplace and winning exhibitors can promote the honor. Tickets are free, but space is limited and must be reserved in advance.

The iconic Blue Man Group will join attendees at this year's SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, the industry’s premier celebration taking place Thursday, November 7, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino.

SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet – Celebrate with the industry.

Held annually on Thursday evening of the SEMA Show, this year’s SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet will feature The Blue Man Group. The banquet is where the industry’s most prestigious awards are presented. With 3,000 industry professionals and celebrities in attendance, winners are announced for the SEMA Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, WD of the Year, Rep Agency of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. The 2019 Hall of Fame inductees are also honored.

Upcoming Exhibitor Deadlines – Take advantage of discounts by acting before the deadlines.

• November 4 – Onsite Press Releases/Kits submitted to the Media Center in #S220
• November 8 – Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation

More information on the 2019 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Returns Associate
Moss Motors Ltd. is hiring a returns associate responsible for handling returned or non-conforming merchandise in a timely and appropriate manner based on company policy and requirements for the product returned. Associates communicate with customer and vendor contacts and various internal departments, including quality assurance, purchasing, warehousing and accounting, to expedite movement of a designated product. Candidates must have familiarity with receiving and returns processes.

Customer Success Lead
Group-A Engineering is hiring an experienced customer success expert with engine—primarily import—and suspension experience to help the company grow and provide the highest level of customer satisfaction. Candidates must be automotive aftermarket enthusiasts, have a passion for helping people and the ability to utilize those attributes for this position. A minimum of five years’ experience within the automotive industry and import experience are pluses.

Vice President of Marketing
Ranch Hand Truck Accessories is hiring a vice president of marketing who will continue to expand the brand geographically and pursue a high-growth strategy. This position is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the department by guiding the team. The individual will be eager to begin market research and planning strategic direction for promotion and advertising. With a considerable background in marketing and planning, the candidate will be well equipped with strategic and analytical practices. The vice president of marketing will report directly to the Ranch Hand president. In conjunction with the Ranch Hand executive team, the individual will be responsible for developing business models that encourage the success of the department.

Showgoers are guaranteed low rates with no hidden fees when booking through the official SEMA Show housing partner, OnPeak. The Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com features a real-time listing of the hotel deals and discounts available for the 2019 SEMA Show, November 5–8, in Las Vegas. The page also offers information, such as price, location and shuttle availability, to help Showgoers determine the hotel that best accommodates their needs.

Showgoers are guaranteed low rates with no hidden fees when booking through the official SEMA Show housing partner, OnPeak. The Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com features a real-time listing of the hotel deals and discounts available for the 2019 SEMA Show, November 5–8, in Las Vegas. The page also offers information, such as price, location and shuttle availability, to help Showgoers determine the hotel that best accommodates their needs.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is offering free data-management consultations at the 2019 SEMA Show in booth #20679.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) team will be out in full force during SEMA Show week, offering free data-management consultations in booth #20679, upstairs in Central hall.

“We are very excited about this year’s SEMA Show,” said Gigi Ho, SDC director of operations. “With new programs and system functionality to reveal, we are looking forward to talking to our manufacturer and reseller members, as well as those looking to learn more about how SDC can help their businesses.

“We are also spotlighting manufacturers who have achieved Platinum data status throughout the Show floor. Platinum status means that buyers can expect the best and most complete data for their websites, point-of-sale systems, or wherever else they need content-rich data. Make sure to stop by these manufacturers’ booths and tell them you’d like to receive their product data through the SDC.”

To learn more about how to receive data or become an SDC member, stop by the SDC booth in SEMA Central for a free demo or to sign up and start using the industry’s most complete product data.

Request a meeting time now!

“The SDC is the only industry-owned and -operated database with more than 450 brands and all the tools and expert assistance to get your data in order,” Ho said. “Resellers love our program, which provides unlimited exports at no charge to our members.”

For more information, go to www.semadatacoop.org or email info@semadatacoop.org.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is offering free data-management consultations at the 2019 SEMA Show in booth #20679.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) team will be out in full force during SEMA Show week, offering free data-management consultations in booth #20679, upstairs in Central hall.

“We are very excited about this year’s SEMA Show,” said Gigi Ho, SDC director of operations. “With new programs and system functionality to reveal, we are looking forward to talking to our manufacturer and reseller members, as well as those looking to learn more about how SDC can help their businesses.

“We are also spotlighting manufacturers who have achieved Platinum data status throughout the Show floor. Platinum status means that buyers can expect the best and most complete data for their websites, point-of-sale systems, or wherever else they need content-rich data. Make sure to stop by these manufacturers’ booths and tell them you’d like to receive their product data through the SDC.”

To learn more about how to receive data or become an SDC member, stop by the SDC booth in SEMA Central for a free demo or to sign up and start using the industry’s most complete product data.

Request a meeting time now!

“The SDC is the only industry-owned and -operated database with more than 450 brands and all the tools and expert assistance to get your data in order,” Ho said. “Resellers love our program, which provides unlimited exports at no charge to our members.”

For more information, go to www.semadatacoop.org or email info@semadatacoop.org.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is offering free data-management consultations at the 2019 SEMA Show in booth #20679.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) team will be out in full force during SEMA Show week, offering free data-management consultations in booth #20679, upstairs in Central hall.

“We are very excited about this year’s SEMA Show,” said Gigi Ho, SDC director of operations. “With new programs and system functionality to reveal, we are looking forward to talking to our manufacturer and reseller members, as well as those looking to learn more about how SDC can help their businesses.

“We are also spotlighting manufacturers who have achieved Platinum data status throughout the Show floor. Platinum status means that buyers can expect the best and most complete data for their websites, point-of-sale systems, or wherever else they need content-rich data. Make sure to stop by these manufacturers’ booths and tell them you’d like to receive their product data through the SDC.”

To learn more about how to receive data or become an SDC member, stop by the SDC booth in SEMA Central for a free demo or to sign up and start using the industry’s most complete product data.

Request a meeting time now!

“The SDC is the only industry-owned and -operated database with more than 450 brands and all the tools and expert assistance to get your data in order,” Ho said. “Resellers love our program, which provides unlimited exports at no charge to our members.”

For more information, go to www.semadatacoop.org or email info@semadatacoop.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Eighty-three percent of automotive specialty-equipment retailers report stable or growing sales in recent years, dispelling reports of a “retailpocalypse” and showing that the more than 3,000 SEMA-member retailers are primed for continued growth, according to the new “SEMA Retail Landscape Research Report.”

Eighty-three percent of automotive specialty-equipment retailers report stable or growing sales in recent years, dispelling reports of a “retailpocalypse” and showing that the more than 3,000 SEMA-member retailers are primed for continued growth, according to the new “SEMA Retail Landscape Research Report.”

The internet and e-commerce are becoming normal aspects of doing business, with many specialty automotive retailers selling products online or using the internet to advertise and promote themselves. However, retailers surveyed reported that most 2018 sales were made through in-store purchases and believed that offering personalized advice to their customers was the key to helping them succeed in the future.

“‘The SEMA Retail Landscape Report’ shows that the heavily publicized death of traditional retail is greatly exaggerated,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of Market Research. “The positive news is that most retailers in our industry are doing well. While the internet and e-commerce have impacted their businesses, savvy retailers are learning how to incorporate online sales into the mix and finding great success.”

For specialty-automotive retailers who find opportunity online, 54% sell products through their company’s website and 39% sell their products through an online marketplace, such as Amazon, eBay and Walmart.

The web and social media are vital for marketing with 81% of retailers using social media to market their businesses. Facebook and Instagram are the main—but by no means the only—platforms used, while 71% of specialty auto retailers use their company’s website to advertise their business.

To learn more about the state of retail in the specialty automotive aftermarket and find insights that can help your business, download the “SEMA Retail Landscape Report” for free today at www.sema.org/research.

By Ashley Reyes

Eighty-three percent of automotive specialty-equipment retailers report stable or growing sales in recent years, dispelling reports of a “retailpocalypse” and showing that the more than 3,000 SEMA-member retailers are primed for continued growth, according to the new “SEMA Retail Landscape Research Report.”

Eighty-three percent of automotive specialty-equipment retailers report stable or growing sales in recent years, dispelling reports of a “retailpocalypse” and showing that the more than 3,000 SEMA-member retailers are primed for continued growth, according to the new “SEMA Retail Landscape Research Report.”

The internet and e-commerce are becoming normal aspects of doing business, with many specialty automotive retailers selling products online or using the internet to advertise and promote themselves. However, retailers surveyed reported that most 2018 sales were made through in-store purchases and believed that offering personalized advice to their customers was the key to helping them succeed in the future.

“‘The SEMA Retail Landscape Report’ shows that the heavily publicized death of traditional retail is greatly exaggerated,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of Market Research. “The positive news is that most retailers in our industry are doing well. While the internet and e-commerce have impacted their businesses, savvy retailers are learning how to incorporate online sales into the mix and finding great success.”

For specialty-automotive retailers who find opportunity online, 54% sell products through their company’s website and 39% sell their products through an online marketplace, such as Amazon, eBay and Walmart.

The web and social media are vital for marketing with 81% of retailers using social media to market their businesses. Facebook and Instagram are the main—but by no means the only—platforms used, while 71% of specialty auto retailers use their company’s website to advertise their business.

To learn more about the state of retail in the specialty automotive aftermarket and find insights that can help your business, download the “SEMA Retail Landscape Report” for free today at www.sema.org/research.