By SEMA Editors

With the 2019 SEMA Show less than three weeks 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. 

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.

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 $75 per product category if received by Friday, October 11, and $150 thereafter. Entries submitted on-site will be accepted on a space-available basis.

The free SEMA Show mobile app gives Showgoers access to a comprehensive list of all exhibiting companies, seminars, events and more so users can create a personalized plan and maximize their time at the Show.

Know the Show – Download the SEMA 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.

SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet – Celebrate with the industry.

Held annually on Thursday evening of the SEMA Show, 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.

• October 18 – Carpet and Booth Cleaning Order (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• October 18 – Electrical Order – LVCC Exhibits (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• October 18 – Exhibit Accessories (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• October 18 – Exhibit Furnishings (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• October 18 – Labor – Hanging Sign/Banner (LVCC) – Freeman
• October 18 – Rigging Equipment – Labor Order – Freeman
• October 18 – Utilities: Air/Water/Drain Order (Advance Rate) – Exhibits at LVCC – Freeman
• October 21 - Booth Catering Order Service – Centerplate
• October 22 – Tents/Canopies – Full Circle Events
• October 22 – Photography Order – Expo Ease
• October 24 – Freight – Last Day Freight Will Be Accepted at the Warehouse Without Penalty
• October 25 – Vehicle Detailing (Advance Rate) – Professional Detailers
• 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 a stop directly in front of the convention center and another stop by the Westgate, where many SEMA Show activities take place, the monorail is a great option for getting to the SEMA Show each day.

With limited parking available for the 2019 SEMA Show, attendees are encouraged to use other available transportation options when traveling to and from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

To accommodate all Showgoers, the Las Vegas Monorail will extend its operational hours during the week of the SEMA Show. From November 5–8, Showgoers can board the Monorail and head to the Las Vegas Convention Center, one of the Monorail’s seven stops, starting at 6:00 a.m.

Not only will the Las Vegas Monorail operate with extended hours, Showgoers can also purchase Monorail tickets at a discounted rate. To make the process even more convenient, Monorail passes can also be purchased through Android and iOS smartphones.

“The Las Vegas Monorail is one of the many affordable travel alternatives that are easy to access,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “With the Monorail’s extended hours and discount, as well as hotel shuttle services, taxis and ride-sharing options, Showgoers have great transportation choices each day of the Show.”

Purchase discounted Monorail tickets online.

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

By SEMA Editors

With a stop directly in front of the convention center and another stop by the Westgate, where many SEMA Show activities take place, the monorail is a great option for getting to the SEMA Show each day.

With limited parking available for the 2019 SEMA Show, attendees are encouraged to use other available transportation options when traveling to and from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

To accommodate all Showgoers, the Las Vegas Monorail will extend its operational hours during the week of the SEMA Show. From November 5–8, Showgoers can board the Monorail and head to the Las Vegas Convention Center, one of the Monorail’s seven stops, starting at 6:00 a.m.

Not only will the Las Vegas Monorail operate with extended hours, Showgoers can also purchase Monorail tickets at a discounted rate. To make the process even more convenient, Monorail passes can also be purchased through Android and iOS smartphones.

“The Las Vegas Monorail is one of the many affordable travel alternatives that are easy to access,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “With the Monorail’s extended hours and discount, as well as hotel shuttle services, taxis and ride-sharing options, Showgoers have great transportation choices each day of the Show.”

Purchase discounted Monorail tickets online.

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

By Ashley Reyes

The new SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report shows that fullsize pickups, the Jeep Wrangler and muscle cars, which have traditionally been popular in the industry, remain highly desired accessory vehicles. Meanwhile, CUVs are the fastest-selling vehicle segment and may present a growth opportunity for the industry.

Even as the vehicle landscape is changing, the market for parts to modify those vehicles is growing, according to the new SEMA research report, “SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report: Top Cars and Trucks,” which provides data-driven insights into the opportunities available to the automotive aftermarket. Designed to help businesses understand which cars and trucks consumers are choosing to personalize, the “SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report” provides an overview of the top vehicles for accessorization and outlines emerging segments within the $44.6 billion industry.  

“The new SEMA report represents the first time we’ve been able to quantify the best opportunities for vehicle customization,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of market research. “Manufacturers and resellers can use this report to understand the current hot vehicles and emerging opportunities.”

The report shows that fullsize pickups, the Jeep Wrangler and musclecars, which have traditionally been popular in the industry, remain highly desired accessory vehicles. Meanwhile, CUVs are the fastest-selling vehicle segment and may present a growth opportunity for the industry.

Although sales for traditional passenger cars have decreased over recent years, more than 20 million are projected to be sold from 2020–2026. Automotive aftermarket businesses will benefit by understanding where the industry is headed.

While many drive trucks and sports cars, young drivers are also gravitating toward customizing small cars and luxury brands, such as the BMW 3 and Subaru Impreza. These types of vehicles are often the entry points to the industry for younger drivers.

To learn more about where the opportunity is for your business and to understand the top ranked vehicle models for accessorizing within each segment, download the report for free today from SEMA Market Research at www.sema.org/research.

By Ashley Reyes

The new SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report shows that fullsize pickups, the Jeep Wrangler and muscle cars, which have traditionally been popular in the industry, remain highly desired accessory vehicles. Meanwhile, CUVs are the fastest-selling vehicle segment and may present a growth opportunity for the industry.

Even as the vehicle landscape is changing, the market for parts to modify those vehicles is growing, according to the new SEMA research report, “SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report: Top Cars and Trucks,” which provides data-driven insights into the opportunities available to the automotive aftermarket. Designed to help businesses understand which cars and trucks consumers are choosing to personalize, the “SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report” provides an overview of the top vehicles for accessorization and outlines emerging segments within the $44.6 billion industry.  

“The new SEMA report represents the first time we’ve been able to quantify the best opportunities for vehicle customization,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of market research. “Manufacturers and resellers can use this report to understand the current hot vehicles and emerging opportunities.”

The report shows that fullsize pickups, the Jeep Wrangler and musclecars, which have traditionally been popular in the industry, remain highly desired accessory vehicles. Meanwhile, CUVs are the fastest-selling vehicle segment and may present a growth opportunity for the industry.

Although sales for traditional passenger cars have decreased over recent years, more than 20 million are projected to be sold from 2020–2026. Automotive aftermarket businesses will benefit by understanding where the industry is headed.

While many drive trucks and sports cars, young drivers are also gravitating toward customizing small cars and luxury brands, such as the BMW 3 and Subaru Impreza. These types of vehicles are often the entry points to the industry for younger drivers.

To learn more about where the opportunity is for your business and to understand the top ranked vehicle models for accessorizing within each segment, download the report for free today from SEMA Market Research at www.sema.org/research.

By Zane Clark

New retailer-focused sessions have been added to the SEMA Show's education program.

Retail businesses vary in size, some requiring many people to operate them—or small ones, with only one or two employees. No matter the size of your retail business, SEMA Show Education offers practical information and keys to running it successfully. Below are six seminars that will help your retail business compete.

Growing Retail Business-Roadmap & Toolkit for Success
Tuesday, November 5, LVCC N256 - 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.

Cash Flow 2019 and Beyond
Wednesday, November 6, LVCC N256 - 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Learn How to Get Free Manufacturer Product Data (offered twice)
Thursday, November 7, LVCC N223 - 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Competing With the Big Box
Thursday, November 7, LVCC N256 - 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

State of Specialty-Equipment Retail
Thursday, November 7, LVCC N252 - 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

A Pricing Strategy; Keys to Stop Discounting
Thursday, November 7, LVCC N253 - 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Make it Easy. Register for the Complete Retail X Education Track.

Sign Up. Show Up. Preview all seminars and register.

The 2019 SEMA Show Mobile app helps attendees navigate the Show like a pro. Enjoy turn-by-turn directions, Show updates, New Product Showcase and Feature Vehicle scanning and more.

https://youtu.be/9xSmr91jCWg

By Linda Spencer

SEMA will review international programming at the SEMA Show and PRI Trade Show, and the upcoming trip to the Middle East, and a report on a recent advance trip to the Nordic countries.

State officials in 27 states have confirmed with SEMA that they are offering funds to qualified companies based in their states who participate in the SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference. The states include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

These funds are in addition to the $1,250 available from the federal government. To find out about the upcoming export opportunities and accessing these funds to defray the cost to participate, join SEMA for a one-hour discussion and Q&A, Monday October 21, at 10:00 am. (PDT)/1:00 pm. (EDT). SEMA will review international programming at the SEMA Show and PRI Trade Show, and the upcoming trip to the Middle East, and a report on a recent advance trip to the Nordic countries.

SEMA Fall 2019 International Conference Call

When: Monday, October 21, from 10:00 am. (PDT)/1:00 pm. (EDT).
Why join us: This is a great opportunity to learn more about international programs/resources at the SEMA Show and PRI Trade Show. Participants will learn how federal and state grants can help defray the cost to participate and how to access a new online “U.S. Government Resource Guide.”
How do I register/receive the call-in number? Register now for the conference call.

By Linda Spencer

SEMA will review international programming at the SEMA Show and PRI Trade Show, and the upcoming trip to the Middle East, and a report on a recent advance trip to the Nordic countries.

State officials in 27 states have confirmed with SEMA that they are offering funds to qualified companies based in their states who participate in the SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference. The states include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

These funds are in addition to the $1,250 available from the federal government. To find out about the upcoming export opportunities and accessing these funds to defray the cost to participate, join SEMA for a one-hour discussion and Q&A, Monday October 21, at 10:00 am. (PDT)/1:00 pm. (EDT). SEMA will review international programming at the SEMA Show and PRI Trade Show, and the upcoming trip to the Middle East, and a report on a recent advance trip to the Nordic countries.

SEMA Fall 2019 International Conference Call

When: Monday, October 21, from 10:00 am. (PDT)/1:00 pm. (EDT).
Why join us: This is a great opportunity to learn more about international programs/resources at the SEMA Show and PRI Trade Show. Participants will learn how federal and state grants can help defray the cost to participate and how to access a new online “U.S. Government Resource Guide.”
How do I register/receive the call-in number? Register now for the conference call.

By SEMA Editors

Chelsie Lesnoski and her ’13 Scion FR-S were chosen by her peers in a public fan vote competition that ran from September 14–October 4, 2019.

SEMA has announced the winner of the Young Guns Fan Vote competition who will receive a prize package that includes an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2019 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot at the Show and entry into the Battle of the Builders competition. Chelsie Lesnoski of Penticton, B.C., Canada, and her ’13 Scion FR-S were chosen by her peers in a public fan vote competition that ran from September 14–October 4, 2019.

“Winning this final spot in the Young Guns competition was an absolute dream come true for me,” said Lesnoski, co-owner of Throttle Thrashers Garage, an automotive modification and customization business that does business in the Canada and United States. “I hope this achievement encourages other young builders like myself to pursue their dreams no matter how out of reach they may seem.”

The fan vote, now in its second year, comprised 21 runner-up contestants selected from nine regional automotive events. Lesnoski and nine other Young Guns Regional winners will now take part in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition that includes more than 300 entrants. Finalists will be announced during the SEMA Show, with the winner crowned at the official SEMA Show after-party, SEMA Ignited, Friday, November 8, in Las Vegas.

For more information, visit www.semaignited.com.