With more than 1 million sq.-ft. of exhibit space, Showgoers will want to ensure they bring a comfortable pair of shoes.

First-time SEMA Showgoers might be wondering what to expect when they arrive in Vegas. The 2014 SEMA Show annually attracts more than 130,000 automotive industry professionals. For those who have never attended, it is important to come prepared and avoid common rookie mistakes that many first-timers make.

When previous Showgoers were asked to share their biggest mistake they made the first year, this is what they had to say:

Rookie Mistake: “Thinking I could see it all in one day.”

Lesson Learned: Registration for the SEMA Show provides access for all four days of the event. The SEMA Show fills more than 1 million sq.-ft. of the Las Vegas Convention Center, with more than 2,300 exhibiting companies, plus additional features and attractions, such as a taping of Velocity’s popular TV Show “Overhaulin’” and the OPTIMA Street Car Alley (located between the Westgate (formerly LVH)) and Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) North Hall. Attending the SEMA Show for multiple days is the best way to enjoy the event in its entirety.

Rookie Mistake: “Not bringing the right shoes.”

Lesson Learned: If you’ve been to the Show before, then you can agree that comfortable shoes are a must. Walking all day can be a painful experience on your feet if you are not wearing the correct shoes. You can give your feet a break mid-day by attending one of more than 50 free education seminars. It’s a great way to get off your feet for an hour and learn some new business strategies. For a list of the seminars visit www.SEMAShow.com/education. Make sure you break in your shoes beforehand, and bring more than one pair!

Rookie Mistake: “I wasn’t prepared.”

Lesson Learned: Because there are thousands of exhibitors to visit, it is important to have a plan before attending the Show. Know where exhibitors are located to help you accomplish all you want to see at the Show. You can also download the SEMA Show app, which features turn-by-turn directions using a “locate me” feature for guidance to one or multiple exhibitor booths or Show features. The app is available for download. View the full list of exhibitors and the floorplan.

Rookie Mistake: “Waiting until the last minute to register.”

Lesson Learned: Registering in advance online can save you money and ensure that you have your badge in hand before the Show opens. You can register for the Show at www.SEMAShow.com/register. After confirming your registration, you can quickly secure hotel accommodations and reservations through the Travel & Lodging page. Booking through this service, which is provided by the official Show housing partner Travel Planners, provides Showgoers with a low-price guarantee and premier customer service. Don’t forget that there is a complimentary shuttle bus service provided each morning and afternoon between the LVCC and official hotels. Don’t wait until the last minute to plan how you are going to get to the Show!

Rookie Mistake: “Didn’t drink enough water.”

Lesson Learned: Most Showgoers are on the floor an average of eight hours per day. Staying hydrated is very important. You can fuel up for your first day by attending SEMA’s annual New Products Breakfast, Tuesday, November 4, from 7:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m., in the Westgate (formerly the LVH) ballroom A, to find out the winners of the New Products Awards. Remember to bring plenty of water and make plans for your meals throughout the week; it is easy to lose track of time when you’re on the Show floor.

Rookie Mistake: “Not going the whole week.”

Lesson Learned: Every day of the Show offers something new and exciting to see. Whether it is a vehicle unveil or celebrity appearance, don’t skip out on the full SEMA Show experience. New this year is SEMA Ignited, which takes place after the SEMA Show on Friday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at The LINQ in Las Vegas. Open to the public and free of charge, you'll find vehicles, products, celebrities, demonstrations, music, food and fun from the 2014 SEMA Show. For more information, check out www.semashow.com/ignited.

Visit the SEMA Show Facebook page for more tips and tricks that can help you have a successful first-time at the SEMA Show.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Nicole Girkey Named Skyjacker's Marketing Director

Nicole Girkey has been named marketing director for Skyjacker Suspension. Prior to joining Skyjacker, Girkey was the CEO for a full-service marketing agency, High Performance Prose Inc., where she managed top-tier accounts while also handling the agency’s advertising, marketing and public relations teams. She has worked with industry clients including SEMA, Royal Purple, BorgWarner Turbo Systems, The Petersen Automotive Museum, Carroll Shelby and eBay Motors.

	Jason Kellams	Ben Bowman

Restoration Parts Group Introduces Two VPs

Restoration Parts Group (RPG), parent company of restoration specialists Trim Parts, PUI, Right Stuff Detailing, SoffSeal Inc., Mr. Mustang and First Place Auto Products, announced the appointment of two new vice presidents. New Restoration Parts Group Vice President of Operations Jason Kellams brings extensive experience and knowledge to the position, having previously worked as the vice president of operations at Evansville ARC and as the senior manager of manufacturing at Nissan North America. Kellams’ strengths in P&L management, systems development and leadership are key to his new post.

RPG’s former Supply Chain Manager Ben Bowman has been promoted to vice president of supply chain management. Bowman will be responsible for enacting company-wide supply chain initiatives, sourcing programs and quality assurance standards. 

Fuelab Relocates Headquarters

Fuelab has recently relocated to a new facility in Collinsville, Illinois, approximately 42 miles from its previous location (Litchfield, Illinois). The move was made to support the company’s increased parts production, improved customer support and room for growth. Fuelab will now occupy a 5,000-sq.-ft. sales and manufacturing facility located in the St. Louis metro area. Fuelab’s new address is 1605 Eastport Plaza Dr., Ste. 125, Collinsville, IL 62234. The company’s new phone number is 618-344-3300.

Special Rates Available for Show Vehicle Transportation

Sterling Productions has space available in their enclosed trailers for transport of SEMA vehicles to the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7, in Las Vegas. SEMA-member companies located in the continental United States seeking secure and bonded Show vehicle transit are invited to contact Duane Johnson at 704-402-3558 or info@sterlingproductionsinc.com to receive special SEMA-member rates.

The 9th Annual Holley Somernites Power Cruise will feature more than 1,500 cars in Somerset, Kentucky.

Holley's 9th Annual Somernites Power Cruise, September 27

Holley has announced the return and sponsorship of the 9th Annual Holley Somernites Power Cruise. The event, which starts September 27, at 12:00 p.m., will feature more than 1,500 cars in Somerset, Kentucky, to cruise and hang out on the historic square and surrounding areas of the city. Holley will be present with their display trailer downtown on the square during the event displaying all of their latest carburetors, EFI systems, LS engine-swap products, exhaust systems and more from the following brands: Holley, Earl's, Flowtech, Hooker Headers, NOS and Weiand.

Richard Petty Garage Car Show Moves to Fall

The Fourth Annual Richard Petty Garage Car Show presented by the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) is scheduled for October 10–11, in Level Cross, Randleman, North Carolina. This year’s event kicks off with an invitation-only cookout at Petty’s home, Reverie Place, Friday, October 10. Petty will sign autographs during the car show at the Level Cross Petty Enterprises Historical Site, Saturday, October 11, and admission to the show includes free entry to the new Richard Petty Museum. The Petty’s Garage Car Show was previously held in the spring. With construction of the relocated Richard Petty Museum taking place on the grounds earlier this year, the 2014 event was moved to the fall.

The event runs from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Saturday, October 11, and judging begins at 12:00 p.m. Petty will sign autographs from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. The Richard Petty Museum opens at 9:00 a.m. The Museum features trophies, cars, memorabilia and more to tell the story of Petty’s NASCAR career. There’s a new exhibit for the kids, featuring Mr. and Mrs. The King and the Hudson Hornet from the Disney Pixar movie, Cars.

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 Becca Butler

	The first product submitted into the New Products Showcase is completely free. All additional products are $75 per category if entered by the October 10 deadline.

The advance-rate deadline for New Products Showcase submissions is Friday, October 10. The first product submitted is free. All additional products are $75 per category if entered by the October 10 deadline, after which, the fee will increase to $150 per category.

One of the most sought-out areas at the 2014 SEMA Show, the 35,000-sq.-ft. New Products Showcase—located in Upper South Hall—is the No. 1 media and buyer destination. By participating in the Showcase, exhibitors are able to draw attention to their company’s products, ultimately attracting more buyers to their booth.

Five benefits of entering a product into the New Products Showcase

• It’s Free! The first entry in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product category if entered by Friday, October 10, after which, the fee will be $150 per product category.

• Increased Foot Traffic: Entering a product into the Showcase is a great way to get buyers and media to visit an exhibitor's booth. The Showcase is the No. 1 destination for attendees, who will see the company name and booth number displayed next to the products. Buyers and media who scan products will also receive the information in hard copy.

• Increased Publicity: The New Products Showcase is a highly photographed area of the SEMA Show. Photos will be promoted to the media, featured in future issues of SEMA News and posted on the SEMA website.

• Possible Award Eligibility: New products entered into the Showcase are eligible to receive a SEMA Show New Product Award. This competition recognizes outstanding achievements in the development of products being introduced to the automotive aftermarket. Winners will be announced at the New Products Breakfast, Tuesday, November 4.

• It’s Not Just For New Products: While products must meet specific requirements to be included in the New Products Showcase, the program includes a category so that all products may be displayed as a featured product. Featured products do not qualify for the New Products Awards Program, but receive the added exposure and increased publicity noted above.

Exhibitors can enter products into the Showcase online. For more information regarding the New Products Showcase, visit the SEMA Show website.

By Becca Butler

	The first product submitted into the New Products Showcase is completely free. All additional products are $75 per category if entered by the October 10 deadline.

The advance-rate deadline for New Products Showcase submissions is Friday, October 10. The first product submitted is free. All additional products are $75 per category if entered by the October 10 deadline, after which, the fee will increase to $150 per category.

One of the most sought-out areas at the 2014 SEMA Show, the 35,000-sq.-ft. New Products Showcase—located in Upper South Hall—is the No. 1 media and buyer destination. By participating in the Showcase, exhibitors are able to draw attention to their company’s products, ultimately attracting more buyers to their booth.

Five benefits of entering a product into the New Products Showcase

• It’s Free! The first entry in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product category if entered by Friday, October 10, after which, the fee will be $150 per product category.

• Increased Foot Traffic: Entering a product into the Showcase is a great way to get buyers and media to visit an exhibitor's booth. The Showcase is the No. 1 destination for attendees, who will see the company name and booth number displayed next to the products. Buyers and media who scan products will also receive the information in hard copy.

• Increased Publicity: The New Products Showcase is a highly photographed area of the SEMA Show. Photos will be promoted to the media, featured in future issues of SEMA News and posted on the SEMA website.

• Possible Award Eligibility: New products entered into the Showcase are eligible to receive a SEMA Show New Product Award. This competition recognizes outstanding achievements in the development of products being introduced to the automotive aftermarket. Winners will be announced at the New Products Breakfast, Tuesday, November 4.

• It’s Not Just For New Products: While products must meet specific requirements to be included in the New Products Showcase, the program includes a category so that all products may be displayed as a featured product. Featured products do not qualify for the New Products Awards Program, but receive the added exposure and increased publicity noted above.

Exhibitors can enter products into the Showcase online. For more information regarding the New Products Showcase, visit the SEMA Show website.

By Becca Butler

	The first product submitted into the New Products Showcase is completely free. All additional products are $75 per category if entered by the October 10 deadline.

The advance-rate deadline for New Products Showcase submissions is Friday, October 10. The first product submitted is free. All additional products are $75 per category if entered by the October 10 deadline, after which, the fee will increase to $150 per category.

One of the most sought-out areas at the 2014 SEMA Show, the 35,000-sq.-ft. New Products Showcase—located in Upper South Hall—is the No. 1 media and buyer destination. By participating in the Showcase, exhibitors are able to draw attention to their company’s products, ultimately attracting more buyers to their booth.

Five benefits of entering a product into the New Products Showcase

• It’s Free! The first entry in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product category if entered by Friday, October 10, after which, the fee will be $150 per product category.

• Increased Foot Traffic: Entering a product into the Showcase is a great way to get buyers and media to visit an exhibitor's booth. The Showcase is the No. 1 destination for attendees, who will see the company name and booth number displayed next to the products. Buyers and media who scan products will also receive the information in hard copy.

• Increased Publicity: The New Products Showcase is a highly photographed area of the SEMA Show. Photos will be promoted to the media, featured in future issues of SEMA News and posted on the SEMA website.

• Possible Award Eligibility: New products entered into the Showcase are eligible to receive a SEMA Show New Product Award. This competition recognizes outstanding achievements in the development of products being introduced to the automotive aftermarket. Winners will be announced at the New Products Breakfast, Tuesday, November 4.

• It’s Not Just For New Products: While products must meet specific requirements to be included in the New Products Showcase, the program includes a category so that all products may be displayed as a featured product. Featured products do not qualify for the New Products Awards Program, but receive the added exposure and increased publicity noted above.

Exhibitors can enter products into the Showcase online. For more information regarding the New Products Showcase, visit the SEMA Show website.

By Michael Hart

	Five SEMA Show Education Days sessions are designed to ensure retailers reach their business potential in the coming year.

Here are five SEMA Show Education Days sessions designed to ensure your retail business reaches its potential in the coming year:

• First, the basics: Join Larry Mersereau of Promo Power for “The Moment of Truth.” You spend a lot of time and money to get potential customers into your store. Once they’re there, what do you do with them? How do you convert shoppers into buyers? In this session, Mersereau will give you the tools you need to guarantee those shoppers won’t leave the store until you’ve made a sale.

• Every day, more and more women are making the purchasing decisions, and successful sales professionals know there is a difference in how you approach them. The popular “Selling to Women: Today’s Greatest Economic Engine” session is back by popular demand as well-known authors Christine Corelli and Doug Dvorak tell you what you need to know to break the ice and make the sale with this important demographic.

• Retailers are learning there is a new path to sales growth—It’s online. No matter how big or small your business, there’s a place for you on the Internet. You’ll find the key with “How Online Retailers Can Successfully Sell on Amazon’s Automotive & Powersports Marketplace” as two executives from Amazon explain why you should sell on their sales portal, how to get started, and how to accelerate your sales in the online marketplace.

• Now that all these new paths to sales growth are in place, it’s time to review your financial statement and say, “So That’s Where the Money Goes?” Eventually, business owners have to ask themselves where the profits are if they’re bringing in so many sales. Tom Shay of Profits Plus Solutions will take you through this session and help you understand how to read your financial statement to make the decisions you need to grow your business.

• Finally, ever wonder what the latest economic news means to you? You’ll get all the answers when you attend “20 Questions: Examining the Economic Climate” as Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tim Gallagher interviews Dr. Bill Watkins, director of the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting at California Lutheran University. Watkins will explain the complicated world of global economics and what it means to your aftermarket business in a way that you’ll understand.

SEMA Show Education Days will feature more than 60 educational sessions in 12 different tracks, ranging from new-vehicle technology to best business practices to marketing strategies and emerging trends in the industry. To see the complete schedule of SEMA Show Education courses and pre-register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.

By Michael Hart

	Five SEMA Show Education Days sessions are designed to ensure retailers reach their business potential in the coming year.

Here are five SEMA Show Education Days sessions designed to ensure your retail business reaches its potential in the coming year:

• First, the basics: Join Larry Mersereau of Promo Power for “The Moment of Truth.” You spend a lot of time and money to get potential customers into your store. Once they’re there, what do you do with them? How do you convert shoppers into buyers? In this session, Mersereau will give you the tools you need to guarantee those shoppers won’t leave the store until you’ve made a sale.

• Every day, more and more women are making the purchasing decisions, and successful sales professionals know there is a difference in how you approach them. The popular “Selling to Women: Today’s Greatest Economic Engine” session is back by popular demand as well-known authors Christine Corelli and Doug Dvorak tell you what you need to know to break the ice and make the sale with this important demographic.

• Retailers are learning there is a new path to sales growth—It’s online. No matter how big or small your business, there’s a place for you on the Internet. You’ll find the key with “How Online Retailers Can Successfully Sell on Amazon’s Automotive & Powersports Marketplace” as two executives from Amazon explain why you should sell on their sales portal, how to get started, and how to accelerate your sales in the online marketplace.

• Now that all these new paths to sales growth are in place, it’s time to review your financial statement and say, “So That’s Where the Money Goes?” Eventually, business owners have to ask themselves where the profits are if they’re bringing in so many sales. Tom Shay of Profits Plus Solutions will take you through this session and help you understand how to read your financial statement to make the decisions you need to grow your business.

• Finally, ever wonder what the latest economic news means to you? You’ll get all the answers when you attend “20 Questions: Examining the Economic Climate” as Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tim Gallagher interviews Dr. Bill Watkins, director of the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting at California Lutheran University. Watkins will explain the complicated world of global economics and what it means to your aftermarket business in a way that you’ll understand.

SEMA Show Education Days will feature more than 60 educational sessions in 12 different tracks, ranging from new-vehicle technology to best business practices to marketing strategies and emerging trends in the industry. To see the complete schedule of SEMA Show Education courses and pre-register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.

By Michael Hart

	Five SEMA Show Education Days sessions are designed to ensure retailers reach their business potential in the coming year.

Here are five SEMA Show Education Days sessions designed to ensure your retail business reaches its potential in the coming year:

• First, the basics: Join Larry Mersereau of Promo Power for “The Moment of Truth.” You spend a lot of time and money to get potential customers into your store. Once they’re there, what do you do with them? How do you convert shoppers into buyers? In this session, Mersereau will give you the tools you need to guarantee those shoppers won’t leave the store until you’ve made a sale.

• Every day, more and more women are making the purchasing decisions, and successful sales professionals know there is a difference in how you approach them. The popular “Selling to Women: Today’s Greatest Economic Engine” session is back by popular demand as well-known authors Christine Corelli and Doug Dvorak tell you what you need to know to break the ice and make the sale with this important demographic.

• Retailers are learning there is a new path to sales growth—It’s online. No matter how big or small your business, there’s a place for you on the Internet. You’ll find the key with “How Online Retailers Can Successfully Sell on Amazon’s Automotive & Powersports Marketplace” as two executives from Amazon explain why you should sell on their sales portal, how to get started, and how to accelerate your sales in the online marketplace.

• Now that all these new paths to sales growth are in place, it’s time to review your financial statement and say, “So That’s Where the Money Goes?” Eventually, business owners have to ask themselves where the profits are if they’re bringing in so many sales. Tom Shay of Profits Plus Solutions will take you through this session and help you understand how to read your financial statement to make the decisions you need to grow your business.

• Finally, ever wonder what the latest economic news means to you? You’ll get all the answers when you attend “20 Questions: Examining the Economic Climate” as Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tim Gallagher interviews Dr. Bill Watkins, director of the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting at California Lutheran University. Watkins will explain the complicated world of global economics and what it means to your aftermarket business in a way that you’ll understand.

SEMA Show Education Days will feature more than 60 educational sessions in 12 different tracks, ranging from new-vehicle technology to best business practices to marketing strategies and emerging trends in the industry. To see the complete schedule of SEMA Show Education courses and pre-register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.

Porsche has begun testing final-bodied prototypes for the second-generation Panamera sedan, and the shooters at KGP Photography have grabbed the first look of it testing on a Porsche test track.

The new Panamera is riding on an all-new, Porsche-developed platform, dubbed "MSB." Along with underpinning the next Panamera photographed here, the MSB is expected to provide the basis for the Bentley Flying Spur. But that's not all. Thanks to its reported modular flexibility, a version of the MSB platform is also expected to be used for the next mid-engine Boxster/Cayman, along with the next rear-engined 911. But before all of those spin-offs come to fruition, the Panamera will serve as the launch vehicle for the new MSB platform.

The next-generation Panamera is expected to get more pleasing styling, reportedly removing a lot of the awkward lines of today's model. Just as Porsche stylists found their stride on the latest versions of the Cayenne, the second go at the Panamera should be much more successful. The new Panamera is expected to spawn a wider model-array than the current version, with a Shooting Brake/Wagon variant taking cues from 2012's Sport Turismo concept, to be joined by a large two-door coupe and convertible. The coupe/convertible spin-off is viewed as the spiritual successor to the Porsche 928, and it might spawn its own model designation if Porsche decides not to try to stretch the Panamera line too far.

Given Porsche's traditionally slow development process, this second-generation Panamera is expected to reach the market in ’16 as a ’17 model.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Porsche has begun testing final-bodied prototypes for the second-generation Panamera sedan, and the shooters at KGP Photography have grabbed the first look of it testing on a Porsche test track.

The new Panamera is riding on an all-new, Porsche-developed platform, dubbed "MSB." Along with underpinning the next Panamera photographed here, the MSB is expected to provide the basis for the Bentley Flying Spur. But that's not all. Thanks to its reported modular flexibility, a version of the MSB platform is also expected to be used for the next mid-engine Boxster/Cayman, along with the next rear-engined 911. But before all of those spin-offs come to fruition, the Panamera will serve as the launch vehicle for the new MSB platform.

The next-generation Panamera is expected to get more pleasing styling, reportedly removing a lot of the awkward lines of today's model. Just as Porsche stylists found their stride on the latest versions of the Cayenne, the second go at the Panamera should be much more successful. The new Panamera is expected to spawn a wider model-array than the current version, with a Shooting Brake/Wagon variant taking cues from 2012's Sport Turismo concept, to be joined by a large two-door coupe and convertible. The coupe/convertible spin-off is viewed as the spiritual successor to the Porsche 928, and it might spawn its own model designation if Porsche decides not to try to stretch the Panamera line too far.

Given Porsche's traditionally slow development process, this second-generation Panamera is expected to reach the market in ’16 as a ’17 model.

Photo credit: KGP Photography