SEMA News—August 2013

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Colby Martin

Ignited We Stand

SEMA Action Network Seeks Unified Voice to Strengthen Impact

As the fight to defend our automotive pursuits continues, the necessity of showcasing the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) efforts to the specialty-equipment industry remains critical. SEMA-member businesses represent an integral component in successfully reaching lawmakers in the United States and Canada with a unified message on important legislation. You, your colleagues and customers can help guide the course of the future.

Each legislative session, the SAN tracks and responds to hundreds of legislative initiatives affecting the specialty-equipment industry and the consumers it serves. Some bills will not advance past introduction; others will go on to become the laws of tomorrow. As bills progress through the legislature, SAN members instantly influence decisions through e-mails and phone calls to state or federal representatives. Often, as few as five messages to individual lawmakers can sway votes on high-impact issues.

The SAN recently launched a new and exciting promotional campaign—“Ignited We Stand!”—to encourage the growth of its grassroots network in size and influence. Many essential elements of the SAN have been re-imagined, including the award-winning publication Driving Force. Since the program’s inception, this publication has been a trusted digest to communicate information about the current legislative landscape around the nation.

Once a monthly publication, this newsletter is now being produced quarterly to give maximum impact to its legislative tools and trend analyses. However, the title is being supplemented by a new and more timely Driving Force Online, which is being transmitted to SAN members electronically every two weeks. Time-tested Action Alert e-mail messages are also being reformatted to enhance their impact as well. Urgent in nature, these alerts call constituents to speak out about automotive bills moving through the legislatures.

Thousands are already doing their part to heed the call and defend the future of this great industry and a pastime we all enjoy. Unfortunately, many more frontline combatants are needed in the battle to keep our businesses free from unnecessarily burdensome laws and regulations. You are encouraged to enlist in the SAN without fee or obligation at www.SEMAsan.com/join. We look forward to counting you among this growing force!

For more information, contact Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or SAN@sema.org.

SEMA News—August 2013

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Colby Martin

Ignited We Stand

SEMA Action Network Seeks Unified Voice to Strengthen Impact

As the fight to defend our automotive pursuits continues, the necessity of showcasing the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) efforts to the specialty-equipment industry remains critical. SEMA-member businesses represent an integral component in successfully reaching lawmakers in the United States and Canada with a unified message on important legislation. You, your colleagues and customers can help guide the course of the future.

Each legislative session, the SAN tracks and responds to hundreds of legislative initiatives affecting the specialty-equipment industry and the consumers it serves. Some bills will not advance past introduction; others will go on to become the laws of tomorrow. As bills progress through the legislature, SAN members instantly influence decisions through e-mails and phone calls to state or federal representatives. Often, as few as five messages to individual lawmakers can sway votes on high-impact issues.

The SAN recently launched a new and exciting promotional campaign—“Ignited We Stand!”—to encourage the growth of its grassroots network in size and influence. Many essential elements of the SAN have been re-imagined, including the award-winning publication Driving Force. Since the program’s inception, this publication has been a trusted digest to communicate information about the current legislative landscape around the nation.

Once a monthly publication, this newsletter is now being produced quarterly to give maximum impact to its legislative tools and trend analyses. However, the title is being supplemented by a new and more timely Driving Force Online, which is being transmitted to SAN members electronically every two weeks. Time-tested Action Alert e-mail messages are also being reformatted to enhance their impact as well. Urgent in nature, these alerts call constituents to speak out about automotive bills moving through the legislatures.

Thousands are already doing their part to heed the call and defend the future of this great industry and a pastime we all enjoy. Unfortunately, many more frontline combatants are needed in the battle to keep our businesses free from unnecessarily burdensome laws and regulations. You are encouraged to enlist in the SAN without fee or obligation at www.SEMAsan.com/join. We look forward to counting you among this growing force!

For more information, contact Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or SAN@sema.org.

SEMA News—August 2013

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Colby Martin

Ignited We Stand

SEMA Action Network Seeks Unified Voice to Strengthen Impact

As the fight to defend our automotive pursuits continues, the necessity of showcasing the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) efforts to the specialty-equipment industry remains critical. SEMA-member businesses represent an integral component in successfully reaching lawmakers in the United States and Canada with a unified message on important legislation. You, your colleagues and customers can help guide the course of the future.

Each legislative session, the SAN tracks and responds to hundreds of legislative initiatives affecting the specialty-equipment industry and the consumers it serves. Some bills will not advance past introduction; others will go on to become the laws of tomorrow. As bills progress through the legislature, SAN members instantly influence decisions through e-mails and phone calls to state or federal representatives. Often, as few as five messages to individual lawmakers can sway votes on high-impact issues.

The SAN recently launched a new and exciting promotional campaign—“Ignited We Stand!”—to encourage the growth of its grassroots network in size and influence. Many essential elements of the SAN have been re-imagined, including the award-winning publication Driving Force. Since the program’s inception, this publication has been a trusted digest to communicate information about the current legislative landscape around the nation.

Once a monthly publication, this newsletter is now being produced quarterly to give maximum impact to its legislative tools and trend analyses. However, the title is being supplemented by a new and more timely Driving Force Online, which is being transmitted to SAN members electronically every two weeks. Time-tested Action Alert e-mail messages are also being reformatted to enhance their impact as well. Urgent in nature, these alerts call constituents to speak out about automotive bills moving through the legislatures.

Thousands are already doing their part to heed the call and defend the future of this great industry and a pastime we all enjoy. Unfortunately, many more frontline combatants are needed in the battle to keep our businesses free from unnecessarily burdensome laws and regulations. You are encouraged to enlist in the SAN without fee or obligation at www.SEMAsan.com/join. We look forward to counting you among this growing force!

For more information, contact Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or SAN@sema.org.

SEMA News—August 2013

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Colby Martin

Ignited We Stand

SEMA Action Network Seeks Unified Voice to Strengthen Impact

As the fight to defend our automotive pursuits continues, the necessity of showcasing the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) efforts to the specialty-equipment industry remains critical. SEMA-member businesses represent an integral component in successfully reaching lawmakers in the United States and Canada with a unified message on important legislation. You, your colleagues and customers can help guide the course of the future.

Each legislative session, the SAN tracks and responds to hundreds of legislative initiatives affecting the specialty-equipment industry and the consumers it serves. Some bills will not advance past introduction; others will go on to become the laws of tomorrow. As bills progress through the legislature, SAN members instantly influence decisions through e-mails and phone calls to state or federal representatives. Often, as few as five messages to individual lawmakers can sway votes on high-impact issues.

The SAN recently launched a new and exciting promotional campaign—“Ignited We Stand!”—to encourage the growth of its grassroots network in size and influence. Many essential elements of the SAN have been re-imagined, including the award-winning publication Driving Force. Since the program’s inception, this publication has been a trusted digest to communicate information about the current legislative landscape around the nation.

Once a monthly publication, this newsletter is now being produced quarterly to give maximum impact to its legislative tools and trend analyses. However, the title is being supplemented by a new and more timely Driving Force Online, which is being transmitted to SAN members electronically every two weeks. Time-tested Action Alert e-mail messages are also being reformatted to enhance their impact as well. Urgent in nature, these alerts call constituents to speak out about automotive bills moving through the legislatures.

Thousands are already doing their part to heed the call and defend the future of this great industry and a pastime we all enjoy. Unfortunately, many more frontline combatants are needed in the battle to keep our businesses free from unnecessarily burdensome laws and regulations. You are encouraged to enlist in the SAN without fee or obligation at www.SEMAsan.com/join. We look forward to counting you among this growing force!

For more information, contact Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or SAN@sema.org.

By Chuck Schwartz

Showtime is just three months away. It's time to start making preparations, if you haven't done so already. Whether you're a first-timer or veteran exhibitor, the information below provides key deadlines and criticial information for helping you prepare and pull off a successful Show:

One of the most important elements of the Exhibitor Manual, and vital in your planning for the SEMA Show, is the Deadlines Checklist. This document will provide you with all the important dates to have everything ordered for your booth and to ensure the lowest prices possible. Please consider printing this page and having it readily available and posted on your desktop so you can reference it throughout the year.

	If your booth is 400 sq.-ft. or larger, you must send an Exhibit Space Design Notification and an exhibit floorplan to Show management.

Is Your Booth 400 sq.-ft. or Larger?
Deadline: September 13

If your booth is 400 sq.-ft. or larger, you must send an Exhibit Space Design Notification and an exhibit floorplan to Show management. This can be hand-drawn with basic booth components, including hanging-sign components, display fixture sizes and vehicle placements. The online form provides an opportunity to attach documents and the form will only take a few minutes to complete. Forms for booths 1,000 sq.-ft. or larger will be submitted to the Las Vegas Convention Center for fire marshal approval. If you have any questions, contact Jeff Pressman at jpressman@convexx.com or call 702-216-5834.

Are You Hanging a Sign Above Your Booth?
Deadline: September 13

	Tom Gattuso of SEMA helped lead a seminar dedicated to preparing to exhibit at the SEMA Show.

How to Get the Most From Your SEMA Show Investment

To help SEMA members prepare for the Show, the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) has developed a three-part series of webinars designed to help exhibitors—both first-timers and veterans—get the most out of their SEMA Show investment. Preparing for the Show is a tremendous task, and to successfully navigate the logistical and operational aspects involved, a strategy is needed. The first session in the series covered pre-Show marketing and provides insight into proven ways to drive booth traffic, tactics for getting exposure and attention at the Show and how to eliminate costly exhibitor mistakes. Session one is available now for SEMA members to view free of charge.

Things to Check in Your SEMA Show Directory Listing
Deadline: August 30

Exhibitors have until August 30 to update their SEMA Show Directory listing. The listing is used by buyers to identify prospective new business partners throughout the year. In addition to being mailed to 18,000 industry professionals in advance of the SEMA Show, the directory is distributed to attendees on-site at the SEMA Show. Exhibitors can ensure that buyers can reach them by verifying their directory listings. Exhibitors are advised to check the following information in their listings:

• Company Name: Verify that the company name is spelled correctly and appears as you wish for it to appear.
• Company Description: Buyers who are not familiar with your company will determine whether or not to look into your company further based on your company description. There is a character count limit, so choose your words wisely. Include key words pertaining to the markets or niches you target, or products of focus. Avoid marketing jargon or promotions, as such information may be edited out.

Free Opportunity to Promote Your Brand Globally
Deadline: September 8

Each year, thousands of buyers from more than 130 countries come to the SEMA Show seeking innovative products that they can sell to consumers in their area. To help them connect with manufacturers that export products, these buyers turn to the SEMA International Buyers’ Guide. Filled with a list of manufacturers that export automotive products and accessories, the guide listings are available exclusively to 2013 SEMA Show exhibitors. The guide is also distributed at major overseas trade shows throughout the year. To be included in the 2013–2014 SEMA International Buyers’ Guide, exhibitors must register.

Join the staff of the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) for a day of information and education about Product Data Management, Monday, November 4. Two rooms have been reserved for the educational seminar, and each session will be repeated in the morning and afternoon to best accommodate busy schedules.

Topics will include introductory courses on ACES and PIES standards, advanced ACES and PIES sessions, SDC Supplier and Receiver user groups, a look into what's coming next at the SEMA Data Co-op, and for those that have not yet checked us out, an introductory session, which includes a demonstration of our online data management solution. Bring your questions and participate in some lively discussion—we are here to help!

These sessions are available for free. Sign up online in advance to secure your seats, and be sure to bring anyone on your team who can benefit from this valuable face-to-face educational opportunity.

Who Do You Contact?

If you have questions and are not sure who to contact, a list of contacts, which includes their direct-dial phone numbers and e-mail addresses, is available. All are always ready to assist. The general phone number at SEMA is 909-396-0289; ConvExx Show Management is 702-450-7662.

By Chuck Schwartz

Showtime is just three months away. It's time to start making preparations, if you haven't done so already. Whether you're a first-timer or veteran exhibitor, the information below provides key deadlines and criticial information for helping you prepare and pull off a successful Show:

One of the most important elements of the Exhibitor Manual, and vital in your planning for the SEMA Show, is the Deadlines Checklist. This document will provide you with all the important dates to have everything ordered for your booth and to ensure the lowest prices possible. Please consider printing this page and having it readily available and posted on your desktop so you can reference it throughout the year.

	If your booth is 400 sq.-ft. or larger, you must send an Exhibit Space Design Notification and an exhibit floorplan to Show management.

Is Your Booth 400 sq.-ft. or Larger?
Deadline: September 13

If your booth is 400 sq.-ft. or larger, you must send an Exhibit Space Design Notification and an exhibit floorplan to Show management. This can be hand-drawn with basic booth components, including hanging-sign components, display fixture sizes and vehicle placements. The online form provides an opportunity to attach documents and the form will only take a few minutes to complete. Forms for booths 1,000 sq.-ft. or larger will be submitted to the Las Vegas Convention Center for fire marshal approval. If you have any questions, contact Jeff Pressman at jpressman@convexx.com or call 702-216-5834.

Are You Hanging a Sign Above Your Booth?
Deadline: September 13

	Tom Gattuso of SEMA helped lead a seminar dedicated to preparing to exhibit at the SEMA Show.

How to Get the Most From Your SEMA Show Investment

To help SEMA members prepare for the Show, the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) has developed a three-part series of webinars designed to help exhibitors—both first-timers and veterans—get the most out of their SEMA Show investment. Preparing for the Show is a tremendous task, and to successfully navigate the logistical and operational aspects involved, a strategy is needed. The first session in the series covered pre-Show marketing and provides insight into proven ways to drive booth traffic, tactics for getting exposure and attention at the Show and how to eliminate costly exhibitor mistakes. Session one is available now for SEMA members to view free of charge.

Things to Check in Your SEMA Show Directory Listing
Deadline: August 30

Exhibitors have until August 30 to update their SEMA Show Directory listing. The listing is used by buyers to identify prospective new business partners throughout the year. In addition to being mailed to 18,000 industry professionals in advance of the SEMA Show, the directory is distributed to attendees on-site at the SEMA Show. Exhibitors can ensure that buyers can reach them by verifying their directory listings. Exhibitors are advised to check the following information in their listings:

• Company Name: Verify that the company name is spelled correctly and appears as you wish for it to appear.
• Company Description: Buyers who are not familiar with your company will determine whether or not to look into your company further based on your company description. There is a character count limit, so choose your words wisely. Include key words pertaining to the markets or niches you target, or products of focus. Avoid marketing jargon or promotions, as such information may be edited out.

Free Opportunity to Promote Your Brand Globally
Deadline: September 8

Each year, thousands of buyers from more than 130 countries come to the SEMA Show seeking innovative products that they can sell to consumers in their area. To help them connect with manufacturers that export products, these buyers turn to the SEMA International Buyers’ Guide. Filled with a list of manufacturers that export automotive products and accessories, the guide listings are available exclusively to 2013 SEMA Show exhibitors. The guide is also distributed at major overseas trade shows throughout the year. To be included in the 2013–2014 SEMA International Buyers’ Guide, exhibitors must register.

Join the staff of the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) for a day of information and education about Product Data Management, Monday, November 4. Two rooms have been reserved for the educational seminar, and each session will be repeated in the morning and afternoon to best accommodate busy schedules.

Topics will include introductory courses on ACES and PIES standards, advanced ACES and PIES sessions, SDC Supplier and Receiver user groups, a look into what's coming next at the SEMA Data Co-op, and for those that have not yet checked us out, an introductory session, which includes a demonstration of our online data management solution. Bring your questions and participate in some lively discussion—we are here to help!

These sessions are available for free. Sign up online in advance to secure your seats, and be sure to bring anyone on your team who can benefit from this valuable face-to-face educational opportunity.

Who Do You Contact?

If you have questions and are not sure who to contact, a list of contacts, which includes their direct-dial phone numbers and e-mail addresses, is available. All are always ready to assist. The general phone number at SEMA is 909-396-0289; ConvExx Show Management is 702-450-7662.

By Chuck Schwartz

Showtime is just three months away. It's time to start making preparations, if you haven't done so already. Whether you're a first-timer or veteran exhibitor, the information below provides key deadlines and criticial information for helping you prepare and pull off a successful Show:

One of the most important elements of the Exhibitor Manual, and vital in your planning for the SEMA Show, is the Deadlines Checklist. This document will provide you with all the important dates to have everything ordered for your booth and to ensure the lowest prices possible. Please consider printing this page and having it readily available and posted on your desktop so you can reference it throughout the year.

	If your booth is 400 sq.-ft. or larger, you must send an Exhibit Space Design Notification and an exhibit floorplan to Show management.

Is Your Booth 400 sq.-ft. or Larger?
Deadline: September 13

If your booth is 400 sq.-ft. or larger, you must send an Exhibit Space Design Notification and an exhibit floorplan to Show management. This can be hand-drawn with basic booth components, including hanging-sign components, display fixture sizes and vehicle placements. The online form provides an opportunity to attach documents and the form will only take a few minutes to complete. Forms for booths 1,000 sq.-ft. or larger will be submitted to the Las Vegas Convention Center for fire marshal approval. If you have any questions, contact Jeff Pressman at jpressman@convexx.com or call 702-216-5834.

Are You Hanging a Sign Above Your Booth?
Deadline: September 13

	Tom Gattuso of SEMA helped lead a seminar dedicated to preparing to exhibit at the SEMA Show.

How to Get the Most From Your SEMA Show Investment

To help SEMA members prepare for the Show, the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) has developed a three-part series of webinars designed to help exhibitors—both first-timers and veterans—get the most out of their SEMA Show investment. Preparing for the Show is a tremendous task, and to successfully navigate the logistical and operational aspects involved, a strategy is needed. The first session in the series covered pre-Show marketing and provides insight into proven ways to drive booth traffic, tactics for getting exposure and attention at the Show and how to eliminate costly exhibitor mistakes. Session one is available now for SEMA members to view free of charge.

Things to Check in Your SEMA Show Directory Listing
Deadline: August 30

Exhibitors have until August 30 to update their SEMA Show Directory listing. The listing is used by buyers to identify prospective new business partners throughout the year. In addition to being mailed to 18,000 industry professionals in advance of the SEMA Show, the directory is distributed to attendees on-site at the SEMA Show. Exhibitors can ensure that buyers can reach them by verifying their directory listings. Exhibitors are advised to check the following information in their listings:

• Company Name: Verify that the company name is spelled correctly and appears as you wish for it to appear.
• Company Description: Buyers who are not familiar with your company will determine whether or not to look into your company further based on your company description. There is a character count limit, so choose your words wisely. Include key words pertaining to the markets or niches you target, or products of focus. Avoid marketing jargon or promotions, as such information may be edited out.

Free Opportunity to Promote Your Brand Globally
Deadline: September 8

Each year, thousands of buyers from more than 130 countries come to the SEMA Show seeking innovative products that they can sell to consumers in their area. To help them connect with manufacturers that export products, these buyers turn to the SEMA International Buyers’ Guide. Filled with a list of manufacturers that export automotive products and accessories, the guide listings are available exclusively to 2013 SEMA Show exhibitors. The guide is also distributed at major overseas trade shows throughout the year. To be included in the 2013–2014 SEMA International Buyers’ Guide, exhibitors must register.

Join the staff of the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) for a day of information and education about Product Data Management, Monday, November 4. Two rooms have been reserved for the educational seminar, and each session will be repeated in the morning and afternoon to best accommodate busy schedules.

Topics will include introductory courses on ACES and PIES standards, advanced ACES and PIES sessions, SDC Supplier and Receiver user groups, a look into what's coming next at the SEMA Data Co-op, and for those that have not yet checked us out, an introductory session, which includes a demonstration of our online data management solution. Bring your questions and participate in some lively discussion—we are here to help!

These sessions are available for free. Sign up online in advance to secure your seats, and be sure to bring anyone on your team who can benefit from this valuable face-to-face educational opportunity.

Who Do You Contact?

If you have questions and are not sure who to contact, a list of contacts, which includes their direct-dial phone numbers and e-mail addresses, is available. All are always ready to assist. The general phone number at SEMA is 909-396-0289; ConvExx Show Management is 702-450-7662.

	All SEMA Show exhibitors are also able to post releases at on the SEMA Show website.

• A strong, short headline: "[Company Name] Releases New [Product Name]."
• Lead: "[Company Name] now offers the newest product in their line, designed to save time, effort and money for restylers."
• Benefit No. 1: List the most important benefit, possibly followed by a quote from your company spokesperson.
• Benefit No. 2: List the next most important benefit.
• Name additional benefit(s).
• Contact Information: ("For more information, contact [Name], address, phone, fax, e-mail, company website, or visit us in SEMA Show Booth xxxxxx.")
• Photo: Having a photo may be the most important element of the release, as many editors will use only releases that include photos. While online outlets will use low-res images, it’s best to offer high-res, 300-dpi images, since they can be reduced.

	All SEMA Show exhibitors are also able to post releases at on the SEMA Show website.

• A strong, short headline: "[Company Name] Releases New [Product Name]."
• Lead: "[Company Name] now offers the newest product in their line, designed to save time, effort and money for restylers."
• Benefit No. 1: List the most important benefit, possibly followed by a quote from your company spokesperson.
• Benefit No. 2: List the next most important benefit.
• Name additional benefit(s).
• Contact Information: ("For more information, contact [Name], address, phone, fax, e-mail, company website, or visit us in SEMA Show Booth xxxxxx.")
• Photo: Having a photo may be the most important element of the release, as many editors will use only releases that include photos. While online outlets will use low-res images, it’s best to offer high-res, 300-dpi images, since they can be reduced.

SEMA News—August 2013

The SEMA Show—From Concept to Reality

As the saying goes: “If you can dream it, you can build it.” Year after year, media and trade professionals from all over the world converge on the SEMA Show in Las Vegas to take in the elite of custom builds that showcase an array of specialty-equipment market parts and accessories. Frequently, these vehicles contain custom wheels and tires, exhausts, shocks and paints, which are all chosen with great care. In many cases, Show exhibitors are the ones producing the products that play a key role in these vehicles, giving them added exposure and notoriety. In addition to amazing vehicles that tantalize car enthusiasts the world over, the SEMA Show also attracts new and existing products from a wide array of manufacturers, drawing buyers and driving traffic to Show booths.

This month’s “Required Reading” proves this point.

Truckin’ The June edition of Truckin’ magazine recapped in great detail the process embarked upon by “Lucky” Luciano Lacerda, a custom automotive painter from Phoenix, Arizona. He turned his ’05 GMC Sierra into the ultimate calling card for his business. Truckin’ explained the step-by-step process of building the truck, from the custom paints to the upholstery and even the bedliner. It is easy to see why SEMA Show vehicles often take months to build and why each component is carefully chosen.	The Detroit News In addition to custom show cars, SEMA also attracts interesting concept cars. The Detroit News recently reported on the Hyundai Velocity concept car. The Velocity was the brainchild of the Hyundai Design and Technology Center (HATCI) and was based on its Veloster. HATCI worked very closely with various aftermarket vendors to create the car, equipping it with standout features such as an oversized rear wing spoiler, Brembo brakes and Bilstein monotube shocks and springs.	The Mustang News As is frequently the case with such creations, the Holman & Moody TdF Mustang was first shown at the SEMA Show. This car was commissioned to commemorate the Mustang’s first race. As you might expect, the exhaust, headers, suspension and even the 19-in. color wheels were all carefully selected. Such vehicles are a collaborative process between the manufacturer and the vendors that supply the parts.	SB Wire Champion Brands recently publicized the fact that it will be displaying its “Purpose-Built” motor oils at this year’s Show. Every year, manufacturers bring a wide and exciting array of products to the SEMA Show. That’s one reason buyers from all over the world make the SEMA Show a must-attend event when searching out the latest products. The annual New Product Showcase is just one cornerstone for SEMA members to promote their products.