SEMA News—October 2012 

INTERNET
By Joe Dysart

Going Mobile on the Cheap

Making Your Website Mobile-Friendly for $100 or Less

Businesses looking to quickly establish a mobile-friendly presence on the web can take heart: There are scores of mobile template providers and conversion services that can now make your website mobile-ready for $100 or less. The nine out of 10 small businesses that still do not have optimized mobile sites because of technical or financial restraints now have the means to build their own professional-looking, brand-identical mobile sites at rock-bottom rates, said Ben Seslija, CEO of bMobilized.

Once a passing consideration, going mobile is now considered imperative for businesses looking to stay abreast of the unbridled popularity of tablets, smartphones and other handheld computerized devices—all of which demand websites designed for small screens. Indeed, according to eMarketer, there will be 54.8 million tablet users in the United States by the close of 2012 and 89.5 million by 2014. All told, 234 million Americans 13 and older were using mobile devices in April 2012, and 107 million of those people were using smartphones, according to Comscore.

Instead of building a mobile-friendly website from the ground up, many businesses simply opt for mobile website templates, which can be easily customized by adding text and images to pre-configured layouts. Among the easiest to use of this ilk are templates offered by AllwebCo Design. AllwebCo makes templates that can be quickly customized with a simple text editor, such as MS Notepad, with no web authoring software required. The company’s basic mobile website templates start at about $21; more sophisticated versions run $125 or more.

Similar template providers include Template Monster and Artisteer. Plus, businesses that are using the Wordpress platform can find scores of mobile-friendly Wordpress templates for as little as $8 at template clearinghouse sites such as Themeforest and Code-canyon.

Meanwhile, there are also a number of “gee-whiz” conversion services on the web that will convert any traditional website on the fly for anyone willing to type in their website address and press “Enter.” Essentially, these self-service online providers attempt to grab the essential data, colors and design elements of your website and then re-display them in a mobile-friendly form—usually in a matter of seconds. Subsequently, you’re presented with a number of online tools that you can use to tweak the resulting design to your taste and preference. Most of the services also offer free analytics with their packages, so you can track customer activity on your new mobile website. And many offer tools that allow you to effortlessly add mobile-specific features, such as click-to-call and mobile-friendly videos.

Seslija’s bMobilized service, for example, offers to do an initial on-the-fly conversion of your website in under 30 seconds. Subsequently, you’re able to use online tools to edit, create or replace menus, tweak your logo, customize headers and footers, drop in advertising and perform similar tweaks to ensure that your mobile site is just right. Trial use is free, and there’s a monthly $9 charge for customers who want to continue the service with tech support.

One of the coolest features of bMobilized is that it automatically updates the mobile version of your website any time you update your traditional website. Similar services are offered by Google’s GOMO, which is free for the first year and then $108 yearly, and Duda Mobile, which costs $9 monthly for the ad-free version.

Besides deciding on a template or an online service provider, one of the key considerations in going mobile is determining if you’ll leave your traditional web presence provider behind. While many mobile presence providers would have you abandon your traditional website design altogether, other web marketing analysts say that businesses may want to stick with a traditional website for people cruising the web on 24-in. or larger screens and then offer a scaled-down, mobile alternative for tiny-screen fans.

Once you’ve made that call, you’ll want to consider these top 10 best practices of mobile web design, as recommended by Google GOMO:

Keep It Quick: Given that many mobile users use their devices during spare moments, it’s crucial that your mobile site loads fast and is pain-free to use. In practice, that means prioritizing content and features that mobile users need most. You’ll also want to reduce large blocks of text to bullet-pointed text and ensure that images are small and compressed for easy loading.

Simplify Navigation: As much as possible, try to minimize the need for scrolling on your mobile site. Any scrolling required should be vertical, and you’ll want to establish a clear hierarchy in menus. Make navigation easier by offering clear “Back” and “Home” buttons. Use seven navigation links or fewer per page. And have a search box prominently available on complex sites.

Be Thumb Friendly: With mobile, the thumb rules. So use large, centered buttons for easy thumb navigation. And give users breathing room to reduce accidental clicks. Pad smaller buttons to increase the clickable area. And pad check boxes by making the text next to the boxes clickable.

	A Google employee takes a break from reinventing the web.

Design for Visibility: Mobile users are often in low-light environments. So always be sure to create contrast between background and text. All content should fit onscreen without forcing the mobile user to pinch or zoom. And use size and color to indicate link/button priority.

Make It Accessible: In a perfect world, your mobile site should work across all devices. Consequently, you may want to find alternatives for Flash, since the video format does not work on all devices. Use HTML5 for interactivity and animation. Adapt your site for both vertical and horizontal screen orientation. And design to keep users in the same place when they change orientation.

Make Transactions Easy: To increase sales and calls to action, focus on information that will spur a transaction. And reduce the number of steps to complete a transaction. Forms should be short, using the fewest number of fields possible. And use check boxes, lists and scroll menus to make data entry easier. Also, use click-to-call functionality for all phone numbers.

Make It Local: If your business depends heavily on local clients/customers, be sure that your address is on the landing page. You’ll also want easily accessible maps and directions.

Sync Your Traditional and Mobile Sites: People now use multiple screens throughout the day. So make it easy for visitors to visit on both by allowing them to save popular searches and shopping-cart contents. You’ll also want to retain the look and feel of your web presence on all platforms.

Use Mobile Site Redirects: Such redirects are code embedded in your website and automatically sense that your visitors are using a mobile device and send them to the mobile-friendly version of your site. Once you’ve embedded this code, always offer users a choice to go back to your traditional website if they prefer.

Listen, Learn and Refine: Use free analytics programs such as Google Analytics to understand how people are using your site and to continually improve their experiences. You can also use surveys and other feedback tools to supplement that analysis.

Joe Dysart is an Internet speaker and business consultant based in Manhattan.
646-233-4089
joe@joedysart.com
www.joedysart.com

SEMA News—October 2012 

INTERNET
By Joe Dysart

Going Mobile on the Cheap

Making Your Website Mobile-Friendly for $100 or Less

Businesses looking to quickly establish a mobile-friendly presence on the web can take heart: There are scores of mobile template providers and conversion services that can now make your website mobile-ready for $100 or less. The nine out of 10 small businesses that still do not have optimized mobile sites because of technical or financial restraints now have the means to build their own professional-looking, brand-identical mobile sites at rock-bottom rates, said Ben Seslija, CEO of bMobilized.

Once a passing consideration, going mobile is now considered imperative for businesses looking to stay abreast of the unbridled popularity of tablets, smartphones and other handheld computerized devices—all of which demand websites designed for small screens. Indeed, according to eMarketer, there will be 54.8 million tablet users in the United States by the close of 2012 and 89.5 million by 2014. All told, 234 million Americans 13 and older were using mobile devices in April 2012, and 107 million of those people were using smartphones, according to Comscore.

Instead of building a mobile-friendly website from the ground up, many businesses simply opt for mobile website templates, which can be easily customized by adding text and images to pre-configured layouts. Among the easiest to use of this ilk are templates offered by AllwebCo Design. AllwebCo makes templates that can be quickly customized with a simple text editor, such as MS Notepad, with no web authoring software required. The company’s basic mobile website templates start at about $21; more sophisticated versions run $125 or more.

Similar template providers include Template Monster and Artisteer. Plus, businesses that are using the Wordpress platform can find scores of mobile-friendly Wordpress templates for as little as $8 at template clearinghouse sites such as Themeforest and Code-canyon.

Meanwhile, there are also a number of “gee-whiz” conversion services on the web that will convert any traditional website on the fly for anyone willing to type in their website address and press “Enter.” Essentially, these self-service online providers attempt to grab the essential data, colors and design elements of your website and then re-display them in a mobile-friendly form—usually in a matter of seconds. Subsequently, you’re presented with a number of online tools that you can use to tweak the resulting design to your taste and preference. Most of the services also offer free analytics with their packages, so you can track customer activity on your new mobile website. And many offer tools that allow you to effortlessly add mobile-specific features, such as click-to-call and mobile-friendly videos.

Seslija’s bMobilized service, for example, offers to do an initial on-the-fly conversion of your website in under 30 seconds. Subsequently, you’re able to use online tools to edit, create or replace menus, tweak your logo, customize headers and footers, drop in advertising and perform similar tweaks to ensure that your mobile site is just right. Trial use is free, and there’s a monthly $9 charge for customers who want to continue the service with tech support.

One of the coolest features of bMobilized is that it automatically updates the mobile version of your website any time you update your traditional website. Similar services are offered by Google’s GOMO, which is free for the first year and then $108 yearly, and Duda Mobile, which costs $9 monthly for the ad-free version.

Besides deciding on a template or an online service provider, one of the key considerations in going mobile is determining if you’ll leave your traditional web presence provider behind. While many mobile presence providers would have you abandon your traditional website design altogether, other web marketing analysts say that businesses may want to stick with a traditional website for people cruising the web on 24-in. or larger screens and then offer a scaled-down, mobile alternative for tiny-screen fans.

Once you’ve made that call, you’ll want to consider these top 10 best practices of mobile web design, as recommended by Google GOMO:

Keep It Quick: Given that many mobile users use their devices during spare moments, it’s crucial that your mobile site loads fast and is pain-free to use. In practice, that means prioritizing content and features that mobile users need most. You’ll also want to reduce large blocks of text to bullet-pointed text and ensure that images are small and compressed for easy loading.

Simplify Navigation: As much as possible, try to minimize the need for scrolling on your mobile site. Any scrolling required should be vertical, and you’ll want to establish a clear hierarchy in menus. Make navigation easier by offering clear “Back” and “Home” buttons. Use seven navigation links or fewer per page. And have a search box prominently available on complex sites.

Be Thumb Friendly: With mobile, the thumb rules. So use large, centered buttons for easy thumb navigation. And give users breathing room to reduce accidental clicks. Pad smaller buttons to increase the clickable area. And pad check boxes by making the text next to the boxes clickable.

	A Google employee takes a break from reinventing the web.

Design for Visibility: Mobile users are often in low-light environments. So always be sure to create contrast between background and text. All content should fit onscreen without forcing the mobile user to pinch or zoom. And use size and color to indicate link/button priority.

Make It Accessible: In a perfect world, your mobile site should work across all devices. Consequently, you may want to find alternatives for Flash, since the video format does not work on all devices. Use HTML5 for interactivity and animation. Adapt your site for both vertical and horizontal screen orientation. And design to keep users in the same place when they change orientation.

Make Transactions Easy: To increase sales and calls to action, focus on information that will spur a transaction. And reduce the number of steps to complete a transaction. Forms should be short, using the fewest number of fields possible. And use check boxes, lists and scroll menus to make data entry easier. Also, use click-to-call functionality for all phone numbers.

Make It Local: If your business depends heavily on local clients/customers, be sure that your address is on the landing page. You’ll also want easily accessible maps and directions.

Sync Your Traditional and Mobile Sites: People now use multiple screens throughout the day. So make it easy for visitors to visit on both by allowing them to save popular searches and shopping-cart contents. You’ll also want to retain the look and feel of your web presence on all platforms.

Use Mobile Site Redirects: Such redirects are code embedded in your website and automatically sense that your visitors are using a mobile device and send them to the mobile-friendly version of your site. Once you’ve embedded this code, always offer users a choice to go back to your traditional website if they prefer.

Listen, Learn and Refine: Use free analytics programs such as Google Analytics to understand how people are using your site and to continually improve their experiences. You can also use surveys and other feedback tools to supplement that analysis.

Joe Dysart is an Internet speaker and business consultant based in Manhattan.
646-233-4089
joe@joedysart.com
www.joedysart.com

SEMA News—October 2012

INTERNATIONAL
By Linda Spencer

Branching Out

Helping International Buyers Find You at the SEMA Show

	Top specialty-equipment buyers from the Middle East and China will speak about their quickly growing markets at roundtable discussions to be held on Monday, October 29. Pre-registration is not required.
	Attend SEMA’s International Happy Hour on Wednesday, October 31, to network with international buyers and distributors as well as media from key overseas markets. Joe Sebergandio of Motor Media Inc. served as the master of ceremonies at the 2011 International Happy Hour. Here he interviews Stephen Humphris (left) of NSV Automotive, a Global Media Award winner.
	The Center for International Commerce contains complimentary private meeting space and interpreters to facilitate meetings between exhibitors and international buyers.
	Be sure to participate in the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase. Key International media will be selecting products from the showcase based on salability in their home markets as part of the Global Media Awards.

In a post-SEMA Show survey, exhibitors identified meeting potential new international customers and developing relationships with overseas buyers as an increasingly important goal. Exhibitors also felt that there was an increased international presence, with more global attendees at the 2011 SEMA Show than in the past several years—and they were correct! More than 25% of all buyers at the 2011 SEMA Show were from more than 100 nations outside the United States.

Facing a slowdown in sales at home, a number of SEMA members have successfully branched out and diversified their customer base. Selling overseas not only adds to the bottom line, but can also lead to product improvement and innovative ideas. Since the SEMA Show is the largest annual automotive specialty-equipment trade show in the world, it is possible to meet with buyers from more than 100 countries without leaving the United States.

SEMA is ready to assist exhibitors in making these connections. The association organizes programs that include two roundtable discussions on key developing markets; hosting the International Happy Hour, which is the largest annual global networking event in the industry; sponsoring an international panel of journalists to select new products with the largest global draw; and offering quiet onsite meeting space replete with complementary interpreters.

Seminars

This year, the SEMA Show will feature two international seminars that will take place on Monday, October 29, during Show week:

Sell Specialty-Equipment Products in China—the World’s Largest Emerging Automotive Market

• 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255
• Chinese distributors and SEMA members already successful in the region provide insider tips.

Opportunities for SEMA-Member Manufacturers in the Middle East

• 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255
• Learn how to cash in on this lucrative region.

International Happy Hour

More than 1,000 companies are expected at the 2012 SEMA International Happy Hour (IHH). The event provides an excellent opportunity to network with buyers and distributors from around the world. Top international media from key overseas markets will also be in attendance. Pre-registration for the IHH is complimentary but required. Register by visiting here.
.

Global Media Awards

The ninth annual Global Media Awards will once again be selected by a group of top automotive journalists from more than 20 countries who will each name 10 products from Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase that they think will most appeal to consumers in their home markets.

Winning companies receive a Global Media Award, which signifies the global appeal of their products, and are recognized at the IHH. To be considered, make sure your products are featured in Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase.

At last year’s SEMA Show, 257 Global Media Awards were distributed by the panel of leading international media after 1,850 new products were reviewed.

Center for International Commerce

Take advantage of the onsite SEMA Center for International Commerce (CIC). The CIC is staffed with a team of highly qualified interpreters to assist exhibitors in communicating with potential international customers.

Reserve a private meeting room with interpretation provided in key languages, including German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. The CIC is located in room S224 of the Las Vegas Convention Center and is a valuable resource for SEMA Show exhibitors and international buyers.

We Export Signs

Welcome international buyers to your booth with a complimentary “We Export” sign. For information about obtaining a sign, exhibitors may contact Casey Kooiman at caseyk@SEMA.org. Provide your company name, contact information and booth number, and a sign will be delivered to your booth.

For more information on international programs at the SEMA Show or year-round, contact SEMA Director of International Relations Linda Spencer at lindas@SEMA.org

SEMA News—October 2012

INTERNATIONAL
By Linda Spencer

Branching Out

Helping International Buyers Find You at the SEMA Show

	Top specialty-equipment buyers from the Middle East and China will speak about their quickly growing markets at roundtable discussions to be held on Monday, October 29. Pre-registration is not required.
	Attend SEMA’s International Happy Hour on Wednesday, October 31, to network with international buyers and distributors as well as media from key overseas markets. Joe Sebergandio of Motor Media Inc. served as the master of ceremonies at the 2011 International Happy Hour. Here he interviews Stephen Humphris (left) of NSV Automotive, a Global Media Award winner.
	The Center for International Commerce contains complimentary private meeting space and interpreters to facilitate meetings between exhibitors and international buyers.
	Be sure to participate in the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase. Key International media will be selecting products from the showcase based on salability in their home markets as part of the Global Media Awards.

In a post-SEMA Show survey, exhibitors identified meeting potential new international customers and developing relationships with overseas buyers as an increasingly important goal. Exhibitors also felt that there was an increased international presence, with more global attendees at the 2011 SEMA Show than in the past several years—and they were correct! More than 25% of all buyers at the 2011 SEMA Show were from more than 100 nations outside the United States.

Facing a slowdown in sales at home, a number of SEMA members have successfully branched out and diversified their customer base. Selling overseas not only adds to the bottom line, but can also lead to product improvement and innovative ideas. Since the SEMA Show is the largest annual automotive specialty-equipment trade show in the world, it is possible to meet with buyers from more than 100 countries without leaving the United States.

SEMA is ready to assist exhibitors in making these connections. The association organizes programs that include two roundtable discussions on key developing markets; hosting the International Happy Hour, which is the largest annual global networking event in the industry; sponsoring an international panel of journalists to select new products with the largest global draw; and offering quiet onsite meeting space replete with complementary interpreters.

Seminars

This year, the SEMA Show will feature two international seminars that will take place on Monday, October 29, during Show week:

Sell Specialty-Equipment Products in China—the World’s Largest Emerging Automotive Market

• 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255
• Chinese distributors and SEMA members already successful in the region provide insider tips.

Opportunities for SEMA-Member Manufacturers in the Middle East

• 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255
• Learn how to cash in on this lucrative region.

International Happy Hour

More than 1,000 companies are expected at the 2012 SEMA International Happy Hour (IHH). The event provides an excellent opportunity to network with buyers and distributors from around the world. Top international media from key overseas markets will also be in attendance. Pre-registration for the IHH is complimentary but required. Register by visiting here.
.

Global Media Awards

The ninth annual Global Media Awards will once again be selected by a group of top automotive journalists from more than 20 countries who will each name 10 products from Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase that they think will most appeal to consumers in their home markets.

Winning companies receive a Global Media Award, which signifies the global appeal of their products, and are recognized at the IHH. To be considered, make sure your products are featured in Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase.

At last year’s SEMA Show, 257 Global Media Awards were distributed by the panel of leading international media after 1,850 new products were reviewed.

Center for International Commerce

Take advantage of the onsite SEMA Center for International Commerce (CIC). The CIC is staffed with a team of highly qualified interpreters to assist exhibitors in communicating with potential international customers.

Reserve a private meeting room with interpretation provided in key languages, including German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. The CIC is located in room S224 of the Las Vegas Convention Center and is a valuable resource for SEMA Show exhibitors and international buyers.

We Export Signs

Welcome international buyers to your booth with a complimentary “We Export” sign. For information about obtaining a sign, exhibitors may contact Casey Kooiman at caseyk@SEMA.org. Provide your company name, contact information and booth number, and a sign will be delivered to your booth.

For more information on international programs at the SEMA Show or year-round, contact SEMA Director of International Relations Linda Spencer at lindas@SEMA.org

SEMA News—October 2012

INTERNATIONAL
By Linda Spencer

Branching Out

Helping International Buyers Find You at the SEMA Show

	Top specialty-equipment buyers from the Middle East and China will speak about their quickly growing markets at roundtable discussions to be held on Monday, October 29. Pre-registration is not required.
	Attend SEMA’s International Happy Hour on Wednesday, October 31, to network with international buyers and distributors as well as media from key overseas markets. Joe Sebergandio of Motor Media Inc. served as the master of ceremonies at the 2011 International Happy Hour. Here he interviews Stephen Humphris (left) of NSV Automotive, a Global Media Award winner.
	The Center for International Commerce contains complimentary private meeting space and interpreters to facilitate meetings between exhibitors and international buyers.
	Be sure to participate in the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase. Key International media will be selecting products from the showcase based on salability in their home markets as part of the Global Media Awards.

In a post-SEMA Show survey, exhibitors identified meeting potential new international customers and developing relationships with overseas buyers as an increasingly important goal. Exhibitors also felt that there was an increased international presence, with more global attendees at the 2011 SEMA Show than in the past several years—and they were correct! More than 25% of all buyers at the 2011 SEMA Show were from more than 100 nations outside the United States.

Facing a slowdown in sales at home, a number of SEMA members have successfully branched out and diversified their customer base. Selling overseas not only adds to the bottom line, but can also lead to product improvement and innovative ideas. Since the SEMA Show is the largest annual automotive specialty-equipment trade show in the world, it is possible to meet with buyers from more than 100 countries without leaving the United States.

SEMA is ready to assist exhibitors in making these connections. The association organizes programs that include two roundtable discussions on key developing markets; hosting the International Happy Hour, which is the largest annual global networking event in the industry; sponsoring an international panel of journalists to select new products with the largest global draw; and offering quiet onsite meeting space replete with complementary interpreters.

Seminars

This year, the SEMA Show will feature two international seminars that will take place on Monday, October 29, during Show week:

Sell Specialty-Equipment Products in China—the World’s Largest Emerging Automotive Market

• 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255
• Chinese distributors and SEMA members already successful in the region provide insider tips.

Opportunities for SEMA-Member Manufacturers in the Middle East

• 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255
• Learn how to cash in on this lucrative region.

International Happy Hour

More than 1,000 companies are expected at the 2012 SEMA International Happy Hour (IHH). The event provides an excellent opportunity to network with buyers and distributors from around the world. Top international media from key overseas markets will also be in attendance. Pre-registration for the IHH is complimentary but required. Register by visiting here.
.

Global Media Awards

The ninth annual Global Media Awards will once again be selected by a group of top automotive journalists from more than 20 countries who will each name 10 products from Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase that they think will most appeal to consumers in their home markets.

Winning companies receive a Global Media Award, which signifies the global appeal of their products, and are recognized at the IHH. To be considered, make sure your products are featured in Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase.

At last year’s SEMA Show, 257 Global Media Awards were distributed by the panel of leading international media after 1,850 new products were reviewed.

Center for International Commerce

Take advantage of the onsite SEMA Center for International Commerce (CIC). The CIC is staffed with a team of highly qualified interpreters to assist exhibitors in communicating with potential international customers.

Reserve a private meeting room with interpretation provided in key languages, including German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. The CIC is located in room S224 of the Las Vegas Convention Center and is a valuable resource for SEMA Show exhibitors and international buyers.

We Export Signs

Welcome international buyers to your booth with a complimentary “We Export” sign. For information about obtaining a sign, exhibitors may contact Casey Kooiman at caseyk@SEMA.org. Provide your company name, contact information and booth number, and a sign will be delivered to your booth.

For more information on international programs at the SEMA Show or year-round, contact SEMA Director of International Relations Linda Spencer at lindas@SEMA.org

SEMA News—October 2012

INTERNATIONAL
By Linda Spencer

Branching Out

Helping International Buyers Find You at the SEMA Show

	Top specialty-equipment buyers from the Middle East and China will speak about their quickly growing markets at roundtable discussions to be held on Monday, October 29. Pre-registration is not required.
	Attend SEMA’s International Happy Hour on Wednesday, October 31, to network with international buyers and distributors as well as media from key overseas markets. Joe Sebergandio of Motor Media Inc. served as the master of ceremonies at the 2011 International Happy Hour. Here he interviews Stephen Humphris (left) of NSV Automotive, a Global Media Award winner.
	The Center for International Commerce contains complimentary private meeting space and interpreters to facilitate meetings between exhibitors and international buyers.
	Be sure to participate in the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase. Key International media will be selecting products from the showcase based on salability in their home markets as part of the Global Media Awards.

In a post-SEMA Show survey, exhibitors identified meeting potential new international customers and developing relationships with overseas buyers as an increasingly important goal. Exhibitors also felt that there was an increased international presence, with more global attendees at the 2011 SEMA Show than in the past several years—and they were correct! More than 25% of all buyers at the 2011 SEMA Show were from more than 100 nations outside the United States.

Facing a slowdown in sales at home, a number of SEMA members have successfully branched out and diversified their customer base. Selling overseas not only adds to the bottom line, but can also lead to product improvement and innovative ideas. Since the SEMA Show is the largest annual automotive specialty-equipment trade show in the world, it is possible to meet with buyers from more than 100 countries without leaving the United States.

SEMA is ready to assist exhibitors in making these connections. The association organizes programs that include two roundtable discussions on key developing markets; hosting the International Happy Hour, which is the largest annual global networking event in the industry; sponsoring an international panel of journalists to select new products with the largest global draw; and offering quiet onsite meeting space replete with complementary interpreters.

Seminars

This year, the SEMA Show will feature two international seminars that will take place on Monday, October 29, during Show week:

Sell Specialty-Equipment Products in China—the World’s Largest Emerging Automotive Market

• 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255
• Chinese distributors and SEMA members already successful in the region provide insider tips.

Opportunities for SEMA-Member Manufacturers in the Middle East

• 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255
• Learn how to cash in on this lucrative region.

International Happy Hour

More than 1,000 companies are expected at the 2012 SEMA International Happy Hour (IHH). The event provides an excellent opportunity to network with buyers and distributors from around the world. Top international media from key overseas markets will also be in attendance. Pre-registration for the IHH is complimentary but required. Register by visiting here.
.

Global Media Awards

The ninth annual Global Media Awards will once again be selected by a group of top automotive journalists from more than 20 countries who will each name 10 products from Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase that they think will most appeal to consumers in their home markets.

Winning companies receive a Global Media Award, which signifies the global appeal of their products, and are recognized at the IHH. To be considered, make sure your products are featured in Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase.

At last year’s SEMA Show, 257 Global Media Awards were distributed by the panel of leading international media after 1,850 new products were reviewed.

Center for International Commerce

Take advantage of the onsite SEMA Center for International Commerce (CIC). The CIC is staffed with a team of highly qualified interpreters to assist exhibitors in communicating with potential international customers.

Reserve a private meeting room with interpretation provided in key languages, including German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. The CIC is located in room S224 of the Las Vegas Convention Center and is a valuable resource for SEMA Show exhibitors and international buyers.

We Export Signs

Welcome international buyers to your booth with a complimentary “We Export” sign. For information about obtaining a sign, exhibitors may contact Casey Kooiman at caseyk@SEMA.org. Provide your company name, contact information and booth number, and a sign will be delivered to your booth.

For more information on international programs at the SEMA Show or year-round, contact SEMA Director of International Relations Linda Spencer at lindas@SEMA.org

SEMA News—October 2012

INTERNATIONAL
By Linda Spencer

Branching Out

Helping International Buyers Find You at the SEMA Show

	Top specialty-equipment buyers from the Middle East and China will speak about their quickly growing markets at roundtable discussions to be held on Monday, October 29. Pre-registration is not required.
	Attend SEMA’s International Happy Hour on Wednesday, October 31, to network with international buyers and distributors as well as media from key overseas markets. Joe Sebergandio of Motor Media Inc. served as the master of ceremonies at the 2011 International Happy Hour. Here he interviews Stephen Humphris (left) of NSV Automotive, a Global Media Award winner.
	The Center for International Commerce contains complimentary private meeting space and interpreters to facilitate meetings between exhibitors and international buyers.
	Be sure to participate in the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase. Key International media will be selecting products from the showcase based on salability in their home markets as part of the Global Media Awards.

In a post-SEMA Show survey, exhibitors identified meeting potential new international customers and developing relationships with overseas buyers as an increasingly important goal. Exhibitors also felt that there was an increased international presence, with more global attendees at the 2011 SEMA Show than in the past several years—and they were correct! More than 25% of all buyers at the 2011 SEMA Show were from more than 100 nations outside the United States.

Facing a slowdown in sales at home, a number of SEMA members have successfully branched out and diversified their customer base. Selling overseas not only adds to the bottom line, but can also lead to product improvement and innovative ideas. Since the SEMA Show is the largest annual automotive specialty-equipment trade show in the world, it is possible to meet with buyers from more than 100 countries without leaving the United States.

SEMA is ready to assist exhibitors in making these connections. The association organizes programs that include two roundtable discussions on key developing markets; hosting the International Happy Hour, which is the largest annual global networking event in the industry; sponsoring an international panel of journalists to select new products with the largest global draw; and offering quiet onsite meeting space replete with complementary interpreters.

Seminars

This year, the SEMA Show will feature two international seminars that will take place on Monday, October 29, during Show week:

Sell Specialty-Equipment Products in China—the World’s Largest Emerging Automotive Market

• 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255
• Chinese distributors and SEMA members already successful in the region provide insider tips.

Opportunities for SEMA-Member Manufacturers in the Middle East

• 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255
• Learn how to cash in on this lucrative region.

International Happy Hour

More than 1,000 companies are expected at the 2012 SEMA International Happy Hour (IHH). The event provides an excellent opportunity to network with buyers and distributors from around the world. Top international media from key overseas markets will also be in attendance. Pre-registration for the IHH is complimentary but required. Register by visiting here.
.

Global Media Awards

The ninth annual Global Media Awards will once again be selected by a group of top automotive journalists from more than 20 countries who will each name 10 products from Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase that they think will most appeal to consumers in their home markets.

Winning companies receive a Global Media Award, which signifies the global appeal of their products, and are recognized at the IHH. To be considered, make sure your products are featured in Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase.

At last year’s SEMA Show, 257 Global Media Awards were distributed by the panel of leading international media after 1,850 new products were reviewed.

Center for International Commerce

Take advantage of the onsite SEMA Center for International Commerce (CIC). The CIC is staffed with a team of highly qualified interpreters to assist exhibitors in communicating with potential international customers.

Reserve a private meeting room with interpretation provided in key languages, including German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. The CIC is located in room S224 of the Las Vegas Convention Center and is a valuable resource for SEMA Show exhibitors and international buyers.

We Export Signs

Welcome international buyers to your booth with a complimentary “We Export” sign. For information about obtaining a sign, exhibitors may contact Casey Kooiman at caseyk@SEMA.org. Provide your company name, contact information and booth number, and a sign will be delivered to your booth.

For more information on international programs at the SEMA Show or year-round, contact SEMA Director of International Relations Linda Spencer at lindas@SEMA.org

SEMA News—October 2012

INTERNATIONAL
By Linda Spencer

Branching Out

Helping International Buyers Find You at the SEMA Show

	Top specialty-equipment buyers from the Middle East and China will speak about their quickly growing markets at roundtable discussions to be held on Monday, October 29. Pre-registration is not required.
	Attend SEMA’s International Happy Hour on Wednesday, October 31, to network with international buyers and distributors as well as media from key overseas markets. Joe Sebergandio of Motor Media Inc. served as the master of ceremonies at the 2011 International Happy Hour. Here he interviews Stephen Humphris (left) of NSV Automotive, a Global Media Award winner.
	The Center for International Commerce contains complimentary private meeting space and interpreters to facilitate meetings between exhibitors and international buyers.
	Be sure to participate in the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase. Key International media will be selecting products from the showcase based on salability in their home markets as part of the Global Media Awards.

In a post-SEMA Show survey, exhibitors identified meeting potential new international customers and developing relationships with overseas buyers as an increasingly important goal. Exhibitors also felt that there was an increased international presence, with more global attendees at the 2011 SEMA Show than in the past several years—and they were correct! More than 25% of all buyers at the 2011 SEMA Show were from more than 100 nations outside the United States.

Facing a slowdown in sales at home, a number of SEMA members have successfully branched out and diversified their customer base. Selling overseas not only adds to the bottom line, but can also lead to product improvement and innovative ideas. Since the SEMA Show is the largest annual automotive specialty-equipment trade show in the world, it is possible to meet with buyers from more than 100 countries without leaving the United States.

SEMA is ready to assist exhibitors in making these connections. The association organizes programs that include two roundtable discussions on key developing markets; hosting the International Happy Hour, which is the largest annual global networking event in the industry; sponsoring an international panel of journalists to select new products with the largest global draw; and offering quiet onsite meeting space replete with complementary interpreters.

Seminars

This year, the SEMA Show will feature two international seminars that will take place on Monday, October 29, during Show week:

Sell Specialty-Equipment Products in China—the World’s Largest Emerging Automotive Market

• 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255
• Chinese distributors and SEMA members already successful in the region provide insider tips.

Opportunities for SEMA-Member Manufacturers in the Middle East

• 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255
• Learn how to cash in on this lucrative region.

International Happy Hour

More than 1,000 companies are expected at the 2012 SEMA International Happy Hour (IHH). The event provides an excellent opportunity to network with buyers and distributors from around the world. Top international media from key overseas markets will also be in attendance. Pre-registration for the IHH is complimentary but required. Register by visiting here.
.

Global Media Awards

The ninth annual Global Media Awards will once again be selected by a group of top automotive journalists from more than 20 countries who will each name 10 products from Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase that they think will most appeal to consumers in their home markets.

Winning companies receive a Global Media Award, which signifies the global appeal of their products, and are recognized at the IHH. To be considered, make sure your products are featured in Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase.

At last year’s SEMA Show, 257 Global Media Awards were distributed by the panel of leading international media after 1,850 new products were reviewed.

Center for International Commerce

Take advantage of the onsite SEMA Center for International Commerce (CIC). The CIC is staffed with a team of highly qualified interpreters to assist exhibitors in communicating with potential international customers.

Reserve a private meeting room with interpretation provided in key languages, including German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. The CIC is located in room S224 of the Las Vegas Convention Center and is a valuable resource for SEMA Show exhibitors and international buyers.

We Export Signs

Welcome international buyers to your booth with a complimentary “We Export” sign. For information about obtaining a sign, exhibitors may contact Casey Kooiman at caseyk@SEMA.org. Provide your company name, contact information and booth number, and a sign will be delivered to your booth.

For more information on international programs at the SEMA Show or year-round, contact SEMA Director of International Relations Linda Spencer at lindas@SEMA.org

SEMA News—October 2012 

EVENTS
By Mike Imlay

Ideas Alive

Put Your New and Featured Products Front and Center

Each year, hundreds of specialty-equipment businesses debut their newest products at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. If you’re an exhibitor in search of buyer and press attention for your latest and greatest innovations, there’s no better way to get it than the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Product Showcase section.

“There were approximately 2,000 new products representing about 800 companies in our 2011 New Products Showcase,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “These numbers show that plenty of people are taking advantage of this tremendous opportunity, but we think there are even more exhibitors who could benefit by their participation at the upcoming Show.”

That’s because tracking data indicates that Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase is the SEMA Show’s number-one destination and is especially popular among buyers and media. The reason is obvious: There’s no better way to survey all of the industry’s hottest offerings in one fell swoop. Plus, Ideas Alive last year introduced a Featured Products section where exhibitors were able to display their most popular creations, regardless of introduction date.

“We’ve polled buyers, and they say that what most draws them to the SEMA Show is their search for new products; so of all the areas of the Show that they prioritize, the New Products Showcase tops the list,” said MacGillivray. “Moreover, last year’s Featured Product section turned out to be a very successful addition. Now, if a company has a product that’s not necessarily new but still wants to Showcase it, they have that chance as well.”

	Are you seeking ways to draw more buyers and media to your booth at the 2012 SEMA Show? Start by entering a new or featured product in the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase section. Show officials and experienced exhibitors agree that it’s a winning strategy, especially for new companies trying to get on the map.

Located in the upper level at the east end of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s South Hall, Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase represents more than 25,000 sq. ft. of product innovations, all barcoded so that buyer and media attendees can easily scan, capture and download essential information for easy follow-up. (The data is available in several formats, including one for smartphones.)

All of this spells opportunity for any exhibiting company—but especially for a newly established or small to medium enterprise vying for attention in a crowded aftermarketplace.

“Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase instantly puts a company on the map,” said SEMA Show Director Tom Gattuso. “That’s where buyers and media are going to look first for new and exciting things. With more than 2,000 exhibiting companies at the Show, it’s a matter of how much time they can spend walking and talking to people. If your company can put itself front and center by having an innovative product in the Showcase, it helps buyers and media to see and prioritize you as someone they want to visit as part of their plan for the week. From that respect, it’s an extremely cost-effective way to boost your profile and develop your business.”

Success Story

	Palmer Performance Engineering’s DashCommand application was a star of the 2011 SEMA Show New Products Showcase, garnering the most scans from buyers and media in search of fresh, innovative products. The company plans to leverage the Showcase again this year to increase brand awareness.

A case in point is Palmer Performance Engineering, a family-owned company that sells diagnostic scan tools, data loggers and vehicle telemetry and communications products. Founded in 2003, its diverse, worldwide market includes home consumers, professional mechanics and select automakers. Last year, the company introduced its new DashCommand car application to SEMA Show attendees via the New Products Showcase, garnering the highest number of attendee scans in the process.

“The app turns your PC, laptop, mobile phone or tablet into an advanced display for your engine data,” explained Brian Palmer, the company’s president. “Want to know why the check-engine light keeps coming on? You can check it with DashCommand, which also offers real-time gauges displaying horsepower, torque, acceleration, fuel economy, consumption and cost, an enhanced trip computer and much more.”

Palmer sees the entire Show as a great way to connect not only with buyers and media, but with other SEMA-member companies to forge business partnerships and joint marketing efforts.

“The SEMA Show New Product Showcase has helped us increase brand awareness and has given additional booth traffic from buyers and media interested in the products we’ve displayed,” he said. “It’s another avenue to put products out in front of people, and we’ve seen a huge response from buyers and the media both during and after the Show. We will be introducing a new edition of DashCommand as well as another one or two new products at the upcoming 2012 SEMA Show. We definitely plan to utilize the New Products Showcase for all the fresh products that we end up having.”

According to Gattuso, Palmer seized on exactly the right strategy. Gattuso also advised that new exhibitors avoid the common mistake of trying to display literally everything they do at their booth—a tactic that can overwhelm and confuse visitors.

Showcasing Your New or Featured Products To enter new or featured products in the upcoming SEMA Show’s Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase section, go to online registration. It's easy and takes just minutes. To get the most from your Showcase experience, be sure to read all of the rules and guidelines associated with the registration process.

“Knowing that buyers are principally in search of new products, you need a strategy that both introduces new products in the Showcase and features them prominently in your booth,” Gattuso said. “In other words, lead every business conversation with your new products, then build on that conversation with your core products and everything else you and your company are good at.”

If your company has not yet considered showcasing a new or featured product, there’s still time.

“They can actually be entered right up to the last day of the Show,” Gattuso said. “We do have a deadline to take advantage of some price discounts if you have more than one product to showcase. But the great thing is, regardless of the timing, exhibitors are always allowed to enter one product for free. In other words, if you miss a deadline associated with a price increase, there’s still no charge if you’re just exhibiting one product. That product can be for either the new or featured category—you get to decide.”

SEMA News—October 2012 

EVENTS
By Mike Imlay

Ideas Alive

Put Your New and Featured Products Front and Center

Each year, hundreds of specialty-equipment businesses debut their newest products at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. If you’re an exhibitor in search of buyer and press attention for your latest and greatest innovations, there’s no better way to get it than the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Product Showcase section.

“There were approximately 2,000 new products representing about 800 companies in our 2011 New Products Showcase,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “These numbers show that plenty of people are taking advantage of this tremendous opportunity, but we think there are even more exhibitors who could benefit by their participation at the upcoming Show.”

That’s because tracking data indicates that Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase is the SEMA Show’s number-one destination and is especially popular among buyers and media. The reason is obvious: There’s no better way to survey all of the industry’s hottest offerings in one fell swoop. Plus, Ideas Alive last year introduced a Featured Products section where exhibitors were able to display their most popular creations, regardless of introduction date.

“We’ve polled buyers, and they say that what most draws them to the SEMA Show is their search for new products; so of all the areas of the Show that they prioritize, the New Products Showcase tops the list,” said MacGillivray. “Moreover, last year’s Featured Product section turned out to be a very successful addition. Now, if a company has a product that’s not necessarily new but still wants to Showcase it, they have that chance as well.”

	Are you seeking ways to draw more buyers and media to your booth at the 2012 SEMA Show? Start by entering a new or featured product in the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase section. Show officials and experienced exhibitors agree that it’s a winning strategy, especially for new companies trying to get on the map.

Located in the upper level at the east end of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s South Hall, Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase represents more than 25,000 sq. ft. of product innovations, all barcoded so that buyer and media attendees can easily scan, capture and download essential information for easy follow-up. (The data is available in several formats, including one for smartphones.)

All of this spells opportunity for any exhibiting company—but especially for a newly established or small to medium enterprise vying for attention in a crowded aftermarketplace.

“Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase instantly puts a company on the map,” said SEMA Show Director Tom Gattuso. “That’s where buyers and media are going to look first for new and exciting things. With more than 2,000 exhibiting companies at the Show, it’s a matter of how much time they can spend walking and talking to people. If your company can put itself front and center by having an innovative product in the Showcase, it helps buyers and media to see and prioritize you as someone they want to visit as part of their plan for the week. From that respect, it’s an extremely cost-effective way to boost your profile and develop your business.”

Success Story

	Palmer Performance Engineering’s DashCommand application was a star of the 2011 SEMA Show New Products Showcase, garnering the most scans from buyers and media in search of fresh, innovative products. The company plans to leverage the Showcase again this year to increase brand awareness.

A case in point is Palmer Performance Engineering, a family-owned company that sells diagnostic scan tools, data loggers and vehicle telemetry and communications products. Founded in 2003, its diverse, worldwide market includes home consumers, professional mechanics and select automakers. Last year, the company introduced its new DashCommand car application to SEMA Show attendees via the New Products Showcase, garnering the highest number of attendee scans in the process.

“The app turns your PC, laptop, mobile phone or tablet into an advanced display for your engine data,” explained Brian Palmer, the company’s president. “Want to know why the check-engine light keeps coming on? You can check it with DashCommand, which also offers real-time gauges displaying horsepower, torque, acceleration, fuel economy, consumption and cost, an enhanced trip computer and much more.”

Palmer sees the entire Show as a great way to connect not only with buyers and media, but with other SEMA-member companies to forge business partnerships and joint marketing efforts.

“The SEMA Show New Product Showcase has helped us increase brand awareness and has given additional booth traffic from buyers and media interested in the products we’ve displayed,” he said. “It’s another avenue to put products out in front of people, and we’ve seen a huge response from buyers and the media both during and after the Show. We will be introducing a new edition of DashCommand as well as another one or two new products at the upcoming 2012 SEMA Show. We definitely plan to utilize the New Products Showcase for all the fresh products that we end up having.”

According to Gattuso, Palmer seized on exactly the right strategy. Gattuso also advised that new exhibitors avoid the common mistake of trying to display literally everything they do at their booth—a tactic that can overwhelm and confuse visitors.

Showcasing Your New or Featured Products To enter new or featured products in the upcoming SEMA Show’s Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase section, go to online registration. It's easy and takes just minutes. To get the most from your Showcase experience, be sure to read all of the rules and guidelines associated with the registration process.

“Knowing that buyers are principally in search of new products, you need a strategy that both introduces new products in the Showcase and features them prominently in your booth,” Gattuso said. “In other words, lead every business conversation with your new products, then build on that conversation with your core products and everything else you and your company are good at.”

If your company has not yet considered showcasing a new or featured product, there’s still time.

“They can actually be entered right up to the last day of the Show,” Gattuso said. “We do have a deadline to take advantage of some price discounts if you have more than one product to showcase. But the great thing is, regardless of the timing, exhibitors are always allowed to enter one product for free. In other words, if you miss a deadline associated with a price increase, there’s still no charge if you’re just exhibiting one product. That product can be for either the new or featured category—you get to decide.”