Lead-retrieval products and services are designed to help you maximize the return on your investment from exhibiting by turning qualified buyers into potential sales leads.

Want to know how you can take advantage of every opportunity at your booth and process potential leads faster? The SEMA Show attracts thousands of qualified buyers every year and you may not have a chance to address each one individually. They visit your booth because they're interested in what you have to offer. Now, with the swipe of a card, a lead-retrieval system—available to exhibitors for the Show—eliminates the hassle of fumbling around with business cards. It records the potential buyer's personal information, providing you with electronic leads to follow up on after the Show.

CompuSystems, the SEMA Show’s official registration provider, offers a suite of lead-retrieval products and services designed to help you maximize the return on your investment from exhibiting and turn qualified buyers into sales. This comprehensive, 360-degree approach to lead management will connect you with attendees before, during and after the Show.

Pre-Show, TrafficMax attendee promotional services can be used to drive traffic to your booth. This system can be used to target buyers so you can then send a customized marketing message to your target audience. Once onsite, CompuLEAD lead-retrieval products are designed to help you quickly and effectively capture and qualify leads on the Show floor. When the Show ends, exhibitors that used a CompuLEAD device have access to BuyerConnect—a free post-Show follow-up service.

Order online or use the order forms (pdf) to learn more and sign up for these valuable services by the October 3 advance rate deadline. For assistance, call 866/600-5323 (inside the United States) or +1 708/786-5565 (outside the United States)

Upcoming Deadlines:

September 23	CompuSystems: International Exhibitor Registration (to receive badges in mail)
September 30	Booth Food Service (Advance Rate)–ARAMARK
September 30	Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor Application
September 30	Fabric Solutions–Freeman
September 30	Sponsorship Materials Due–Motor Media
September 30	Vehicle Detailing (Advance Rate)–ECA Ltd.
September 30	Student Program Application (Interns)
October 3	Lead Retrieval Rental (Advance Rate)–CompuSytems
October 7	Carpet and Cleaning Order (Advance Rate)–Freeman
October 7	Credit Card Authorization–Freeman
October 7	Cable Order (Advance Rate)–Smart City
October 7	Electrical Order (Advance Rate)–Freeman
October 7	Exhibit Accessories (Advance Rate)–Freeman
October 7	Exhibit Furnishings (Advance Rate)–Freeman
October 7	Feature Vehicle Display Application Information
October 7	Hanging Truss, Chain Hoist, Lighting and Stagehand Labor (Advance Rate)–Freeman
October 7	Labor, Installation and Dismantle–Freeman
October 7	Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation
October 7	Method of Payment–Freeman
October 7	New Products Entry (Advance Rate)
October 7	Project Vehicle Builders
October 7	Rental Exhibit Order (Advance Rate)–Freeman
October 7	Rigging Equipment Labor Order–Freeman
October 7	Booth Security Guard Service (Advance Rate)–COPS & Pro-Tect
October 7	Special Signs and Graphics (Advance Rate)–Freeman
October 7	Target Time Changes–Freeman
October 7	Telephone/Internet Order (Advance Rate)–Smart City
October 7	Third-Party Payment–Freeman
October 7	Utilities: Air/Water/Drain Order (Advance Rate)–Freeman

 

Lead-retrieval products and services are designed to help you maximize the return on your investment from exhibiting by turning qualified buyers into potential sales leads.

Want to know how you can take advantage of every opportunity at your booth and process potential leads faster? The SEMA Show attracts thousands of qualified buyers every year and you may not have a chance to address each one individually. They visit your booth because they're interested in what you have to offer. Now, with the swipe of a card, a lead-retrieval system—available to exhibitors for the Show—eliminates the hassle of fumbling around with business cards. It records the potential buyer's personal information, providing you with electronic leads to follow up on after the Show.

CompuSystems, the SEMA Show’s official registration provider, offers a suite of lead-retrieval products and services designed to help you maximize the return on your investment from exhibiting and turn qualified buyers into sales. This comprehensive, 360-degree approach to lead management will connect you with attendees before, during and after the Show.

Pre-Show, TrafficMax attendee promotional services can be used to drive traffic to your booth. This system can be used to target buyers so you can then send a customized marketing message to your target audience. Once onsite, CompuLEAD lead-retrieval products are designed to help you quickly and effectively capture and qualify leads on the Show floor. When the Show ends, exhibitors that used a CompuLEAD device have access to BuyerConnect—a free post-Show follow-up service.

Order online or use the order forms (pdf) to learn more and sign up for these valuable services by the October 3 advance rate deadline. For assistance, call 866/600-5323 (inside the United States) or +1 708/786-5565 (outside the United States)

Upcoming Deadlines:

September 23	CompuSystems: International Exhibitor Registration (to receive badges in mail)
September 30	Booth Food Service (Advance Rate)–ARAMARK
September 30	Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor Application
September 30	Fabric Solutions–Freeman
September 30	Sponsorship Materials Due–Motor Media
September 30	Vehicle Detailing (Advance Rate)–ECA Ltd.
September 30	Student Program Application (Interns)
October 3	Lead Retrieval Rental (Advance Rate)–CompuSytems
October 7	Carpet and Cleaning Order (Advance Rate)–Freeman
October 7	Credit Card Authorization–Freeman
October 7	Cable Order (Advance Rate)–Smart City
October 7	Electrical Order (Advance Rate)–Freeman
October 7	Exhibit Accessories (Advance Rate)–Freeman
October 7	Exhibit Furnishings (Advance Rate)–Freeman
October 7	Feature Vehicle Display Application Information
October 7	Hanging Truss, Chain Hoist, Lighting and Stagehand Labor (Advance Rate)–Freeman
October 7	Labor, Installation and Dismantle–Freeman
October 7	Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation
October 7	Method of Payment–Freeman
October 7	New Products Entry (Advance Rate)
October 7	Project Vehicle Builders
October 7	Rental Exhibit Order (Advance Rate)–Freeman
October 7	Rigging Equipment Labor Order–Freeman
October 7	Booth Security Guard Service (Advance Rate)–COPS & Pro-Tect
October 7	Special Signs and Graphics (Advance Rate)–Freeman
October 7	Target Time Changes–Freeman
October 7	Telephone/Internet Order (Advance Rate)–Smart City
October 7	Third-Party Payment–Freeman
October 7	Utilities: Air/Water/Drain Order (Advance Rate)–Freeman

The Ford F-150 won the SEMA Award for Hottest Truck in 2010.

Here's a great way to showcase your products and for your customers to show off their rides at the same time: Enter the SEMA Award Contender Contest for a chance to showcase that vehicle at the 2011 SEMA Show.

Owners of a SEMA Award contender vehicle are invited to submit a video clip (video can be done on a smart phone) highlighting three of the vehicle’s modifications into the SEMA Award Contender Contest. All submissions will be posted on SEMA’s Video Channel, giving your products valuable visibility with thousands of enthusiasts.

For the vehicle owners, they may be selected to have their vehicle featured at the SEMA Show, along with credentials and amenities to attend the annual trade-only event.

While the actual SEMA Award winners will be selected by exhibitors based on the vehicles they choose to display in their booths at the SEMA Show, the contenders are vehicle models that are most likely to have a significant presence at the 2011 SEMA Show. The video contest seeks to find some great examples of these contender vehicles.

If you are the owner of one of the contender vehicles, or if you have customers with one of these vehicles, we invite you to enter the contest. Get your video cameras out and start filming. Note that the quality of the video will in no way impact your chances of winning, so feel free to use your flip cams or even your cell phones.

Full details on the program can be found here.

The Ford F-150 won the SEMA Award for Hottest Truck in 2010.

Here's a great way to showcase your products and for your customers to show off their rides at the same time: Enter the SEMA Award Contender Contest for a chance to showcase that vehicle at the 2011 SEMA Show.

Owners of a SEMA Award contender vehicle are invited to submit a video clip (video can be done on a smart phone) highlighting three of the vehicle’s modifications into the SEMA Award Contender Contest. All submissions will be posted on SEMA’s Video Channel, giving your products valuable visibility with thousands of enthusiasts.

For the vehicle owners, they may be selected to have their vehicle featured at the SEMA Show, along with credentials and amenities to attend the annual trade-only event.

While the actual SEMA Award winners will be selected by exhibitors based on the vehicles they choose to display in their booths at the SEMA Show, the contenders are vehicle models that are most likely to have a significant presence at the 2011 SEMA Show. The video contest seeks to find some great examples of these contender vehicles.

If you are the owner of one of the contender vehicles, or if you have customers with one of these vehicles, we invite you to enter the contest. Get your video cameras out and start filming. Note that the quality of the video will in no way impact your chances of winning, so feel free to use your flip cams or even your cell phones.

Full details on the program can be found here.

If you're looking for a booth vehicle for the 2011 SEMA Show, consider making an announcement in SEMA eNews.

If you’re looking for a vehicle for your booth, simplify your search by making an announcement in SEMA eNews. The publication is distributed to more than 100,000 industry professionals, including numerous vehicle builders and customizers.

Through an announcement in SEMA eNews, you will be able to define the type of vehicle you are looking for, helping you to reach a large number of vehicle owners and builders effectively. The vehicle builders and owners will be able to contact you directly.

Seeking Vehicles

• American Force Wheels (Booth #46021), a manufacturer of forged aluminum, custom-built wheels for dually and single rear-wheel trucks, seeks a late-model (preferably ’11 or ’12) lifted Toyota Tundra for the 2011 SEMA Show. If you are interested in this opportunity, e-mail deyan@americanforcewheels.com with "SEMA Project Vehicle" in the subject line.
• Firestone Industrial Products (Booth #23013) is seeking a '11 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty or a ’11 Dodge 2500/3500 truck to feature in their 2011 SEMA Show booth. The company requests a truck at stock height and in a neutral color (black/silver/white). After receiving the truck, it will be wrapped with the company's graphics and have company product installed. The vehicle will be needed for approximately five weeks, but the time can be reduced if it is already located near Las Vegas. Send proposals to fesselp@fsip.com with “SEMA Vehicle” in the subject line of the e-mail.
• IKOTEC USA Inc. (www.ikotecusa.com) (Booth #10448) will demonstrate a vehicle lift at the 2011 SEMA Show. The company is seeking a compact car for the demonstration. The company notes that this is the sixth year for this product at the SEMA Show. Contact Conrad Egerter at 412/427-8031.
• Reflectionite, makers of the Cool Cap heat-blocking car cover, is seeking two vehicles (a four-door sedan and a pickup) to display outside with the company's Cool Caps on the vehicles. For details, contact: Burke Wood at burke@reflectionite.com. Information on the Cool Cap is available online at www.itsCOOLinHERE.com.
• Sharpline Converting Inc. (Booth #12312), a leading manufacturer of vehicle graphics and paint protection film products, is seeking a late model (2010–2012) Mustang, Camaro or Challenger for display in its booth located in the North Hall. The vehicle must have a stock front fascia and hood. The company will use the vehicle to display select graphics and the DuraShield paint protection film. The company will provide a complete paint protection film application on the vehicle at the conclusion of the Show. If interested in this opportunity, e-mail gregd@sharpline.com with "SEMA Booth Vehicle" in the subject line.
• United Pacific Industries (Booth #23475) is a manufacturer of '32 Ford body parts and accessories and is looking for a '32 Ford five-window coupe [only]. The company stated that the vehicle can be in any condition, and a stock or modified '32 five-window coupe will be considered.

To submit an announcement, you must be a 2011 SEMA Show exhibitor. Send your company's name, booth number, type of vehicle you are seeking and contact information to eNews@sema.org. Make sure to include "Seeking Project Vehicle" in the subject line of the e-mail.

More information on the SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com. Exhibitors: Access the Exhibitor Manual at www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor-manual. For more information on displaying a booth vehicle, visit www.SEMAShow.com/boothvehicles.

If you're looking for a booth vehicle for the 2011 SEMA Show, consider making an announcement in SEMA eNews.

If you’re looking for a vehicle for your booth, simplify your search by making an announcement in SEMA eNews. The publication is distributed to more than 100,000 industry professionals, including numerous vehicle builders and customizers.

Through an announcement in SEMA eNews, you will be able to define the type of vehicle you are looking for, helping you to reach a large number of vehicle owners and builders effectively. The vehicle builders and owners will be able to contact you directly.

Seeking Vehicles

• American Force Wheels (Booth #46021), a manufacturer of forged aluminum, custom-built wheels for dually and single rear-wheel trucks, seeks a late-model (preferably ’11 or ’12) lifted Toyota Tundra for the 2011 SEMA Show. If you are interested in this opportunity, e-mail deyan@americanforcewheels.com with "SEMA Project Vehicle" in the subject line.
• Firestone Industrial Products (Booth #23013) is seeking a '11 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty or a ’11 Dodge 2500/3500 truck to feature in their 2011 SEMA Show booth. The company requests a truck at stock height and in a neutral color (black/silver/white). After receiving the truck, it will be wrapped with the company's graphics and have company product installed. The vehicle will be needed for approximately five weeks, but the time can be reduced if it is already located near Las Vegas. Send proposals to fesselp@fsip.com with “SEMA Vehicle” in the subject line of the e-mail.
• IKOTEC USA Inc. (www.ikotecusa.com) (Booth #10448) will demonstrate a vehicle lift at the 2011 SEMA Show. The company is seeking a compact car for the demonstration. The company notes that this is the sixth year for this product at the SEMA Show. Contact Conrad Egerter at 412/427-8031.
• Reflectionite, makers of the Cool Cap heat-blocking car cover, is seeking two vehicles (a four-door sedan and a pickup) to display outside with the company's Cool Caps on the vehicles. For details, contact: Burke Wood at burke@reflectionite.com. Information on the Cool Cap is available online at www.itsCOOLinHERE.com.
• Sharpline Converting Inc. (Booth #12312), a leading manufacturer of vehicle graphics and paint protection film products, is seeking a late model (2010–2012) Mustang, Camaro or Challenger for display in its booth located in the North Hall. The vehicle must have a stock front fascia and hood. The company will use the vehicle to display select graphics and the DuraShield paint protection film. The company will provide a complete paint protection film application on the vehicle at the conclusion of the Show. If interested in this opportunity, e-mail gregd@sharpline.com with "SEMA Booth Vehicle" in the subject line.
• United Pacific Industries (Booth #23475) is a manufacturer of '32 Ford body parts and accessories and is looking for a '32 Ford five-window coupe [only]. The company stated that the vehicle can be in any condition, and a stock or modified '32 five-window coupe will be considered.

To submit an announcement, you must be a 2011 SEMA Show exhibitor. Send your company's name, booth number, type of vehicle you are seeking and contact information to eNews@sema.org. Make sure to include "Seeking Project Vehicle" in the subject line of the e-mail.

More information on the SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com. Exhibitors: Access the Exhibitor Manual at www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor-manual. For more information on displaying a booth vehicle, visit www.SEMAShow.com/boothvehicles.

 

	The SEMA Center for International Commerce is just one of the valuable resources that will allow SEMA Show exhibitors to connect with international buyers.

A record number of international retailers, importers and distributors from 120 countries are already registered to attend this year’s SEMA Show. Make room in your schedule to attend networking opportunities to meet these global buyers who are traveling to Las Vegas to identify new suppliers. Check out the various international activities available at this year’s SEMA Show. Seminars are open to all attendees; no registration needed. The International Happy Hour is open to all 2011 SEMA Show exhibitors and invited international buyers. Exhibitors can register here for the International Happy Hour. 

Nearly 25% of all buyers expected at the 2011 SEMA Show will come from outside the United States. Registration is particularly strong among buyers from around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Brazil and other Latin American countries, China, Germany, Scandinavia, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and the United Kingdom. SEMA offers a variety of programs and resources to link Show exhibitors with these international distributors and retailers.

Seminars

Attend three international seminars taking place Monday, October 31, at the start of SEMA Education Days:

• 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Beyond Borders: The Logistics Behind Global Growth

A panel of industry experts will provide a high-level overview of trends in international markets and best practices for international logistics. Learn what to do from real-world case studies and what pitfalls to avoid when shipping product overseas.

• 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Selling Into the Brazilian Market: Insider Tips

A new SEMA survey will be released on the specialty-equipment market in Brazil later this year. Learn the latest trends, applications and perceptions of U.S. brands. Hear from local distributors and media.

• 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Opportunities for SEMA-Member Manufacturers in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates and surrounding countries provide some of the best opportunities for U.S. manufacturers. Off-roading, car collecting and motorsports are growing in popularity. Learn how to cash in on this lucrative region.

International Happy Hour

More than 1,000 companies are expected at the 2011 SEMA International Happy Hour. 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.

Global Media Awards

The eighth 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 the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase that they think will most appeal to consumers in their home markets. Winning companies will receive a Global Media Award, which signifies the global appeal of their products, and the companies will be recognized at the International Happy Hour. To be considered, ensure your products are featured in the New Products Showcase. (Visit www.SEMAShow.com, click on "Exhibitors" at the top of the page and select the “New Products Showcase” link under “Marketing, Advertising & Sponsorships” to get started.) Read the story "New Products Showcase Features More Than 2,000 Entries—Here Are the Winners" about last year’s winners.

Center for International Commerce

The SEMA Center for International Commerce (CIC), located in room S224 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, is a valuable resource for SEMA Show exhibitors and international buyers. SEMA’s international staff will be on hand at the CIC, as will a team of interpreters to assist in bilingual communication in key languages that include German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. Complimentary private meeting rooms are also available in the CIC.

U.S. Export Pavilion

The U.S. government is sponsoring a U.S. Export Pavilion at the 2011 SEMA Show to highlight programs designed to help U.S. companies expand into global markets. From using the latest export statistics to finding the easiest shipping methods, companies can talk to trade experts to plan an export strategy to target new markets and find new buyers. Visit booth #38129.

Companies today receive international sales inquiries every day, but some worry about complying with the latest export regulations or ensuring payment from unknown buyers. More and more companies are learning that federal government programs exist to help them expand their international sales and navigate the export process. At the U.S. Export Pavilion, U.S. government agencies will demonstrate their services and talk to companies interested in exporting their products internationally.

The objective of the Pavilion is to educate and assist U.S. companies on all aspects of exporting, including but not limited to:

• Researching export markets
• Accessing and using official U.S. trade statistics
• Understanding how to properly classify export commodities
• Finding international buyers
• Complying with export regulations
• Financing international transactions
• Shipping products internationally
• Understanding the commerce control list
• Filing information in the automated export system

Exhibitors who stop by the Export Pavilion will receive a three-month trial offer to USATrade OnLine. This Internet-based product includes all access to the entire foreign trade database for the United States. It incorporates detailed information on every good imported into or exported out of the United States. This is a powerful tool that will help U.S. companies determine where there are export markets for their products and in which markets they can be competitive.

For more information on any of these programs and seminars, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

For questions on the International Happy Hour (IHH), contact Casey Kooiman at caseyk@sema.org.

 

	The SEMA Center for International Commerce is just one of the valuable resources that will allow SEMA Show exhibitors to connect with international buyers.

A record number of international retailers, importers and distributors from 120 countries are already registered to attend this year’s SEMA Show. Make room in your schedule to attend networking opportunities to meet these global buyers who are traveling to Las Vegas to identify new suppliers. Check out the various international activities available at this year’s SEMA Show. Seminars are open to all attendees; no registration needed. The International Happy Hour is open to all 2011 SEMA Show exhibitors and invited international buyers. Exhibitors can register here for the International Happy Hour. 

Nearly 25% of all buyers expected at the 2011 SEMA Show will come from outside the United States. Registration is particularly strong among buyers from around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Brazil and other Latin American countries, China, Germany, Scandinavia, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and the United Kingdom. SEMA offers a variety of programs and resources to link Show exhibitors with these international distributors and retailers.

Seminars

Attend three international seminars taking place Monday, October 31, at the start of SEMA Education Days:

• 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Beyond Borders: The Logistics Behind Global Growth

A panel of industry experts will provide a high-level overview of trends in international markets and best practices for international logistics. Learn what to do from real-world case studies and what pitfalls to avoid when shipping product overseas.

• 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Selling Into the Brazilian Market: Insider Tips

A new SEMA survey will be released on the specialty-equipment market in Brazil later this year. Learn the latest trends, applications and perceptions of U.S. brands. Hear from local distributors and media.

• 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Opportunities for SEMA-Member Manufacturers in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates and surrounding countries provide some of the best opportunities for U.S. manufacturers. Off-roading, car collecting and motorsports are growing in popularity. Learn how to cash in on this lucrative region.

International Happy Hour

More than 1,000 companies are expected at the 2011 SEMA International Happy Hour. 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.

Global Media Awards

The eighth 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 the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase that they think will most appeal to consumers in their home markets. Winning companies will receive a Global Media Award, which signifies the global appeal of their products, and the companies will be recognized at the International Happy Hour. To be considered, ensure your products are featured in the New Products Showcase. (Visit www.SEMAShow.com, click on "Exhibitors" at the top of the page and select the “New Products Showcase” link under “Marketing, Advertising & Sponsorships” to get started.) Read the story "New Products Showcase Features More Than 2,000 Entries—Here Are the Winners" about last year’s winners.

Center for International Commerce

The SEMA Center for International Commerce (CIC), located in room S224 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, is a valuable resource for SEMA Show exhibitors and international buyers. SEMA’s international staff will be on hand at the CIC, as will a team of interpreters to assist in bilingual communication in key languages that include German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. Complimentary private meeting rooms are also available in the CIC.

U.S. Export Pavilion

The U.S. government is sponsoring a U.S. Export Pavilion at the 2011 SEMA Show to highlight programs designed to help U.S. companies expand into global markets. From using the latest export statistics to finding the easiest shipping methods, companies can talk to trade experts to plan an export strategy to target new markets and find new buyers. Visit booth #38129.

Companies today receive international sales inquiries every day, but some worry about complying with the latest export regulations or ensuring payment from unknown buyers. More and more companies are learning that federal government programs exist to help them expand their international sales and navigate the export process. At the U.S. Export Pavilion, U.S. government agencies will demonstrate their services and talk to companies interested in exporting their products internationally.

The objective of the Pavilion is to educate and assist U.S. companies on all aspects of exporting, including but not limited to:

• Researching export markets
• Accessing and using official U.S. trade statistics
• Understanding how to properly classify export commodities
• Finding international buyers
• Complying with export regulations
• Financing international transactions
• Shipping products internationally
• Understanding the commerce control list
• Filing information in the automated export system

Exhibitors who stop by the Export Pavilion will receive a three-month trial offer to USATrade OnLine. This Internet-based product includes all access to the entire foreign trade database for the United States. It incorporates detailed information on every good imported into or exported out of the United States. This is a powerful tool that will help U.S. companies determine where there are export markets for their products and in which markets they can be competitive.

For more information on any of these programs and seminars, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

For questions on the International Happy Hour (IHH), contact Casey Kooiman at caseyk@sema.org.

 

	The SEMA Center for International Commerce is just one of the valuable resources that will allow SEMA Show exhibitors to connect with international buyers.

A record number of international retailers, importers and distributors from 120 countries are already registered to attend this year’s SEMA Show. Make room in your schedule to attend networking opportunities to meet these global buyers who are traveling to Las Vegas to identify new suppliers. Check out the various international activities available at this year’s SEMA Show. Seminars are open to all attendees; no registration needed. The International Happy Hour is open to all 2011 SEMA Show exhibitors and invited international buyers. Exhibitors can register here for the International Happy Hour. 

Nearly 25% of all buyers expected at the 2011 SEMA Show will come from outside the United States. Registration is particularly strong among buyers from around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Brazil and other Latin American countries, China, Germany, Scandinavia, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and the United Kingdom. SEMA offers a variety of programs and resources to link Show exhibitors with these international distributors and retailers.

Seminars

Attend three international seminars taking place Monday, October 31, at the start of SEMA Education Days:

• 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Beyond Borders: The Logistics Behind Global Growth

A panel of industry experts will provide a high-level overview of trends in international markets and best practices for international logistics. Learn what to do from real-world case studies and what pitfalls to avoid when shipping product overseas.

• 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Selling Into the Brazilian Market: Insider Tips

A new SEMA survey will be released on the specialty-equipment market in Brazil later this year. Learn the latest trends, applications and perceptions of U.S. brands. Hear from local distributors and media.

• 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Opportunities for SEMA-Member Manufacturers in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates and surrounding countries provide some of the best opportunities for U.S. manufacturers. Off-roading, car collecting and motorsports are growing in popularity. Learn how to cash in on this lucrative region.

International Happy Hour

More than 1,000 companies are expected at the 2011 SEMA International Happy Hour. 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.

Global Media Awards

The eighth 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 the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase that they think will most appeal to consumers in their home markets. Winning companies will receive a Global Media Award, which signifies the global appeal of their products, and the companies will be recognized at the International Happy Hour. To be considered, ensure your products are featured in the New Products Showcase. (Visit www.SEMAShow.com, click on "Exhibitors" at the top of the page and select the “New Products Showcase” link under “Marketing, Advertising & Sponsorships” to get started.) Read the story "New Products Showcase Features More Than 2,000 Entries—Here Are the Winners" about last year’s winners.

Center for International Commerce

The SEMA Center for International Commerce (CIC), located in room S224 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, is a valuable resource for SEMA Show exhibitors and international buyers. SEMA’s international staff will be on hand at the CIC, as will a team of interpreters to assist in bilingual communication in key languages that include German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. Complimentary private meeting rooms are also available in the CIC.

U.S. Export Pavilion

The U.S. government is sponsoring a U.S. Export Pavilion at the 2011 SEMA Show to highlight programs designed to help U.S. companies expand into global markets. From using the latest export statistics to finding the easiest shipping methods, companies can talk to trade experts to plan an export strategy to target new markets and find new buyers. Visit booth #38129.

Companies today receive international sales inquiries every day, but some worry about complying with the latest export regulations or ensuring payment from unknown buyers. More and more companies are learning that federal government programs exist to help them expand their international sales and navigate the export process. At the U.S. Export Pavilion, U.S. government agencies will demonstrate their services and talk to companies interested in exporting their products internationally.

The objective of the Pavilion is to educate and assist U.S. companies on all aspects of exporting, including but not limited to:

• Researching export markets
• Accessing and using official U.S. trade statistics
• Understanding how to properly classify export commodities
• Finding international buyers
• Complying with export regulations
• Financing international transactions
• Shipping products internationally
• Understanding the commerce control list
• Filing information in the automated export system

Exhibitors who stop by the Export Pavilion will receive a three-month trial offer to USATrade OnLine. This Internet-based product includes all access to the entire foreign trade database for the United States. It incorporates detailed information on every good imported into or exported out of the United States. This is a powerful tool that will help U.S. companies determine where there are export markets for their products and in which markets they can be competitive.

For more information on any of these programs and seminars, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

For questions on the International Happy Hour (IHH), contact Casey Kooiman at caseyk@sema.org.

Spy shooter Brenda Priddy and her team recently delivered these shots of the Chevrolet Spark prototype undergoing testing in the western United States. The smaller-than-Sonic Chevy Spark will indeed be heading for U.S. dealers sometime in 2012, according to Priddy, but the little car will receive a facelift before going on sale.

Priddy reports that this Spark is sporting a new grille, new fog lights and a redesigned lower fascia.

Under the hood, the 1.0L and 1.2L engines currently used in the foreign-market Spark probably won't satisfy American drivers. The team at Brenda Priddy & Co. expects the 1.4L four-cylinder to power the U.S.-spec Spark.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Co.