News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Exhibitors: 7 Things Your Competitor Doesn’t Want You to Know

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 08:20

	Fifty-four percent of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor by the New Products Showcase.

By Becca Butler

With the 2015 SEMA Show just two short months away, many exhibitors have firmed up their Show strategies and are finalizing their plans. There are a number of different programs and resources in place to assist exhibitors in reaching their goals and getting the greatest return on their SEMA Show investment. In fact, most buyers are taking advantage of these tools and don’t want you to know about it. Here’s what they’re doing:

They entered the New Products Showcase. Exhibitors who enter their products in the New Products Showcase benefit from increased exposure and additional publicity. Fifty-four percent of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor by the New Products Showcase. Participating exhibitors also benefit from the leads that are generated by buyers who scan their products in the Showcase. Exhibitors can enter their first product for free.

Their vehicle owners entered Battle of the Builders. All display, booth and feature vehicles at the 2015 SEMA Show are encouraged to enter SEMA Battle of the Builders—a nationwide competition that recognizes the top builders at the Show. Exhibitors whose builders enter can benefit from the immense media exposure that the products on the vehicles will gain. Enter online.

They’re attending SEMA Ignited. Exhibitors can participate in SEMA Ignited by having their feature or booth vehicle on display at the event, and using it as exhibit space to connect with consumers and the industry. The second annual event will take place Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., in the Gold Lot, across the street from the LVCC. Entrance is free with your Show credentials.

They posted their news on the Online Media Center. The SEMA Show Online Media Center is a place for editors, reporters and buyers to stay up-to-date on the latest exhibitor-related news. Product announcements, vehicle debuts and other Show news that’s posted is covered in a number of media outlets as well as SEMA’s own publications. Post a release online.

They offered their products to project-vehicle builders. Exhibitors who offer their products to SEMA Show project vehicle builders will increase their product exposure and Show-floor presence by having their products on display. Interested exhibitors can easily connect with builders by filling out the online form.

They’re offering SEMA Show specials/discounts. Buyers who place orders while at the SEMA Show take advantage of a limited-time SEMA Show special. In fact, three out of four buyers place an order as a result of a special or discount being offered.

They connected with their account reps. A designated account representative is assigned to each exhibiting company to assist with Show-related questions and help exhibitors receive the greatest return on their investment. The most successful exhibitors stay connected to their account rep in the months leading up to the Show to ensure they’re taking advantage of all exhibitor resources.

Ensure you’re on track for a successful Show. For more information on all the tools and resources available, visit the Exhibitor Services Manual or contact your account rep at sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289. For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Exhibitors: 7 Things Your Competitor Doesn’t Want You to Know

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 08:20

	Fifty-four percent of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor by the New Products Showcase.

By Becca Butler

With the 2015 SEMA Show just two short months away, many exhibitors have firmed up their Show strategies and are finalizing their plans. There are a number of different programs and resources in place to assist exhibitors in reaching their goals and getting the greatest return on their SEMA Show investment. In fact, most buyers are taking advantage of these tools and don’t want you to know about it. Here’s what they’re doing:

They entered the New Products Showcase. Exhibitors who enter their products in the New Products Showcase benefit from increased exposure and additional publicity. Fifty-four percent of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor by the New Products Showcase. Participating exhibitors also benefit from the leads that are generated by buyers who scan their products in the Showcase. Exhibitors can enter their first product for free.

Their vehicle owners entered Battle of the Builders. All display, booth and feature vehicles at the 2015 SEMA Show are encouraged to enter SEMA Battle of the Builders—a nationwide competition that recognizes the top builders at the Show. Exhibitors whose builders enter can benefit from the immense media exposure that the products on the vehicles will gain. Enter online.

They’re attending SEMA Ignited. Exhibitors can participate in SEMA Ignited by having their feature or booth vehicle on display at the event, and using it as exhibit space to connect with consumers and the industry. The second annual event will take place Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., in the Gold Lot, across the street from the LVCC. Entrance is free with your Show credentials.

They posted their news on the Online Media Center. The SEMA Show Online Media Center is a place for editors, reporters and buyers to stay up-to-date on the latest exhibitor-related news. Product announcements, vehicle debuts and other Show news that’s posted is covered in a number of media outlets as well as SEMA’s own publications. Post a release online.

They offered their products to project-vehicle builders. Exhibitors who offer their products to SEMA Show project vehicle builders will increase their product exposure and Show-floor presence by having their products on display. Interested exhibitors can easily connect with builders by filling out the online form.

They’re offering SEMA Show specials/discounts. Buyers who place orders while at the SEMA Show take advantage of a limited-time SEMA Show special. In fact, three out of four buyers place an order as a result of a special or discount being offered.

They connected with their account reps. A designated account representative is assigned to each exhibiting company to assist with Show-related questions and help exhibitors receive the greatest return on their investment. The most successful exhibitors stay connected to their account rep in the months leading up to the Show to ensure they’re taking advantage of all exhibitor resources.

Ensure you’re on track for a successful Show. For more information on all the tools and resources available, visit the Exhibitor Services Manual or contact your account rep at sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289. For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Top Tools for Navigating the SEMA Show Floor

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 08:07

By Becca Butler

The 2014 SEMA Show Mobile App makes navigating the annual event easier than ever with features, such as exhibitor lists, seminar schedules, event listings, route generators and more. The 2015 SEMA Show includes more than 2 million sq. ft. of exhibits, features and attractions throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center complex. While your GPS may not help get you from point A to point B at the SEMA Show, there are lots of other tools available to help Showgoers navigate the Show floor:

Tool: SEMA Show Mobile App
Best for: On-site navigation

The 2015 SEMA Show mobile app offers turn-by-turn walking directions from one location to another, making it quick and easy to find an exhibitor’s booth. The app will be available free through iTunes and Android app stores later this month. It will also have features, such as exhibitor lists, seminar schedules, new products and more.

Tool: 2015 SEMA Show Directory
Best for: Pre- and post-Show reference

Found in the November issue of SEMA News, which is mailed in October, the 2015 SEMA Show Directory includes a list of exhibiting companies, their booth numbers and their product categories. Use the directory before arriving at the Show to identify exhibitors you want to meet with, and keep it as a reference after the Show in case you ever need to look someone up. Additionally, the directory includes a printed map, preview of new products, events, attractions and participants from the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Tool: SEMA Show Pocket Guide
Best for: On-site reference

The SEMA Show Pocket Guide is small in size and easy to carry. It contains a list of exhibitors in alphabetical order by Show section, information on hotel shuttles, Show services, attractions, AAPEX exhibitors, special features and more. Available at information booths throughout the convention center, the SEMA Show Pocket Guide is a great reference onsite for quickly looking up a booth number, special event location, shuttle schedule and more.

Tool: Printed map
Best for: On-site navigation

Used in conjunction with the mobile app, the printed map is a 23x20.5-in. resource that helps you determine where you are in relation to everything else at the SEMA Show. On the back of the printed map is a detailed floorplan, which will have aisles and booths labeled by booth number to assist in giving you a better idea of how the halls are organized. Printed maps are contained inside the 2015 SEMA Show Directory, the SEMA Show Pocket Guide, the SEMA Show Daily, in the Media Center and at information kiosks throughout the convention center.

Tool: Online floorplan
Best for: Pre-Show planning

The online floorplan will give you more detailed information than the map and will be useful to look at prior to arriving at the Show. Because it is online, there are interactive tools that you can click on to make searching quick and easy. View the floorplan online.

The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. For more information or to register to attend, visit www.semashow.com.

Top Tools for Navigating the SEMA Show Floor

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 08:07

By Becca Butler

The 2014 SEMA Show Mobile App makes navigating the annual event easier than ever with features, such as exhibitor lists, seminar schedules, event listings, route generators and more. The 2015 SEMA Show includes more than 2 million sq. ft. of exhibits, features and attractions throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center complex. While your GPS may not help get you from point A to point B at the SEMA Show, there are lots of other tools available to help Showgoers navigate the Show floor:

Tool: SEMA Show Mobile App
Best for: On-site navigation

The 2015 SEMA Show mobile app offers turn-by-turn walking directions from one location to another, making it quick and easy to find an exhibitor’s booth. The app will be available free through iTunes and Android app stores later this month. It will also have features, such as exhibitor lists, seminar schedules, new products and more.

Tool: 2015 SEMA Show Directory
Best for: Pre- and post-Show reference

Found in the November issue of SEMA News, which is mailed in October, the 2015 SEMA Show Directory includes a list of exhibiting companies, their booth numbers and their product categories. Use the directory before arriving at the Show to identify exhibitors you want to meet with, and keep it as a reference after the Show in case you ever need to look someone up. Additionally, the directory includes a printed map, preview of new products, events, attractions and participants from the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Tool: SEMA Show Pocket Guide
Best for: On-site reference

The SEMA Show Pocket Guide is small in size and easy to carry. It contains a list of exhibitors in alphabetical order by Show section, information on hotel shuttles, Show services, attractions, AAPEX exhibitors, special features and more. Available at information booths throughout the convention center, the SEMA Show Pocket Guide is a great reference onsite for quickly looking up a booth number, special event location, shuttle schedule and more.

Tool: Printed map
Best for: On-site navigation

Used in conjunction with the mobile app, the printed map is a 23x20.5-in. resource that helps you determine where you are in relation to everything else at the SEMA Show. On the back of the printed map is a detailed floorplan, which will have aisles and booths labeled by booth number to assist in giving you a better idea of how the halls are organized. Printed maps are contained inside the 2015 SEMA Show Directory, the SEMA Show Pocket Guide, the SEMA Show Daily, in the Media Center and at information kiosks throughout the convention center.

Tool: Online floorplan
Best for: Pre-Show planning

The online floorplan will give you more detailed information than the map and will be useful to look at prior to arriving at the Show. Because it is online, there are interactive tools that you can click on to make searching quick and easy. View the floorplan online.

The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. For more information or to register to attend, visit www.semashow.com.

Top Tools for Navigating the SEMA Show Floor

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 08:07

By Becca Butler

The 2014 SEMA Show Mobile App makes navigating the annual event easier than ever with features, such as exhibitor lists, seminar schedules, event listings, route generators and more. The 2015 SEMA Show includes more than 2 million sq. ft. of exhibits, features and attractions throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center complex. While your GPS may not help get you from point A to point B at the SEMA Show, there are lots of other tools available to help Showgoers navigate the Show floor:

Tool: SEMA Show Mobile App
Best for: On-site navigation

The 2015 SEMA Show mobile app offers turn-by-turn walking directions from one location to another, making it quick and easy to find an exhibitor’s booth. The app will be available free through iTunes and Android app stores later this month. It will also have features, such as exhibitor lists, seminar schedules, new products and more.

Tool: 2015 SEMA Show Directory
Best for: Pre- and post-Show reference

Found in the November issue of SEMA News, which is mailed in October, the 2015 SEMA Show Directory includes a list of exhibiting companies, their booth numbers and their product categories. Use the directory before arriving at the Show to identify exhibitors you want to meet with, and keep it as a reference after the Show in case you ever need to look someone up. Additionally, the directory includes a printed map, preview of new products, events, attractions and participants from the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Tool: SEMA Show Pocket Guide
Best for: On-site reference

The SEMA Show Pocket Guide is small in size and easy to carry. It contains a list of exhibitors in alphabetical order by Show section, information on hotel shuttles, Show services, attractions, AAPEX exhibitors, special features and more. Available at information booths throughout the convention center, the SEMA Show Pocket Guide is a great reference onsite for quickly looking up a booth number, special event location, shuttle schedule and more.

Tool: Printed map
Best for: On-site navigation

Used in conjunction with the mobile app, the printed map is a 23x20.5-in. resource that helps you determine where you are in relation to everything else at the SEMA Show. On the back of the printed map is a detailed floorplan, which will have aisles and booths labeled by booth number to assist in giving you a better idea of how the halls are organized. Printed maps are contained inside the 2015 SEMA Show Directory, the SEMA Show Pocket Guide, the SEMA Show Daily, in the Media Center and at information kiosks throughout the convention center.

Tool: Online floorplan
Best for: Pre-Show planning

The online floorplan will give you more detailed information than the map and will be useful to look at prior to arriving at the Show. Because it is online, there are interactive tools that you can click on to make searching quick and easy. View the floorplan online.

The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. For more information or to register to attend, visit www.semashow.com.

Top Tools for Navigating the SEMA Show Floor

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 08:07

By Becca Butler

The 2014 SEMA Show Mobile App makes navigating the annual event easier than ever with features, such as exhibitor lists, seminar schedules, event listings, route generators and more. The 2015 SEMA Show includes more than 2 million sq. ft. of exhibits, features and attractions throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center complex. While your GPS may not help get you from point A to point B at the SEMA Show, there are lots of other tools available to help Showgoers navigate the Show floor:

Tool: SEMA Show Mobile App
Best for: On-site navigation

The 2015 SEMA Show mobile app offers turn-by-turn walking directions from one location to another, making it quick and easy to find an exhibitor’s booth. The app will be available free through iTunes and Android app stores later this month. It will also have features, such as exhibitor lists, seminar schedules, new products and more.

Tool: 2015 SEMA Show Directory
Best for: Pre- and post-Show reference

Found in the November issue of SEMA News, which is mailed in October, the 2015 SEMA Show Directory includes a list of exhibiting companies, their booth numbers and their product categories. Use the directory before arriving at the Show to identify exhibitors you want to meet with, and keep it as a reference after the Show in case you ever need to look someone up. Additionally, the directory includes a printed map, preview of new products, events, attractions and participants from the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Tool: SEMA Show Pocket Guide
Best for: On-site reference

The SEMA Show Pocket Guide is small in size and easy to carry. It contains a list of exhibitors in alphabetical order by Show section, information on hotel shuttles, Show services, attractions, AAPEX exhibitors, special features and more. Available at information booths throughout the convention center, the SEMA Show Pocket Guide is a great reference onsite for quickly looking up a booth number, special event location, shuttle schedule and more.

Tool: Printed map
Best for: On-site navigation

Used in conjunction with the mobile app, the printed map is a 23x20.5-in. resource that helps you determine where you are in relation to everything else at the SEMA Show. On the back of the printed map is a detailed floorplan, which will have aisles and booths labeled by booth number to assist in giving you a better idea of how the halls are organized. Printed maps are contained inside the 2015 SEMA Show Directory, the SEMA Show Pocket Guide, the SEMA Show Daily, in the Media Center and at information kiosks throughout the convention center.

Tool: Online floorplan
Best for: Pre-Show planning

The online floorplan will give you more detailed information than the map and will be useful to look at prior to arriving at the Show. Because it is online, there are interactive tools that you can click on to make searching quick and easy. View the floorplan online.

The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. For more information or to register to attend, visit www.semashow.com.

SEMA Ignited to Feature Themed Villages

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 07:58

By Becca Butler

	SEMA Ignited provides the public with a unique opportunity to come face-to-face with some the best cars, trucks and SUVs from the SEMA Show.

With hundreds of the world’s most esteemed vehicles on display for consumers to see, SEMA Ignited will provide the public with a rare opportunity to get up close and take photos with the cars, trucks and SUVs from the 2015 SEMA Show. The vehicles will be displayed within four distinct villages, making it easy for visitors to see the vehicles that may be of greatest interest to them. Village themes will focus on Hot Rod, Off-Road, Sport Compact and a General area, and each area will have its own food and entertainment.

Admission to SEMA Ignited, taking place Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., in the Gold Lot across the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center, is open to the general public. Consumers can purchase tickets, while those with SEMA Show credentials are able to attend free of charge with their Show badge. Visit www.semaignited.com for details.

SEMA Ignited to Feature Themed Villages

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 07:58

By Becca Butler

	SEMA Ignited provides the public with a unique opportunity to come face-to-face with some the best cars, trucks and SUVs from the SEMA Show.

With hundreds of the world’s most esteemed vehicles on display for consumers to see, SEMA Ignited will provide the public with a rare opportunity to get up close and take photos with the cars, trucks and SUVs from the 2015 SEMA Show. The vehicles will be displayed within four distinct villages, making it easy for visitors to see the vehicles that may be of greatest interest to them. Village themes will focus on Hot Rod, Off-Road, Sport Compact and a General area, and each area will have its own food and entertainment.

Admission to SEMA Ignited, taking place Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., in the Gold Lot across the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center, is open to the general public. Consumers can purchase tickets, while those with SEMA Show credentials are able to attend free of charge with their Show badge. Visit www.semaignited.com for details.

SEMA Ignited to Feature Themed Villages

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 07:58

By Becca Butler

	SEMA Ignited provides the public with a unique opportunity to come face-to-face with some the best cars, trucks and SUVs from the SEMA Show.

With hundreds of the world’s most esteemed vehicles on display for consumers to see, SEMA Ignited will provide the public with a rare opportunity to get up close and take photos with the cars, trucks and SUVs from the 2015 SEMA Show. The vehicles will be displayed within four distinct villages, making it easy for visitors to see the vehicles that may be of greatest interest to them. Village themes will focus on Hot Rod, Off-Road, Sport Compact and a General area, and each area will have its own food and entertainment.

Admission to SEMA Ignited, taking place Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., in the Gold Lot across the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center, is open to the general public. Consumers can purchase tickets, while those with SEMA Show credentials are able to attend free of charge with their Show badge. Visit www.semaignited.com for details.

Compact Performance Market—Steady, Incremental Growth Year-Over-Year

Thu, 09/03/2015 - 07:12

By Jason Catullo

During the past several years, gas prices have frequently hit record levels, and automakers have developed more alternative, fuel-saving technologies and have produced more fuel-friendly vehicles to meet the demand of consumers and the market. These factors have helped the compact-performance segment to sustain slow and steady growth year to year. The market reached more than $5.18 billion in retails sales in 2014 and continues to offer expanding opportunity for specialty-equipment companies.

The compact-performance niche encompasses modifications made to compact-size cars for street use. While current retail sales levels are far from the numbers posted in the early 2000s, the fact that the market has remained steady and not shown any sharp decline for the past 10 years is a positive for compact-performance businesses and enthusiasts.

compact perfromance sales

The compact niche is mainly driven by sales of appearance and accessory products, which represent the No. 1 product segment in terms of manufacturer sales. Since the scene’s emergence in the mid-’90s, compact-performance enthusiasts covet vibrant appearance and styling products. However, enthusiasts in this segment want to add power to their vehicles as well, and performance products is the second-leading product segment (manufacturer sales). The third most popular product segment in the compact performance market is the wheels, tires and suspension products category.

Some of the top-selling vehicles within the segment are the Toyota Corolla/Matrix, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra and Ford Focus.

This information and more is available through the recently released 2015 SEMA Market Report. The report is available to download at no cost to SEMA members. In addition to the compact-performance market, the report provides detailed insight on the street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom, racing niches.

Most of SEMA's research reports are available to SEMA members at no cost, and to nonmembers at a nominal fee. They can be accessed at www.SEMA.org/research.