SEMA News—August 2015

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Eric Snyder

Industry Advocates

SEMA Members Gear Up for 2016 Washington Rally

SEMA Board Chairman Doug Evans pre-sents a keepsake to racing enthusiast Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL).

Mark your calendars! With Congress in full swing, it’s not too early to make plans to attend the 2016 Washington Rally (May 10–12). The May gathering will mark the 11th time SEMA members have assembled in our nation’s capital to advocate on behalf of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. A biennial tradition, the Washington Rally has raised SEMA’s profile within the halls of Congress and is an integral part of the association’s advocacy efforts.

While staff from the Washington, D.C., office provide SEMA members with state and federal representation on a daily basis, there is no substitute for SEMA members meeting face to face with their members of Congress and U.S. Senators.

	FOX News contributor Frank Luntz conducts a focus group with SEMA members at the 2014 Washington Rally lunch.

“Our presence on Capitol Hill provides Washington decision makers with a better understanding of the issues that impact the automotive specialty-equipment industry,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “We are then able to convey our thoughts and industry-specific recommendations on how to address the issues that impact our companies and employees.”

Past Washington rallies have featured special guests at lunches and dinners for SEMA members, including members of Congress and opinion leaders. At the 2014 rally, SEMA members heard from renowned pollster and Fox News Contributor Frank Luntz at the prestigious Capitol Hill Club. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) was the keynote dinner speaker, and members discovered that he was both a gearhead and an impressive legislator.

Whether it is putting performance parts on display for members of Congress and their staff or showing off historic vehicles and tricked-out cars, the Washington Rally is an opportunity to engage the politicians who make the laws. For more information, contact SEMA’s government affairs office at erics@sema.org or 202-783-6007.

From left: Matt Agosta of Steele Rubber Products, Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), John Iannotte of N.A. Williams Co. and Debbie Lail of Steele Rubber Products at the 2012 Rally.		From left: SEMA President Chris Kersting, past SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton, SEMA Chairman of the Board Doug Evans and Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) show off a replica Cobra at the 2014 Rally.
Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) presents Collector Car Appreciation Day Resolution to former SEMA Board Chairman Scooter Brothers (left) at the 2010 Rally.		SEMA-member product display at Rayburn House Office Building during the 2012 Washington Rally.

By Becca Butler

Over the past several years, SEMA Show organizers have made a number of changes to make it possible for more exhibitors to take advantage of the benefits of participating in the New Products Showcase.

“We know that exhibitors who participate in the New Products Showcase tend to have greater product awareness, more traffic at their booths and increased media coverage from the SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communication and events. “We are committed to making it as easy as possible for exhibitors to participate in the program.”

Among the changes that have taken place during the past few years that make it easy for exhibitors to participate in the New Products Showcase are:

• New location and check-in system. The 2015 New Products Showcase will be located on the skybridge between Central and South Halls, making it possible for organizers to streamline the product check-in/-out system, resulting in a faster and easier process for exhibitors.

• Option to ship products. Exhibitors can have their product(s) shipped to the Showcase in advance. Once on-site, they will need to visit the Showcase prior to Monday, November 2, at 3:00 p.m., to unpack and check-in the product(s), but the product(s) will already be waiting in the Showcase area. At the end of the Show exhibitors also can skip product check-out and choose to have UPS package and ship the product(s) on their behalf.

• Older products qualify. In 2011, a “Featured Products” category was added to the Showcase to allow products that do not meet the criteria for “new” products to be included. Approximately 20% of all Show buyers are attending the SEMA Show for the first time, so the featured products category is especially valuable to exhibitors that may want to promote an existing line to new customers.

For more information on the New Products Showcase or to enter a product, click here.

By Becca Butler

Over the past several years, SEMA Show organizers have made a number of changes to make it possible for more exhibitors to take advantage of the benefits of participating in the New Products Showcase.

“We know that exhibitors who participate in the New Products Showcase tend to have greater product awareness, more traffic at their booths and increased media coverage from the SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communication and events. “We are committed to making it as easy as possible for exhibitors to participate in the program.”

Among the changes that have taken place during the past few years that make it easy for exhibitors to participate in the New Products Showcase are:

• New location and check-in system. The 2015 New Products Showcase will be located on the skybridge between Central and South Halls, making it possible for organizers to streamline the product check-in/-out system, resulting in a faster and easier process for exhibitors.

• Option to ship products. Exhibitors can have their product(s) shipped to the Showcase in advance. Once on-site, they will need to visit the Showcase prior to Monday, November 2, at 3:00 p.m., to unpack and check-in the product(s), but the product(s) will already be waiting in the Showcase area. At the end of the Show exhibitors also can skip product check-out and choose to have UPS package and ship the product(s) on their behalf.

• Older products qualify. In 2011, a “Featured Products” category was added to the Showcase to allow products that do not meet the criteria for “new” products to be included. Approximately 20% of all Show buyers are attending the SEMA Show for the first time, so the featured products category is especially valuable to exhibitors that may want to promote an existing line to new customers.

For more information on the New Products Showcase or to enter a product, click here.

By Becca Butler

Over the past several years, SEMA Show organizers have made a number of changes to make it possible for more exhibitors to take advantage of the benefits of participating in the New Products Showcase.

“We know that exhibitors who participate in the New Products Showcase tend to have greater product awareness, more traffic at their booths and increased media coverage from the SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communication and events. “We are committed to making it as easy as possible for exhibitors to participate in the program.”

Among the changes that have taken place during the past few years that make it easy for exhibitors to participate in the New Products Showcase are:

• New location and check-in system. The 2015 New Products Showcase will be located on the skybridge between Central and South Halls, making it possible for organizers to streamline the product check-in/-out system, resulting in a faster and easier process for exhibitors.

• Option to ship products. Exhibitors can have their product(s) shipped to the Showcase in advance. Once on-site, they will need to visit the Showcase prior to Monday, November 2, at 3:00 p.m., to unpack and check-in the product(s), but the product(s) will already be waiting in the Showcase area. At the end of the Show exhibitors also can skip product check-out and choose to have UPS package and ship the product(s) on their behalf.

• Older products qualify. In 2011, a “Featured Products” category was added to the Showcase to allow products that do not meet the criteria for “new” products to be included. Approximately 20% of all Show buyers are attending the SEMA Show for the first time, so the featured products category is especially valuable to exhibitors that may want to promote an existing line to new customers.

For more information on the New Products Showcase or to enter a product, click here.

	Keynote & Coffee at the SEMA Show features thought leaders in business and industry to help you get an early start on your day with stimulating perspectives on how to look at your business in a slightly different way.

By Michael Hart

The SEMA Show is bringing back one of the most exciting attractions from last year’s event. Keynote & Coffee features thought leaders in business and industry to help you get an early start on your day with stimulating perspectives on how to look at your business in a slightly different way.

The free seminars will kick off every morning of the Show at 8:00 a.m., before the exhibit hall opens and the conference sessions begin, meaning you’ll have a chance to get your brain moving with new ideas about the industry before you plunge into your day’s activities—and you’ll get a free cup of coffee to go along with it!

Each of the early morning Keynote & Coffee sessions have their own theme and speakers who represent some of the most forward-thinkers you’ll find in the industry today.

On one day you might learn how the impact of social media is changing the way you measure business results and what you need to know to use new forms of media for your own company. Another day, you’ll have a chance to hear from Bridget Brennan, CEO of the Female Factor, who will give you some insight into one of the most important prime target audiences in the future: Millennial women, born between 1980 and 2000, who are now making more and more decisions about automotive buying.

Or you can hear from Scott Ginsberg, a company leader who decided 15 years ago to try a silly experiment and started wearing a name tag—and never took it off. You’ll get the chance to find out what he learned from his experiment and what being an “approachable leader” can mean for your business.

And then there’s Dave Carroll, a songwriter who wrote a song about an airline breaking his guitar that went viral on YouTube. In the process he learned a lot about customer service—knowledge that he is ready to pass on to you.

All of these speakers are available to you at no charge, first thing every morning of the SEMA Show at 8:00 a.m. to set you in the right frame of mind before you hit the exhibit halls and the conference sessions.

Start every morning at the SEMA Show with Keynote & Coffee!

View a complete list of SEMA Show education programs available.

	Keynote & Coffee at the SEMA Show features thought leaders in business and industry to help you get an early start on your day with stimulating perspectives on how to look at your business in a slightly different way.

By Michael Hart

The SEMA Show is bringing back one of the most exciting attractions from last year’s event. Keynote & Coffee features thought leaders in business and industry to help you get an early start on your day with stimulating perspectives on how to look at your business in a slightly different way.

The free seminars will kick off every morning of the Show at 8:00 a.m., before the exhibit hall opens and the conference sessions begin, meaning you’ll have a chance to get your brain moving with new ideas about the industry before you plunge into your day’s activities—and you’ll get a free cup of coffee to go along with it!

Each of the early morning Keynote & Coffee sessions have their own theme and speakers who represent some of the most forward-thinkers you’ll find in the industry today.

On one day you might learn how the impact of social media is changing the way you measure business results and what you need to know to use new forms of media for your own company. Another day, you’ll have a chance to hear from Bridget Brennan, CEO of the Female Factor, who will give you some insight into one of the most important prime target audiences in the future: Millennial women, born between 1980 and 2000, who are now making more and more decisions about automotive buying.

Or you can hear from Scott Ginsberg, a company leader who decided 15 years ago to try a silly experiment and started wearing a name tag—and never took it off. You’ll get the chance to find out what he learned from his experiment and what being an “approachable leader” can mean for your business.

And then there’s Dave Carroll, a songwriter who wrote a song about an airline breaking his guitar that went viral on YouTube. In the process he learned a lot about customer service—knowledge that he is ready to pass on to you.

All of these speakers are available to you at no charge, first thing every morning of the SEMA Show at 8:00 a.m. to set you in the right frame of mind before you hit the exhibit halls and the conference sessions.

Start every morning at the SEMA Show with Keynote & Coffee!

View a complete list of SEMA Show education programs available.

	Keynote & Coffee at the SEMA Show features thought leaders in business and industry to help you get an early start on your day with stimulating perspectives on how to look at your business in a slightly different way.

By Michael Hart

The SEMA Show is bringing back one of the most exciting attractions from last year’s event. Keynote & Coffee features thought leaders in business and industry to help you get an early start on your day with stimulating perspectives on how to look at your business in a slightly different way.

The free seminars will kick off every morning of the Show at 8:00 a.m., before the exhibit hall opens and the conference sessions begin, meaning you’ll have a chance to get your brain moving with new ideas about the industry before you plunge into your day’s activities—and you’ll get a free cup of coffee to go along with it!

Each of the early morning Keynote & Coffee sessions have their own theme and speakers who represent some of the most forward-thinkers you’ll find in the industry today.

On one day you might learn how the impact of social media is changing the way you measure business results and what you need to know to use new forms of media for your own company. Another day, you’ll have a chance to hear from Bridget Brennan, CEO of the Female Factor, who will give you some insight into one of the most important prime target audiences in the future: Millennial women, born between 1980 and 2000, who are now making more and more decisions about automotive buying.

Or you can hear from Scott Ginsberg, a company leader who decided 15 years ago to try a silly experiment and started wearing a name tag—and never took it off. You’ll get the chance to find out what he learned from his experiment and what being an “approachable leader” can mean for your business.

And then there’s Dave Carroll, a songwriter who wrote a song about an airline breaking his guitar that went viral on YouTube. In the process he learned a lot about customer service—knowledge that he is ready to pass on to you.

All of these speakers are available to you at no charge, first thing every morning of the SEMA Show at 8:00 a.m. to set you in the right frame of mind before you hit the exhibit halls and the conference sessions.

Start every morning at the SEMA Show with Keynote & Coffee!

View a complete list of SEMA Show education programs available.

	Exhibitors continue to announce their latest SEMA Show-related news on the Online Media Center.

By Becca Butler

Exhibitors continue to announce their latest Show-related news on the Online Media Center. Here are the latest announcements from 2015 SEMA Show exhibitors.

• BOLT Lock, Booth #35133 announces their new Bolt J-Mount bracket mounting system that allows Jeep TJ and JK off-road enthusiasts to securely attach their hi-lift jack to the side of their vehicle for easy, vertical access.

• Baumann Electronic Controls, Booth #73005 introduces the US Shift Quick 4 stand-alone transmission controller with advanced algorithms that provides the highest level of shift control and synchronization, allowing you to maximize the performance of your combination.

• EVX Pty Ltd., Booth #90052 is a Melbourne-based vehicle technology startup that has announced they will be exhibiting their scaled-down model custom solar car and spinoff technologies at the Show this year. They will be located in the Performance Pavilion, just outside the South Halls.

• Lund International, Booth #31027 introduces a new line of steps to its existing lineup of nerf bars and running boards. The all-new Lund Terrain HX Step is an aggressively designed yet functional nerf bar that provides an off-road look while making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle.

• Equip Automotive Systems, Inc., Booth #15417 launches their new eCommerce site, www.equipmyshop.com. The site aims to provide the collision industry with an online shopping experience that is quick, easy and affordable.

• Silent Running, Booth #34323 will introduce their new distributor program at this year’s Show, where there will be sign-up sheets and information packets for potential distributors.

• Bulldog Lighting, Booth #35207 announces a new line of accessory lights to their product line this year. The new line will be nicknamed “The Claw” due to its mounting abilities and the durability of the light itself.

• SONAX GmbH, Booth #12161 announces their seventh consecutive year exhibiting at the SEMA Show. They will be located in the North Hall, and will have guests such as master detailer Renny Doyle and car customizer John D’Agostino conducting interviews and demonstrating SONAX products.

• Ningguo BST Thermal Products Co. Ltd., Booth #38155 announces their heat shield tape with adhesive. It’s a fiberglass composite tape with a strong adhesive that wraps around your wires and hoses to protect from blazing heat that can cause equipment failure.

For more information and a complete list of all news announcements from SEMA Show exhibitors, visit www.SEMAShow.com/press. The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. Register to attend the 2015 SEMA Show.

	Exhibitors continue to announce their latest SEMA Show-related news on the Online Media Center.

By Becca Butler

Exhibitors continue to announce their latest Show-related news on the Online Media Center. Here are the latest announcements from 2015 SEMA Show exhibitors.

• BOLT Lock, Booth #35133 announces their new Bolt J-Mount bracket mounting system that allows Jeep TJ and JK off-road enthusiasts to securely attach their hi-lift jack to the side of their vehicle for easy, vertical access.

• Baumann Electronic Controls, Booth #73005 introduces the US Shift Quick 4 stand-alone transmission controller with advanced algorithms that provides the highest level of shift control and synchronization, allowing you to maximize the performance of your combination.

• EVX Pty Ltd., Booth #90052 is a Melbourne-based vehicle technology startup that has announced they will be exhibiting their scaled-down model custom solar car and spinoff technologies at the Show this year. They will be located in the Performance Pavilion, just outside the South Halls.

• Lund International, Booth #31027 introduces a new line of steps to its existing lineup of nerf bars and running boards. The all-new Lund Terrain HX Step is an aggressively designed yet functional nerf bar that provides an off-road look while making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle.

• Equip Automotive Systems, Inc., Booth #15417 launches their new eCommerce site, www.equipmyshop.com. The site aims to provide the collision industry with an online shopping experience that is quick, easy and affordable.

• Silent Running, Booth #34323 will introduce their new distributor program at this year’s Show, where there will be sign-up sheets and information packets for potential distributors.

• Bulldog Lighting, Booth #35207 announces a new line of accessory lights to their product line this year. The new line will be nicknamed “The Claw” due to its mounting abilities and the durability of the light itself.

• SONAX GmbH, Booth #12161 announces their seventh consecutive year exhibiting at the SEMA Show. They will be located in the North Hall, and will have guests such as master detailer Renny Doyle and car customizer John D’Agostino conducting interviews and demonstrating SONAX products.

• Ningguo BST Thermal Products Co. Ltd., Booth #38155 announces their heat shield tape with adhesive. It’s a fiberglass composite tape with a strong adhesive that wraps around your wires and hoses to protect from blazing heat that can cause equipment failure.

For more information and a complete list of all news announcements from SEMA Show exhibitors, visit www.SEMAShow.com/press. The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. Register to attend the 2015 SEMA Show.

	Exhibitors continue to announce their latest SEMA Show-related news on the Online Media Center.

By Becca Butler

Exhibitors continue to announce their latest Show-related news on the Online Media Center. Here are the latest announcements from 2015 SEMA Show exhibitors.

• BOLT Lock, Booth #35133 announces their new Bolt J-Mount bracket mounting system that allows Jeep TJ and JK off-road enthusiasts to securely attach their hi-lift jack to the side of their vehicle for easy, vertical access.

• Baumann Electronic Controls, Booth #73005 introduces the US Shift Quick 4 stand-alone transmission controller with advanced algorithms that provides the highest level of shift control and synchronization, allowing you to maximize the performance of your combination.

• EVX Pty Ltd., Booth #90052 is a Melbourne-based vehicle technology startup that has announced they will be exhibiting their scaled-down model custom solar car and spinoff technologies at the Show this year. They will be located in the Performance Pavilion, just outside the South Halls.

• Lund International, Booth #31027 introduces a new line of steps to its existing lineup of nerf bars and running boards. The all-new Lund Terrain HX Step is an aggressively designed yet functional nerf bar that provides an off-road look while making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle.

• Equip Automotive Systems, Inc., Booth #15417 launches their new eCommerce site, www.equipmyshop.com. The site aims to provide the collision industry with an online shopping experience that is quick, easy and affordable.

• Silent Running, Booth #34323 will introduce their new distributor program at this year’s Show, where there will be sign-up sheets and information packets for potential distributors.

• Bulldog Lighting, Booth #35207 announces a new line of accessory lights to their product line this year. The new line will be nicknamed “The Claw” due to its mounting abilities and the durability of the light itself.

• SONAX GmbH, Booth #12161 announces their seventh consecutive year exhibiting at the SEMA Show. They will be located in the North Hall, and will have guests such as master detailer Renny Doyle and car customizer John D’Agostino conducting interviews and demonstrating SONAX products.

• Ningguo BST Thermal Products Co. Ltd., Booth #38155 announces their heat shield tape with adhesive. It’s a fiberglass composite tape with a strong adhesive that wraps around your wires and hoses to protect from blazing heat that can cause equipment failure.

For more information and a complete list of all news announcements from SEMA Show exhibitors, visit www.SEMAShow.com/press. The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. Register to attend the 2015 SEMA Show.