If you are wondering how to convince your boss that allowing you to attend the SEMA Show is a good investment, we have you covered.

By Carr Winn

Taking place November 3–6, the 2015 SEMA Show is a must-attend event for automotive trade professionals. It features a New Products Showcase with more than 2,000 of the hottest automotive accessories preparing to hit the market. The Show also brings together more than 1,000 of the finest customized vehicles crafted by the industry’s most talented builders.

For now, the registration fee is only $25. As an industry professional, this is a once-a-year opportunity that you cannot miss. In addition to the savings on registration, SEMA’s housing partner, Travel Planners, has secured discount hotel rates for SEMA Show attendees.

If you have not made plans yet to attend the 2015 SEMA Show, now is the time. If you are wondering how to convince your boss that allowing you to attend the SEMA Show is a good investment, we have you covered.

We have prepared a form letter that you can simply fill-in with appropriate details and send to your boss. SEMA can not promise your boss will allow you to attend the Show, but we hope this tool can at least get the conversation started. Hopefully, we’ll see you in November.

Download a PDF version of the letter here.

Mike Ring of the Ringbrothers, a top 10 finalist for the 2014 SEMA Battle of the Builders, discusses how project vehicles evolve, from concept to the final build.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The 2015 SEMA Show will be held November 3–6.

Mike Ring of the Ringbrothers, a top 10 finalist for the 2014 SEMA Battle of the Builders, discusses how project vehicles evolve, from concept to the final build.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The 2015 SEMA Show will be held November 3–6.

Mike Ring of the Ringbrothers, a top 10 finalist for the 2014 SEMA Battle of the Builders, discusses how project vehicles evolve, from concept to the final build.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The 2015 SEMA Show will be held November 3–6.

	Whether its face-to-face, through a press release or a local paper, provide reporters with reasons to cover your company and products now.

Looking for ways to reach more consumers and customers? Ever want to see a product from your company in the news?

During July, editors and reporters are looking for stories related to summer and warm weather. In fact, thousands of articles highlighting must-have auto products for the summer have already appeared in publications across the country.  

SEMA members that manufacture, sell or install products that are especially useful during the summer months may consider outreach to their local media to pitch a story focused on this topic. While media interest will vary based on a number of factors, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Make it timely. Give reporters a reason to cover your story now. Review current news stories and use that information to offer a product or story that fits what is trending. As an example, if the weather is unusually hot and you have a product that is ideal to use in hot weather, make that connection for the reporter. Summer storms? Provide a product useful in rain or mud.

• Do your research. Ensure you are reaching out to the right reporter at your local paper. Don’t reach out to the sports editor for a story on the latest performance accessory. Typically, reporters in the metro, lifestyle or business section are the ones to contact.

• Provide product reviews. If you have a unique product, be able to provide it to the reporter for review. Don’t offer a product that is still in production. Oftentimes, if they are interested, a reporter will want to physically see it or be able to use it.

• Provide materials. If the product is too large to give to a reporter, have recent photos or video of the product. Don’t use a rendering.

	Whether its face-to-face, through a press release or a local paper, provide reporters with reasons to cover your company and products now.

Looking for ways to reach more consumers and customers? Ever want to see a product from your company in the news?

During July, editors and reporters are looking for stories related to summer and warm weather. In fact, thousands of articles highlighting must-have auto products for the summer have already appeared in publications across the country.  

SEMA members that manufacture, sell or install products that are especially useful during the summer months may consider outreach to their local media to pitch a story focused on this topic. While media interest will vary based on a number of factors, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Make it timely. Give reporters a reason to cover your story now. Review current news stories and use that information to offer a product or story that fits what is trending. As an example, if the weather is unusually hot and you have a product that is ideal to use in hot weather, make that connection for the reporter. Summer storms? Provide a product useful in rain or mud.

• Do your research. Ensure you are reaching out to the right reporter at your local paper. Don’t reach out to the sports editor for a story on the latest performance accessory. Typically, reporters in the metro, lifestyle or business section are the ones to contact.

• Provide product reviews. If you have a unique product, be able to provide it to the reporter for review. Don’t offer a product that is still in production. Oftentimes, if they are interested, a reporter will want to physically see it or be able to use it.

• Provide materials. If the product is too large to give to a reporter, have recent photos or video of the product. Don’t use a rendering.

	Hear from industry experts on relevant topics at Keynote & Coffee.

• Register early. Showgoers who register before Friday, October 16, will pay the discounted rate of just $25 and have their badges mailed to them prior to the Show. The international attendee deadline for badges to be mailed in advance is September 19.

• Book with Travel Planners. As the official housing partner of the SEMA Show, Travel Planners offers low-price guarantees and reduced or no resort fees for those who book through them. With rooms starting as low as $89 a night, visit SEMA's Travel & Lodging page to make your hotel accommodations today.

• Use the Free Shuttle Service. SEMA provides free shuttle service to the Las Vegas Convention Center from select partner hotels. As a great alternative to taxi cabs, which can quickly add up, Showgoers who use the shuttle can take advantage of the opportunity to network with other Show attendees. Check the SEMA Show website in September for the official list of SEMA Show shuttles.

• Attend Keynote & Coffee. Save yourself a few bucks and grab a free cup of coffee while hearing from industry experts on relevant topics. Happening Monday–Thursday, November 2–5, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. in Room N258, it’s a great way to start off each day at the Show. Register to attend.

• Attend a Networking Event. In addition to Keynote & Coffee, there are a number of free receptions and events that allow you to mingle and network with other Showgoers while grabbing a bite to eat. For example, the New Products Breakfast, taking place Tuesday, November 3, at 7:30 a.m. at the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, gives attendees a look at the hot products that will be on display at the Show. For more information and a complete list of the events happening at the Show visit the SEMA Show website.

The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Learn more about what your SEMA Show badge gets you, or visit the SEMA Show website.

Register to attend before October 16 and pay the discounted rate of just $25.

	Hear from industry experts on relevant topics at Keynote & Coffee.

• Register early. Showgoers who register before Friday, October 16, will pay the discounted rate of just $25 and have their badges mailed to them prior to the Show. The international attendee deadline for badges to be mailed in advance is September 19.

• Book with Travel Planners. As the official housing partner of the SEMA Show, Travel Planners offers low-price guarantees and reduced or no resort fees for those who book through them. With rooms starting as low as $89 a night, visit SEMA's Travel & Lodging page to make your hotel accommodations today.

• Use the Free Shuttle Service. SEMA provides free shuttle service to the Las Vegas Convention Center from select partner hotels. As a great alternative to taxi cabs, which can quickly add up, Showgoers who use the shuttle can take advantage of the opportunity to network with other Show attendees. Check the SEMA Show website in September for the official list of SEMA Show shuttles.

• Attend Keynote & Coffee. Save yourself a few bucks and grab a free cup of coffee while hearing from industry experts on relevant topics. Happening Monday–Thursday, November 2–5, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. in Room N258, it’s a great way to start off each day at the Show. Register to attend.

• Attend a Networking Event. In addition to Keynote & Coffee, there are a number of free receptions and events that allow you to mingle and network with other Showgoers while grabbing a bite to eat. For example, the New Products Breakfast, taking place Tuesday, November 3, at 7:30 a.m. at the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, gives attendees a look at the hot products that will be on display at the Show. For more information and a complete list of the events happening at the Show visit the SEMA Show website.

The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Learn more about what your SEMA Show badge gets you, or visit the SEMA Show website.

Register to attend before October 16 and pay the discounted rate of just $25.

	Hear from industry experts on relevant topics at Keynote & Coffee.

• Register early. Showgoers who register before Friday, October 16, will pay the discounted rate of just $25 and have their badges mailed to them prior to the Show. The international attendee deadline for badges to be mailed in advance is September 19.

• Book with Travel Planners. As the official housing partner of the SEMA Show, Travel Planners offers low-price guarantees and reduced or no resort fees for those who book through them. With rooms starting as low as $89 a night, visit SEMA's Travel & Lodging page to make your hotel accommodations today.

• Use the Free Shuttle Service. SEMA provides free shuttle service to the Las Vegas Convention Center from select partner hotels. As a great alternative to taxi cabs, which can quickly add up, Showgoers who use the shuttle can take advantage of the opportunity to network with other Show attendees. Check the SEMA Show website in September for the official list of SEMA Show shuttles.

• Attend Keynote & Coffee. Save yourself a few bucks and grab a free cup of coffee while hearing from industry experts on relevant topics. Happening Monday–Thursday, November 2–5, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. in Room N258, it’s a great way to start off each day at the Show. Register to attend.

• Attend a Networking Event. In addition to Keynote & Coffee, there are a number of free receptions and events that allow you to mingle and network with other Showgoers while grabbing a bite to eat. For example, the New Products Breakfast, taking place Tuesday, November 3, at 7:30 a.m. at the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, gives attendees a look at the hot products that will be on display at the Show. For more information and a complete list of the events happening at the Show visit the SEMA Show website.

The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Learn more about what your SEMA Show badge gets you, or visit the SEMA Show website.

Register to attend before October 16 and pay the discounted rate of just $25.

	Hear from industry experts on relevant topics at Keynote & Coffee.

• Register early. Showgoers who register before Friday, October 16, will pay the discounted rate of just $25 and have their badges mailed to them prior to the Show. The international attendee deadline for badges to be mailed in advance is September 19.

• Book with Travel Planners. As the official housing partner of the SEMA Show, Travel Planners offers low-price guarantees and reduced or no resort fees for those who book through them. With rooms starting as low as $89 a night, visit SEMA's Travel & Lodging page to make your hotel accommodations today.

• Use the Free Shuttle Service. SEMA provides free shuttle service to the Las Vegas Convention Center from select partner hotels. As a great alternative to taxi cabs, which can quickly add up, Showgoers who use the shuttle can take advantage of the opportunity to network with other Show attendees. Check the SEMA Show website in September for the official list of SEMA Show shuttles.

• Attend Keynote & Coffee. Save yourself a few bucks and grab a free cup of coffee while hearing from industry experts on relevant topics. Happening Monday–Thursday, November 2–5, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. in Room N258, it’s a great way to start off each day at the Show. Register to attend.

• Attend a Networking Event. In addition to Keynote & Coffee, there are a number of free receptions and events that allow you to mingle and network with other Showgoers while grabbing a bite to eat. For example, the New Products Breakfast, taking place Tuesday, November 3, at 7:30 a.m. at the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, gives attendees a look at the hot products that will be on display at the Show. For more information and a complete list of the events happening at the Show visit the SEMA Show website.

The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Learn more about what your SEMA Show badge gets you, or visit the SEMA Show website.

Register to attend before October 16 and pay the discounted rate of just $25.