SEMA Member News—July/August 2015

Wheel & Tire Council Welcomes New Leadership

	Joe Findeis of Wheel Consultants Inc. is the new WTC chair.

On July 1, Joe Schaefer’s two-year term as chair of the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) came to an end and Joe Findeis was initiated into the position. As the founder and president of Wheel Consultants Inc., Findeis handles operations in addition to developing tire and wheel fitment data for the company’s online programs and publication. He is also the creator of “The Ultimate Wheel and Tire Plus Sizing Guide,” the tire and wheel fitment guide known as “The Red Book.”

Findeis found his start in the automotive industry 38 years ago, when he took a job as a truck driver for the Parnelli Jones wholesale division. He served several terms on the WTC select committee prior to being named chair-elect in 2013. He recently spoke with SEMA Member News about his perspective on council membership and his plans for the next
two years.

SEMA Member News: Why are you involved in the council?

Joe Findeis: Simply put, to contribute to the industry that has provided for me and my family.

SMN: What have you gained or learned from your council involvement?

JF: There are many others who have the same passion for our industry and aftermarket as I do.

SMN: What value do you find in council membership?

JF: Keeping informed about our industry and creating relationships with other like-minded people in the aftermarket industry.

SMN: What do you hope to accomplish during your term?

JF: Continue advancing council projects that have real, tangible benefits for our members and the industry as a whole, such as the WTC “Ride Guide.” Because of our collaboration with Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research, we’re able to provide our members with solid testing results of the actual effects of “plus-sizing” tire and wheel fitments on vehicle driving dynamics. These results are in an easy-to-understand printed format.

Also, the WTC Wheel Measurement Database for members who may be unable to travel to the SEMA Garage for measuring sessions. We make free wheel-measurement data about new vehicles accessible through SEMA Garage measuring sessions.

The goal is to get this valuable information into the hands of manufacturers, distributors and shops, where we expect it will have a solid impact on our industry. I also hope to do further testing to see what effects “plus-sizing” may or may not have on current and future vehicle technology.

SMN: Why should companies join WTC?

JF: The fact that the WTC provides benefits that have positive results on their businesses is reason enough. But I also believe that if you have a passion for and make your living with wheels and/or tires, you should join with us by donating your time and talents to the industry. We welcome new members to the WTC and value their input.

Introducing Chair-Elect Wayne Williams

	Wayne Williams of Exsell Marketing and Design became the WTC chair-elect on July 1.

Wayne Williams became the WTC chair-elect on July 1 as Findeis stepped into the chair role. Williams is the founder and president of Exsell Marketing and Design in La Habra, California. It is a consulting firm specializing in brand and product development and digital marketing. He is also the “Counter Intelligence” columnist for Modern Tire Dealer.

With more than 35 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, Williams has established himself as a wheel and tire specialist. In the past, he served in wholesale and retail sales roles before working his way up to regional sales manager and vice president of sales and marketing for companies such as Parnelli Jones, Discount Tire Centers and Winston Tire. Williams has served on the WTC select committee for several years and is often a guest speaker at council meetings. He is currently assisting the “Ride Guide” task force with its marketing efforts.

WTC “Ride Guide” for the Mazda3

A new sales tool for wheel and tire retailers, WTC has released a new “Ride Guide” for the ’14–’15 Mazda 3. Inside the report, users will find graphical representation of test data about the effects of differing wheel and tire sizes, compiled by the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR). The vehicle performance data includes comparisons on ride comfort, road grip, steering firmness response, directional response and steering speed response. Guided by this information, sales professionals can help consumers narrow their style and design options based on the desired performance characteristics.

For sales staff, the “Ride Guide” is a sales tool to immediately strengthen relationships with buyers by confirming with hard data what has previously only be known by seasoned professionals from practical experience. After seeing the research, consumers can feel confident and satisfied in their decisions. The report can also be useful as a training tool for new sales staff, or for enthusiasts who want to research wheel and tire packages on their own.

Download the “Ride Guide” now at www.sema.org/wtc. For more information about the report or the council, contact Senior Manager of Councils Clayton Drescher at claytond@sema.org.

SEMA Member News—July/August 2015

Wheel & Tire Council Welcomes New Leadership

	Joe Findeis of Wheel Consultants Inc. is the new WTC chair.

On July 1, Joe Schaefer’s two-year term as chair of the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) came to an end and Joe Findeis was initiated into the position. As the founder and president of Wheel Consultants Inc., Findeis handles operations in addition to developing tire and wheel fitment data for the company’s online programs and publication. He is also the creator of “The Ultimate Wheel and Tire Plus Sizing Guide,” the tire and wheel fitment guide known as “The Red Book.”

Findeis found his start in the automotive industry 38 years ago, when he took a job as a truck driver for the Parnelli Jones wholesale division. He served several terms on the WTC select committee prior to being named chair-elect in 2013. He recently spoke with SEMA Member News about his perspective on council membership and his plans for the next
two years.

SEMA Member News: Why are you involved in the council?

Joe Findeis: Simply put, to contribute to the industry that has provided for me and my family.

SMN: What have you gained or learned from your council involvement?

JF: There are many others who have the same passion for our industry and aftermarket as I do.

SMN: What value do you find in council membership?

JF: Keeping informed about our industry and creating relationships with other like-minded people in the aftermarket industry.

SMN: What do you hope to accomplish during your term?

JF: Continue advancing council projects that have real, tangible benefits for our members and the industry as a whole, such as the WTC “Ride Guide.” Because of our collaboration with Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research, we’re able to provide our members with solid testing results of the actual effects of “plus-sizing” tire and wheel fitments on vehicle driving dynamics. These results are in an easy-to-understand printed format.

Also, the WTC Wheel Measurement Database for members who may be unable to travel to the SEMA Garage for measuring sessions. We make free wheel-measurement data about new vehicles accessible through SEMA Garage measuring sessions.

The goal is to get this valuable information into the hands of manufacturers, distributors and shops, where we expect it will have a solid impact on our industry. I also hope to do further testing to see what effects “plus-sizing” may or may not have on current and future vehicle technology.

SMN: Why should companies join WTC?

JF: The fact that the WTC provides benefits that have positive results on their businesses is reason enough. But I also believe that if you have a passion for and make your living with wheels and/or tires, you should join with us by donating your time and talents to the industry. We welcome new members to the WTC and value their input.

Introducing Chair-Elect Wayne Williams

	Wayne Williams of Exsell Marketing and Design became the WTC chair-elect on July 1.

Wayne Williams became the WTC chair-elect on July 1 as Findeis stepped into the chair role. Williams is the founder and president of Exsell Marketing and Design in La Habra, California. It is a consulting firm specializing in brand and product development and digital marketing. He is also the “Counter Intelligence” columnist for Modern Tire Dealer.

With more than 35 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, Williams has established himself as a wheel and tire specialist. In the past, he served in wholesale and retail sales roles before working his way up to regional sales manager and vice president of sales and marketing for companies such as Parnelli Jones, Discount Tire Centers and Winston Tire. Williams has served on the WTC select committee for several years and is often a guest speaker at council meetings. He is currently assisting the “Ride Guide” task force with its marketing efforts.

WTC “Ride Guide” for the Mazda3

A new sales tool for wheel and tire retailers, WTC has released a new “Ride Guide” for the ’14–’15 Mazda 3. Inside the report, users will find graphical representation of test data about the effects of differing wheel and tire sizes, compiled by the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR). The vehicle performance data includes comparisons on ride comfort, road grip, steering firmness response, directional response and steering speed response. Guided by this information, sales professionals can help consumers narrow their style and design options based on the desired performance characteristics.

For sales staff, the “Ride Guide” is a sales tool to immediately strengthen relationships with buyers by confirming with hard data what has previously only be known by seasoned professionals from practical experience. After seeing the research, consumers can feel confident and satisfied in their decisions. The report can also be useful as a training tool for new sales staff, or for enthusiasts who want to research wheel and tire packages on their own.

Download the “Ride Guide” now at www.sema.org/wtc. For more information about the report or the council, contact Senior Manager of Councils Clayton Drescher at claytond@sema.org.

SEMA Member News—July/August 2015

Meet PRO’s Leadership: Scott Wolin and Ellen McKoy

	Scott Wolin is the new chair of PRO.

Scott Wolin is an industry veteran who has served in a number of roles within SEMA and the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) over the past 25 years. He became PRO’s chair on July 1, his second run in the position. Wolin is the sales manager for Chicago Parts & Sound (CPS), a company focused on supporting dealership customers by improving their sales. As such, he focuses on educating dealers about the benefits of accessorizing and growing CPS’s key markets.

Ellen McKoy is now the chair-elect, and she also brings a wealth of experience to the select committee. Though she has been active in the industry in a variety of roles since the mid-’70s, she currently focuses on two enterprises. McKoy owns EMK Marketing—a marketing, public relations and editorial consulting company—and is also the editor of Trucking Times magazine.

Wolin and McKoy caught up with SEMA Member News and shared a few thoughts about council membership.

SEMA Member News: Why are you involved in PRO?

Scott Wolin: I’ve been involved in PRO for a long time because I’m dedicated to this industry and wanted to learn as much as possible and meet other industry enthusiasts and business owners. I now enjoy being in the position where I can help our industry grow and work on continuous improvements in all aspects of our business.

Ellen McKoy is the new chair-elect of PRO.

Ellen McKoy: I’ve always believed the restyling industry needs a collective voice to address issues that are important to our market segment. PRO is that voice. I’ve been active in PRO in one capacity or another since I helped to found the group in 1988, and I want to continue to share my experience, learn from others and support the industry.

SMN: What have you gained from your council involvement?

SW: As I mentioned earlier, I’ve learned about our industry and business and met industry leaders, business owners and other talented people. I also gained a network of great friends along the way. I believe that being part of a professional organization is essential for professional development and growth and to give back to our business community.

EM: Being involved helps me stay abreast of what’s happening in our industry. It’s an exceptional opportunity to work with like-minded colleagues on issues relevant to our market and develop strategies for dealing with them. The networking opportunities are invaluable and the friendships long-lasting.

SMN: What do you hope to accomplish during your term?

SW: I look forward to finalizing and launching the projects that we are currently working on. These include our Seating Certificate Program and our many SEMA Show activities—all of which are designed to bring business value to our PRO membership. And, of course, an important goal is to increase our membership. I also plan to work closely with the other SEMA councils, board members and staff to share PRO activities and best practices. My main objective is to work together as a team, grow our industry and provide value to our membership.

EM: Restylers are the primary conduit to the car-dealer community. It’s important that we continue to inform dealers of the benefits of vehicle accessorization and provide our members with the tools to be successful. Whether we’re providing resources to improve members’ businesses or skill levels, addressing challenges and exploring opportunities or mentoring the next generation, my goal is to help in these efforts.

SMN: Why should companies join the council?

SW: Council membership shows your support for our industry and raises the bar of professionalism for your company. The information and networking opportunities provided are invaluable and are guaranteed to help you grow and develop your business for the long run. I look forward to seeing all of you at the SEMA Show this year.

EM: There is strength in numbers. By joining PRO and becoming actively involved, every member can make a difference, share ideas, build new relationships and be part of that collective voice for change and progress.

SEMA Member News—July/August 2015

Meet PRO’s Leadership: Scott Wolin and Ellen McKoy

	Scott Wolin is the new chair of PRO.

Scott Wolin is an industry veteran who has served in a number of roles within SEMA and the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) over the past 25 years. He became PRO’s chair on July 1, his second run in the position. Wolin is the sales manager for Chicago Parts & Sound (CPS), a company focused on supporting dealership customers by improving their sales. As such, he focuses on educating dealers about the benefits of accessorizing and growing CPS’s key markets.

Ellen McKoy is now the chair-elect, and she also brings a wealth of experience to the select committee. Though she has been active in the industry in a variety of roles since the mid-’70s, she currently focuses on two enterprises. McKoy owns EMK Marketing—a marketing, public relations and editorial consulting company—and is also the editor of Trucking Times magazine.

Wolin and McKoy caught up with SEMA Member News and shared a few thoughts about council membership.

SEMA Member News: Why are you involved in PRO?

Scott Wolin: I’ve been involved in PRO for a long time because I’m dedicated to this industry and wanted to learn as much as possible and meet other industry enthusiasts and business owners. I now enjoy being in the position where I can help our industry grow and work on continuous improvements in all aspects of our business.

Ellen McKoy is the new chair-elect of PRO.

Ellen McKoy: I’ve always believed the restyling industry needs a collective voice to address issues that are important to our market segment. PRO is that voice. I’ve been active in PRO in one capacity or another since I helped to found the group in 1988, and I want to continue to share my experience, learn from others and support the industry.

SMN: What have you gained from your council involvement?

SW: As I mentioned earlier, I’ve learned about our industry and business and met industry leaders, business owners and other talented people. I also gained a network of great friends along the way. I believe that being part of a professional organization is essential for professional development and growth and to give back to our business community.

EM: Being involved helps me stay abreast of what’s happening in our industry. It’s an exceptional opportunity to work with like-minded colleagues on issues relevant to our market and develop strategies for dealing with them. The networking opportunities are invaluable and the friendships long-lasting.

SMN: What do you hope to accomplish during your term?

SW: I look forward to finalizing and launching the projects that we are currently working on. These include our Seating Certificate Program and our many SEMA Show activities—all of which are designed to bring business value to our PRO membership. And, of course, an important goal is to increase our membership. I also plan to work closely with the other SEMA councils, board members and staff to share PRO activities and best practices. My main objective is to work together as a team, grow our industry and provide value to our membership.

EM: Restylers are the primary conduit to the car-dealer community. It’s important that we continue to inform dealers of the benefits of vehicle accessorization and provide our members with the tools to be successful. Whether we’re providing resources to improve members’ businesses or skill levels, addressing challenges and exploring opportunities or mentoring the next generation, my goal is to help in these efforts.

SMN: Why should companies join the council?

SW: Council membership shows your support for our industry and raises the bar of professionalism for your company. The information and networking opportunities provided are invaluable and are guaranteed to help you grow and develop your business for the long run. I look forward to seeing all of you at the SEMA Show this year.

EM: There is strength in numbers. By joining PRO and becoming actively involved, every member can make a difference, share ideas, build new relationships and be part of that collective voice for change and progress.

SEMA Member News—July/August 2015

Meet PRO’s Leadership: Scott Wolin and Ellen McKoy

	Scott Wolin is the new chair of PRO.

Scott Wolin is an industry veteran who has served in a number of roles within SEMA and the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) over the past 25 years. He became PRO’s chair on July 1, his second run in the position. Wolin is the sales manager for Chicago Parts & Sound (CPS), a company focused on supporting dealership customers by improving their sales. As such, he focuses on educating dealers about the benefits of accessorizing and growing CPS’s key markets.

Ellen McKoy is now the chair-elect, and she also brings a wealth of experience to the select committee. Though she has been active in the industry in a variety of roles since the mid-’70s, she currently focuses on two enterprises. McKoy owns EMK Marketing—a marketing, public relations and editorial consulting company—and is also the editor of Trucking Times magazine.

Wolin and McKoy caught up with SEMA Member News and shared a few thoughts about council membership.

SEMA Member News: Why are you involved in PRO?

Scott Wolin: I’ve been involved in PRO for a long time because I’m dedicated to this industry and wanted to learn as much as possible and meet other industry enthusiasts and business owners. I now enjoy being in the position where I can help our industry grow and work on continuous improvements in all aspects of our business.

Ellen McKoy is the new chair-elect of PRO.

Ellen McKoy: I’ve always believed the restyling industry needs a collective voice to address issues that are important to our market segment. PRO is that voice. I’ve been active in PRO in one capacity or another since I helped to found the group in 1988, and I want to continue to share my experience, learn from others and support the industry.

SMN: What have you gained from your council involvement?

SW: As I mentioned earlier, I’ve learned about our industry and business and met industry leaders, business owners and other talented people. I also gained a network of great friends along the way. I believe that being part of a professional organization is essential for professional development and growth and to give back to our business community.

EM: Being involved helps me stay abreast of what’s happening in our industry. It’s an exceptional opportunity to work with like-minded colleagues on issues relevant to our market and develop strategies for dealing with them. The networking opportunities are invaluable and the friendships long-lasting.

SMN: What do you hope to accomplish during your term?

SW: I look forward to finalizing and launching the projects that we are currently working on. These include our Seating Certificate Program and our many SEMA Show activities—all of which are designed to bring business value to our PRO membership. And, of course, an important goal is to increase our membership. I also plan to work closely with the other SEMA councils, board members and staff to share PRO activities and best practices. My main objective is to work together as a team, grow our industry and provide value to our membership.

EM: Restylers are the primary conduit to the car-dealer community. It’s important that we continue to inform dealers of the benefits of vehicle accessorization and provide our members with the tools to be successful. Whether we’re providing resources to improve members’ businesses or skill levels, addressing challenges and exploring opportunities or mentoring the next generation, my goal is to help in these efforts.

SMN: Why should companies join the council?

SW: Council membership shows your support for our industry and raises the bar of professionalism for your company. The information and networking opportunities provided are invaluable and are guaranteed to help you grow and develop your business for the long run. I look forward to seeing all of you at the SEMA Show this year.

EM: There is strength in numbers. By joining PRO and becoming actively involved, every member can make a difference, share ideas, build new relationships and be part of that collective voice for change and progress.

SEMA Member News—July/August 2015

Media Trade Conference Creates Opportunities for Manufacturers

	The 18th MPMC Media Trade Conference was held January in Santa Ana, California. Every year, 100 MPMC-member companies meet individually with editors from around the country.

After 18 years of success, the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council’s (MPMC) annual Media Trade Conference (MTC) is still going strong. Every January, the conference takes place at an Embassy Suites in Southern California, where 100 MPMC members set up meeting space in their own individual suites and host 30-minute meetings with journalists.

Key company executives ranging from company owners, presidents and marketing staff to R&D experts and technical experts set up the suites, and members of the media are invited to sign up for private, uninterrupted appointments. During the meetings, the editors learn in-depth details about each company and its products.

Council leadership regularly hears from journalists that the MTC is one of the most efficient and effective ways to learn about what is new in the motorsports industry. After the three-day event, many editors walk away knowing what their next year’s content will be. With that kind of response from motorsports media, it follows that the week is a valuable investment for manufacturers seeking
product exposure.

Brian Downard, vice president of sales and marketing for Lokar, remarked how pleased he was with the quality of participants at this year’s MTC. Lokar personnel have participated in the event several times and often get to meet with media they might not see anywhere else.

Throughout the year, Downard’s team keeps a close eye out for coverage resulting from the event. In addition to magazine articles, the company has had the opportunity to participate in interviews for television, radio and web-based publications. Downard and his team track all of this, which helps them prepare for their meetings at the conference and start building relationships with the editors.

“If it’s someone that we haven’t met with before, we just kind of get to know them,” Downard said of his onsite strategy. “It’s really good for building relationships and taking a minute to know what these guys are up to, what they think, what they’re working on. I don’t know of a better venue to sit and meet people and talk strictly about you. You need to sit there and learn about who you’re dealing with, but you also need to take that time and talk about you. You need to talk about your program and what you have, what projects you’re pushing.”

Downard also knows that his job isn’t finished at the end of the 30-minute meeting.

“The main thing is follow-up,” he said. “Don’t walk out of there in January thinking that’s it for the year. Make sure you follow up with people and keep track of them and see what’s going on—how things are going, if there’s anything that has caused them delays in their deadlines or anything you can help them with.”

His best advice for other exhibitors is this: “It’s like anything else in life—you get out of it what you put into it.”

MPMC Award Winners Honored

John DiBartolomeo, editor of Drag Racing Action, was presented with the Robert E. Petersen Award during the MTC. Each year, MPMC takes time during an evening reception to honor and thank an individual in the media whose work has enhanced the motorsports industry.

DiBartolomeo is known among racers for his enthusiastic support of motorsports and the parts manufacturing niche. He routinely publishes technical articles, bringing exposure to many council-member companies’ products. Along with his coverage of drag-racing events around the country, DiBartolomeo supports the council as a media attendee at the MTC and volunteers his time to photograph MPMC’s events at the Performance Racing Industry Show.

MPMC Chair Rich Barsamian also took a moment to present Chair-Elect Chris Douglas with a chairman’s award in thanks for his leadership. Douglas grew up in a family of circle-track racers and raced professionally with career starts in NASCAR, ARCA and ASA. After spending several years as the operating partner of a start-up stock-car driving school, he joined Comp Cams as a marketing coordinator in 2003 and has since progressed to the position of vice president of marketing. He has participated in numerous volunteer positions with SEMA and its councils, seeing it as an opportunity to give back to the industry and prepare the way for future generations.

The MPMC Media Trade Conference exhibitor application will open at the beginning of August. For more information about the event, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.

SEMA Member News—July/August 2015

Media Trade Conference Creates Opportunities for Manufacturers

	The 18th MPMC Media Trade Conference was held January in Santa Ana, California. Every year, 100 MPMC-member companies meet individually with editors from around the country.

After 18 years of success, the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council’s (MPMC) annual Media Trade Conference (MTC) is still going strong. Every January, the conference takes place at an Embassy Suites in Southern California, where 100 MPMC members set up meeting space in their own individual suites and host 30-minute meetings with journalists.

Key company executives ranging from company owners, presidents and marketing staff to R&D experts and technical experts set up the suites, and members of the media are invited to sign up for private, uninterrupted appointments. During the meetings, the editors learn in-depth details about each company and its products.

Council leadership regularly hears from journalists that the MTC is one of the most efficient and effective ways to learn about what is new in the motorsports industry. After the three-day event, many editors walk away knowing what their next year’s content will be. With that kind of response from motorsports media, it follows that the week is a valuable investment for manufacturers seeking
product exposure.

Brian Downard, vice president of sales and marketing for Lokar, remarked how pleased he was with the quality of participants at this year’s MTC. Lokar personnel have participated in the event several times and often get to meet with media they might not see anywhere else.

Throughout the year, Downard’s team keeps a close eye out for coverage resulting from the event. In addition to magazine articles, the company has had the opportunity to participate in interviews for television, radio and web-based publications. Downard and his team track all of this, which helps them prepare for their meetings at the conference and start building relationships with the editors.

“If it’s someone that we haven’t met with before, we just kind of get to know them,” Downard said of his onsite strategy. “It’s really good for building relationships and taking a minute to know what these guys are up to, what they think, what they’re working on. I don’t know of a better venue to sit and meet people and talk strictly about you. You need to sit there and learn about who you’re dealing with, but you also need to take that time and talk about you. You need to talk about your program and what you have, what projects you’re pushing.”

Downard also knows that his job isn’t finished at the end of the 30-minute meeting.

“The main thing is follow-up,” he said. “Don’t walk out of there in January thinking that’s it for the year. Make sure you follow up with people and keep track of them and see what’s going on—how things are going, if there’s anything that has caused them delays in their deadlines or anything you can help them with.”

His best advice for other exhibitors is this: “It’s like anything else in life—you get out of it what you put into it.”

MPMC Award Winners Honored

John DiBartolomeo, editor of Drag Racing Action, was presented with the Robert E. Petersen Award during the MTC. Each year, MPMC takes time during an evening reception to honor and thank an individual in the media whose work has enhanced the motorsports industry.

DiBartolomeo is known among racers for his enthusiastic support of motorsports and the parts manufacturing niche. He routinely publishes technical articles, bringing exposure to many council-member companies’ products. Along with his coverage of drag-racing events around the country, DiBartolomeo supports the council as a media attendee at the MTC and volunteers his time to photograph MPMC’s events at the Performance Racing Industry Show.

MPMC Chair Rich Barsamian also took a moment to present Chair-Elect Chris Douglas with a chairman’s award in thanks for his leadership. Douglas grew up in a family of circle-track racers and raced professionally with career starts in NASCAR, ARCA and ASA. After spending several years as the operating partner of a start-up stock-car driving school, he joined Comp Cams as a marketing coordinator in 2003 and has since progressed to the position of vice president of marketing. He has participated in numerous volunteer positions with SEMA and its councils, seeing it as an opportunity to give back to the industry and prepare the way for future generations.

The MPMC Media Trade Conference exhibitor application will open at the beginning of August. For more information about the event, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.

SEMA Member News—July/August 2015

Media Trade Conference Creates Opportunities for Manufacturers

	The 18th MPMC Media Trade Conference was held January in Santa Ana, California. Every year, 100 MPMC-member companies meet individually with editors from around the country.

After 18 years of success, the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council’s (MPMC) annual Media Trade Conference (MTC) is still going strong. Every January, the conference takes place at an Embassy Suites in Southern California, where 100 MPMC members set up meeting space in their own individual suites and host 30-minute meetings with journalists.

Key company executives ranging from company owners, presidents and marketing staff to R&D experts and technical experts set up the suites, and members of the media are invited to sign up for private, uninterrupted appointments. During the meetings, the editors learn in-depth details about each company and its products.

Council leadership regularly hears from journalists that the MTC is one of the most efficient and effective ways to learn about what is new in the motorsports industry. After the three-day event, many editors walk away knowing what their next year’s content will be. With that kind of response from motorsports media, it follows that the week is a valuable investment for manufacturers seeking
product exposure.

Brian Downard, vice president of sales and marketing for Lokar, remarked how pleased he was with the quality of participants at this year’s MTC. Lokar personnel have participated in the event several times and often get to meet with media they might not see anywhere else.

Throughout the year, Downard’s team keeps a close eye out for coverage resulting from the event. In addition to magazine articles, the company has had the opportunity to participate in interviews for television, radio and web-based publications. Downard and his team track all of this, which helps them prepare for their meetings at the conference and start building relationships with the editors.

“If it’s someone that we haven’t met with before, we just kind of get to know them,” Downard said of his onsite strategy. “It’s really good for building relationships and taking a minute to know what these guys are up to, what they think, what they’re working on. I don’t know of a better venue to sit and meet people and talk strictly about you. You need to sit there and learn about who you’re dealing with, but you also need to take that time and talk about you. You need to talk about your program and what you have, what projects you’re pushing.”

Downard also knows that his job isn’t finished at the end of the 30-minute meeting.

“The main thing is follow-up,” he said. “Don’t walk out of there in January thinking that’s it for the year. Make sure you follow up with people and keep track of them and see what’s going on—how things are going, if there’s anything that has caused them delays in their deadlines or anything you can help them with.”

His best advice for other exhibitors is this: “It’s like anything else in life—you get out of it what you put into it.”

MPMC Award Winners Honored

John DiBartolomeo, editor of Drag Racing Action, was presented with the Robert E. Petersen Award during the MTC. Each year, MPMC takes time during an evening reception to honor and thank an individual in the media whose work has enhanced the motorsports industry.

DiBartolomeo is known among racers for his enthusiastic support of motorsports and the parts manufacturing niche. He routinely publishes technical articles, bringing exposure to many council-member companies’ products. Along with his coverage of drag-racing events around the country, DiBartolomeo supports the council as a media attendee at the MTC and volunteers his time to photograph MPMC’s events at the Performance Racing Industry Show.

MPMC Chair Rich Barsamian also took a moment to present Chair-Elect Chris Douglas with a chairman’s award in thanks for his leadership. Douglas grew up in a family of circle-track racers and raced professionally with career starts in NASCAR, ARCA and ASA. After spending several years as the operating partner of a start-up stock-car driving school, he joined Comp Cams as a marketing coordinator in 2003 and has since progressed to the position of vice president of marketing. He has participated in numerous volunteer positions with SEMA and its councils, seeing it as an opportunity to give back to the industry and prepare the way for future generations.

The MPMC Media Trade Conference exhibitor application will open at the beginning of August. For more information about the event, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.

SEMA Member News—July/August 2015

Media Trade Conference Creates Opportunities for Manufacturers

	The 18th MPMC Media Trade Conference was held January in Santa Ana, California. Every year, 100 MPMC-member companies meet individually with editors from around the country.

After 18 years of success, the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council’s (MPMC) annual Media Trade Conference (MTC) is still going strong. Every January, the conference takes place at an Embassy Suites in Southern California, where 100 MPMC members set up meeting space in their own individual suites and host 30-minute meetings with journalists.

Key company executives ranging from company owners, presidents and marketing staff to R&D experts and technical experts set up the suites, and members of the media are invited to sign up for private, uninterrupted appointments. During the meetings, the editors learn in-depth details about each company and its products.

Council leadership regularly hears from journalists that the MTC is one of the most efficient and effective ways to learn about what is new in the motorsports industry. After the three-day event, many editors walk away knowing what their next year’s content will be. With that kind of response from motorsports media, it follows that the week is a valuable investment for manufacturers seeking
product exposure.

Brian Downard, vice president of sales and marketing for Lokar, remarked how pleased he was with the quality of participants at this year’s MTC. Lokar personnel have participated in the event several times and often get to meet with media they might not see anywhere else.

Throughout the year, Downard’s team keeps a close eye out for coverage resulting from the event. In addition to magazine articles, the company has had the opportunity to participate in interviews for television, radio and web-based publications. Downard and his team track all of this, which helps them prepare for their meetings at the conference and start building relationships with the editors.

“If it’s someone that we haven’t met with before, we just kind of get to know them,” Downard said of his onsite strategy. “It’s really good for building relationships and taking a minute to know what these guys are up to, what they think, what they’re working on. I don’t know of a better venue to sit and meet people and talk strictly about you. You need to sit there and learn about who you’re dealing with, but you also need to take that time and talk about you. You need to talk about your program and what you have, what projects you’re pushing.”

Downard also knows that his job isn’t finished at the end of the 30-minute meeting.

“The main thing is follow-up,” he said. “Don’t walk out of there in January thinking that’s it for the year. Make sure you follow up with people and keep track of them and see what’s going on—how things are going, if there’s anything that has caused them delays in their deadlines or anything you can help them with.”

His best advice for other exhibitors is this: “It’s like anything else in life—you get out of it what you put into it.”

MPMC Award Winners Honored

John DiBartolomeo, editor of Drag Racing Action, was presented with the Robert E. Petersen Award during the MTC. Each year, MPMC takes time during an evening reception to honor and thank an individual in the media whose work has enhanced the motorsports industry.

DiBartolomeo is known among racers for his enthusiastic support of motorsports and the parts manufacturing niche. He routinely publishes technical articles, bringing exposure to many council-member companies’ products. Along with his coverage of drag-racing events around the country, DiBartolomeo supports the council as a media attendee at the MTC and volunteers his time to photograph MPMC’s events at the Performance Racing Industry Show.

MPMC Chair Rich Barsamian also took a moment to present Chair-Elect Chris Douglas with a chairman’s award in thanks for his leadership. Douglas grew up in a family of circle-track racers and raced professionally with career starts in NASCAR, ARCA and ASA. After spending several years as the operating partner of a start-up stock-car driving school, he joined Comp Cams as a marketing coordinator in 2003 and has since progressed to the position of vice president of marketing. He has participated in numerous volunteer positions with SEMA and its councils, seeing it as an opportunity to give back to the industry and prepare the way for future generations.

The MPMC Media Trade Conference exhibitor application will open at the beginning of August. For more information about the event, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.

SEMA Member News—July/August 2015

Media Trade Conference Creates Opportunities for Manufacturers

	The 18th MPMC Media Trade Conference was held January in Santa Ana, California. Every year, 100 MPMC-member companies meet individually with editors from around the country.

After 18 years of success, the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council’s (MPMC) annual Media Trade Conference (MTC) is still going strong. Every January, the conference takes place at an Embassy Suites in Southern California, where 100 MPMC members set up meeting space in their own individual suites and host 30-minute meetings with journalists.

Key company executives ranging from company owners, presidents and marketing staff to R&D experts and technical experts set up the suites, and members of the media are invited to sign up for private, uninterrupted appointments. During the meetings, the editors learn in-depth details about each company and its products.

Council leadership regularly hears from journalists that the MTC is one of the most efficient and effective ways to learn about what is new in the motorsports industry. After the three-day event, many editors walk away knowing what their next year’s content will be. With that kind of response from motorsports media, it follows that the week is a valuable investment for manufacturers seeking
product exposure.

Brian Downard, vice president of sales and marketing for Lokar, remarked how pleased he was with the quality of participants at this year’s MTC. Lokar personnel have participated in the event several times and often get to meet with media they might not see anywhere else.

Throughout the year, Downard’s team keeps a close eye out for coverage resulting from the event. In addition to magazine articles, the company has had the opportunity to participate in interviews for television, radio and web-based publications. Downard and his team track all of this, which helps them prepare for their meetings at the conference and start building relationships with the editors.

“If it’s someone that we haven’t met with before, we just kind of get to know them,” Downard said of his onsite strategy. “It’s really good for building relationships and taking a minute to know what these guys are up to, what they think, what they’re working on. I don’t know of a better venue to sit and meet people and talk strictly about you. You need to sit there and learn about who you’re dealing with, but you also need to take that time and talk about you. You need to talk about your program and what you have, what projects you’re pushing.”

Downard also knows that his job isn’t finished at the end of the 30-minute meeting.

“The main thing is follow-up,” he said. “Don’t walk out of there in January thinking that’s it for the year. Make sure you follow up with people and keep track of them and see what’s going on—how things are going, if there’s anything that has caused them delays in their deadlines or anything you can help them with.”

His best advice for other exhibitors is this: “It’s like anything else in life—you get out of it what you put into it.”

MPMC Award Winners Honored

John DiBartolomeo, editor of Drag Racing Action, was presented with the Robert E. Petersen Award during the MTC. Each year, MPMC takes time during an evening reception to honor and thank an individual in the media whose work has enhanced the motorsports industry.

DiBartolomeo is known among racers for his enthusiastic support of motorsports and the parts manufacturing niche. He routinely publishes technical articles, bringing exposure to many council-member companies’ products. Along with his coverage of drag-racing events around the country, DiBartolomeo supports the council as a media attendee at the MTC and volunteers his time to photograph MPMC’s events at the Performance Racing Industry Show.

MPMC Chair Rich Barsamian also took a moment to present Chair-Elect Chris Douglas with a chairman’s award in thanks for his leadership. Douglas grew up in a family of circle-track racers and raced professionally with career starts in NASCAR, ARCA and ASA. After spending several years as the operating partner of a start-up stock-car driving school, he joined Comp Cams as a marketing coordinator in 2003 and has since progressed to the position of vice president of marketing. He has participated in numerous volunteer positions with SEMA and its councils, seeing it as an opportunity to give back to the industry and prepare the way for future generations.

The MPMC Media Trade Conference exhibitor application will open at the beginning of August. For more information about the event, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.