Learn How to Launch the Next Great Business
Thu, 10/02/2014 - 11:28

By Michael Hart

  launchpad
Jonathan Mill (second right) was last year's inaugural Launch Pad winner and was congratulated by SEMA's Bryan Harrison (left), YEN Select Committee member Lindsay Hubley (second left) and Dan Kahn of Kahn Media.
  

Who is the hottest, smartest young entrepreneur in the automotive aftermarket business today? You’ll find out Wednesday, November 5. That’s when the showdown takes place as SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) presents the second-annual SEMA Launch Pad business competition.

Matt D'Andria, CEO of Motorator.com and co-host of the top-rated automotive podcast "CarCast" with Adam Carolla, will be the competition's guest host. Five entrepreneurs, inventors and innovators, all under the age of 40, will pitch their new automotive product or service to a panel of five discerning industry leaders who will judge which YEN executive will be the grand-prize winner.

The five entrepreneurs participating in this year's SEMA Launch Pad competition include: Samuel Giles, Intellectual Capital Consulting Ltd.; Ian Lehn, BOOSTane Octane Engineering; Sarah Park, The Hybrid Haven; Roger Peterson, MG Research LLC; and Jack Zampolin, RightPSI Inc.

This is not only a chance to see some of the most imaginative young minds in the industry at work as they try to make the best pitch possible for their product or service, but it’s also an opportunity to pick up tips about how to pitch a product and what it takes to launch a business in the same way.

Earlier this year, YEN members were invited to prepare three-minute videos pitching their companies’ most exciting products and services. A YEN task force looked at all the videos and whittled the competition down to the 10 best.

Those 10 semifinalists’ videos were then uploaded to YouTube and viewers could vote for their favorites on Facebook. The final five top vote getters will make their pitches in person during the 2014 SEMA Show. The entrepreneur who makes the best pitch to the five judges will win a package of prizes all designed to help him or her take their business to the next level.

The package includes:

  • A full-page color ad in SEMA News and a booth at the 2015 SEMA Show.
  • An ad in either Hot Rod magazine or 4-Wheel & Off Road magazine.
  • Consulting sessions with public relations and social media professionals, manufacturers’ representatives, marketing and other industry experts.
  • An entry-level sponsorship package to a Family Event property.

SEMA Show Education Days will feature more than 60 educational sessions in 12 different tracks, ranging from new-vehicle technology to best business practices to marketing strategies and emerging trends in the industry. To see the complete schedule of SEMA Show Education courses and pre-register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.

Network With Buyers, Distributors and Media at the International Happy Hour
Thu, 10/02/2014 - 11:15

By Linda Spencer

  international
The International Happy Hour provides an excellent opportunity to network with buyers and distributors from around the world.
  

Exhibitors are invited to attend the 2014 SEMA International Happy Hour, Wednesday, November 5, from 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room #N255 to network with buyers, distributors and media from key overseas markets. More than 1,000 companies are expected to attend. Pre-registration is complimentary but required.

Network With Buyers, Distributors and Media at the International Happy Hour
Thu, 10/02/2014 - 11:15

By Linda Spencer

  international
The International Happy Hour provides an excellent opportunity to network with buyers and distributors from around the world.
  

Exhibitors are invited to attend the 2014 SEMA International Happy Hour, Wednesday, November 5, from 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room #N255 to network with buyers, distributors and media from key overseas markets. More than 1,000 companies are expected to attend. Pre-registration is complimentary but required.

Network With Buyers, Distributors and Media at the International Happy Hour
Thu, 10/02/2014 - 11:15

By Linda Spencer

  international
The International Happy Hour provides an excellent opportunity to network with buyers and distributors from around the world.
  

Exhibitors are invited to attend the 2014 SEMA International Happy Hour, Wednesday, November 5, from 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room #N255 to network with buyers, distributors and media from key overseas markets. More than 1,000 companies are expected to attend. Pre-registration is complimentary but required.

SEMA-Member Buyers: Show Perks Just for You
Thu, 10/02/2014 - 10:41
By AJ Carney

  mbr
The SEMA Member Buyers Rewards (MBR) program offers exclusive access to the MBR Lounge at the Show, among other perks.
  
SEMA members attending the 2014 SEMA Show as buyers have access to special perks through the Member Buyer Rewards (MBR) program. Just by wearing the MBR card and lanyard, these attendees will be recognized and allowed to take advantage of the following privileges:
  • Exclusive access to the MBR Lounge (located in the SEMA Members Lounge in the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall, Room N251): Complimentary coffee and a place to take a break Tuesday through Friday during Show hours.
  • Dedicated MBR taxi lines: Available in the Gold Lot and Silver Lot #4, Tuesday–Thursday from 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., and Friday from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Reserved Seating: Best seats for the New Products Breakfast, featuring the SEMA Award Press Conference (Tuesday) and the NHRA Breakfast (Wednesday). Tickets are required and space is limited. Plan to arrive early!
  • Free drink ticket at SEMA Ignited being held at The LINQ High Roller Event Lot, Friday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Pick up your drink ticket at the Information Center at SEMA Ignited. There is limited availability, so attendees must arrive early. One ticket per person.
MBR cards will be mailed in mid-October, or they can be picked up at the Members Lounge during Show hours.
SEMA-Member Buyers: Show Perks Just for You
Thu, 10/02/2014 - 10:41
By AJ Carney

  mbr
The SEMA Member Buyers Rewards (MBR) program offers exclusive access to the MBR Lounge at the Show, among other perks.
  
SEMA members attending the 2014 SEMA Show as buyers have access to special perks through the Member Buyer Rewards (MBR) program. Just by wearing the MBR card and lanyard, these attendees will be recognized and allowed to take advantage of the following privileges:
  • Exclusive access to the MBR Lounge (located in the SEMA Members Lounge in the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall, Room N251): Complimentary coffee and a place to take a break Tuesday through Friday during Show hours.
  • Dedicated MBR taxi lines: Available in the Gold Lot and Silver Lot #4, Tuesday–Thursday from 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., and Friday from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Reserved Seating: Best seats for the New Products Breakfast, featuring the SEMA Award Press Conference (Tuesday) and the NHRA Breakfast (Wednesday). Tickets are required and space is limited. Plan to arrive early!
  • Free drink ticket at SEMA Ignited being held at The LINQ High Roller Event Lot, Friday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Pick up your drink ticket at the Information Center at SEMA Ignited. There is limited availability, so attendees must arrive early. One ticket per person.
MBR cards will be mailed in mid-October, or they can be picked up at the Members Lounge during Show hours.
SEMA-Member Buyers: Show Perks Just for You
Thu, 10/02/2014 - 10:41
By AJ Carney

  mbr
The SEMA Member Buyers Rewards (MBR) program offers exclusive access to the MBR Lounge at the Show, among other perks.
  
SEMA members attending the 2014 SEMA Show as buyers have access to special perks through the Member Buyer Rewards (MBR) program. Just by wearing the MBR card and lanyard, these attendees will be recognized and allowed to take advantage of the following privileges:
  • Exclusive access to the MBR Lounge (located in the SEMA Members Lounge in the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall, Room N251): Complimentary coffee and a place to take a break Tuesday through Friday during Show hours.
  • Dedicated MBR taxi lines: Available in the Gold Lot and Silver Lot #4, Tuesday–Thursday from 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., and Friday from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Reserved Seating: Best seats for the New Products Breakfast, featuring the SEMA Award Press Conference (Tuesday) and the NHRA Breakfast (Wednesday). Tickets are required and space is limited. Plan to arrive early!
  • Free drink ticket at SEMA Ignited being held at The LINQ High Roller Event Lot, Friday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Pick up your drink ticket at the Information Center at SEMA Ignited. There is limited availability, so attendees must arrive early. One ticket per person.
MBR cards will be mailed in mid-October, or they can be picked up at the Members Lounge during Show hours.
SEMA-Member Buyers: Show Perks Just for You
Thu, 10/02/2014 - 10:41
By AJ Carney

  mbr
The SEMA Member Buyers Rewards (MBR) program offers exclusive access to the MBR Lounge at the Show, among other perks.
  
SEMA members attending the 2014 SEMA Show as buyers have access to special perks through the Member Buyer Rewards (MBR) program. Just by wearing the MBR card and lanyard, these attendees will be recognized and allowed to take advantage of the following privileges:
  • Exclusive access to the MBR Lounge (located in the SEMA Members Lounge in the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall, Room N251): Complimentary coffee and a place to take a break Tuesday through Friday during Show hours.
  • Dedicated MBR taxi lines: Available in the Gold Lot and Silver Lot #4, Tuesday–Thursday from 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., and Friday from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Reserved Seating: Best seats for the New Products Breakfast, featuring the SEMA Award Press Conference (Tuesday) and the NHRA Breakfast (Wednesday). Tickets are required and space is limited. Plan to arrive early!
  • Free drink ticket at SEMA Ignited being held at The LINQ High Roller Event Lot, Friday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Pick up your drink ticket at the Information Center at SEMA Ignited. There is limited availability, so attendees must arrive early. One ticket per person.
MBR cards will be mailed in mid-October, or they can be picked up at the Members Lounge during Show hours.
SEMA-Member Buyers: Show Perks Just for You
Thu, 10/02/2014 - 10:41
By AJ Carney

  mbr
The SEMA Member Buyers Rewards (MBR) program offers exclusive access to the MBR Lounge at the Show, among other perks.
  
SEMA members attending the 2014 SEMA Show as buyers have access to special perks through the Member Buyer Rewards (MBR) program. Just by wearing the MBR card and lanyard, these attendees will be recognized and allowed to take advantage of the following privileges:
  • Exclusive access to the MBR Lounge (located in the SEMA Members Lounge in the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall, Room N251): Complimentary coffee and a place to take a break Tuesday through Friday during Show hours.
  • Dedicated MBR taxi lines: Available in the Gold Lot and Silver Lot #4, Tuesday–Thursday from 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., and Friday from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Reserved Seating: Best seats for the New Products Breakfast, featuring the SEMA Award Press Conference (Tuesday) and the NHRA Breakfast (Wednesday). Tickets are required and space is limited. Plan to arrive early!
  • Free drink ticket at SEMA Ignited being held at The LINQ High Roller Event Lot, Friday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Pick up your drink ticket at the Information Center at SEMA Ignited. There is limited availability, so attendees must arrive early. One ticket per person.
MBR cards will be mailed in mid-October, or they can be picked up at the Members Lounge during Show hours.
Exhibitor Deadlines: 33 Days Until the 2014 SEMA Show
Thu, 10/02/2014 - 10:38

By SEMA Editors

 SEMA Show Deadlines
Exhibitors are encouraged to continuously review the Deadline Checklist to take advantage of advance rates and secure orders for the Show.
  

With the 2014 SEMA Show opening in 33 days, key exhibitor deadlines are fast approaching. In addition to the deadlines outlined below, exhibitors are encouraged to continuously review the Deadline Checklist to take advantage advance rates and secure orders for the Show.

Exhibitors: Is a Third Party Providing You Services at the Show?
Exhibitors using an Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC)—any third-party contractor performing services at the Show—must complete all EAC requirements to avoid delay or extra costs. EACs must conform to the EAC rules of the SEMA Show and complete an online application to be authorized to work at the Show by the October 17, deadline. They must also provide the SEMA with a certificate of insurance in order to be authorized to work onsite.

Contractors subject to the EAC rules are any companies and/or individuals that provide services to SEMA Show exhibitors, including, but not limited to, an installation and dismantling company, exhibit builder, sound and lighting company, detailer or any person or company providing direct services other than the official contractors listed in the Exhibitor Manual.

Questions? Contact Tom Gattuso or Gina Ledesma at 909-396-0289, or e-mail SEMAEAC@sema.org.

New Products Showcase Entry  
Friday, October 10, is the final day to guarantee your company's participation in the No. 1 Show destination for buyers and media—the New Products Showcase. The advance-rate deadline for New Products Showcase submissions is Friday, October 10. The first entry is free. All additional entries are $75 per category if submitted by the October 10 deadline, after which, the fee will increase to $150 per category.

Discounted Monorail Tickets
Exhibitors will receive a discount on Las Vegas Monorail tickets when they purchase tickets online in advance of the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7. Visit the Ticket Selection page on the Las Vegas Monorail website. Current offers for unlimited-ride passes are: three-day pass, $24; four-day pass, $32; and seven-day pass, $50. Monorail trains arrive every few minutes and conveniently connect riders to the Las Vegas Convention Center and the restaurants, shows, shops and casinos in Vegas.

October 3 Deadlines

Fabric Solutions
Exhibitors with a booth requiring custom graphics and images printed on nylon or stretch fabrics, or those who need carpeting and other materials, must submit their Freeman Fabric Solutions Order by October 3. 

Target-Date Changes
To execute a smooth move-in plan and efficient set-up, each exhibitor is assigned a target time that their freight must arrive at the 2014 SEMA Show. To request a change in target time or if you have questions, e-mail Sam Blanton at sam.blanton@freemanco.com. Requests must be received by October 3, and Freeman will advise if a time change can be accommodated.

Food Orders and Catering
Receive an advance rate on catering and booth food service by completing orders by October 3. Check out the menu and array of food and service options. Access all of the forms through the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual at www.SEMAShow.com/esm.

Here are additional deadlines that are approaching.

October 10 Deadlines

Missed A Deadline?
The deadline to submit Exhibit Space Notification and Hanging Sign Design Notification forms has already passed (September 12). Exhibitors who have not submitted either of the above-mentioned forms run the risk of having their booth design and layout affected at the Show. The forms are available in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual. Regardless of the deadline, exhibitors MUST SUBMIT Exhibit Space Notification and Hanging Sign Design Notification forms. For more information or questions, contact Lorri Monty at lorrim@sema.org.