Thu, 09/18/2014 - 18:21
By Michael Hart

  logo
In the “Business Innovation—Understanding Business Management Software for Small- and Medium-Sized Operators” session, attendees will sit in on a panel discussion with speakers who will clue them in on the power and flexibility of today’s latest software solutions.
  

What’s your business system like? Is it the same one you had 20 years ago for inventory control, when you felt like you were on the cutting edge of technology? Is the system you have today linked to the Internet? Do you have access to all the data required to fulfill your customer's needs? Better yet, are you ready to download all of the information the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) will provide to you on your suppliers’ products?

If the answer to any of these questions is “I don’t know,” consider attending “Business Innovation—Understanding Business Management Software for Small- and Medium-Sized Operators,” Monday, November 3, at 3:00 p.m., during the SEMA Show Education Days.

In this session, participants will join a panel discussion with insiders covering the power and flexibility of today’s latest software solutions. Attendees will find out the costs and benefits of the newest systems, and how up-to-date product data is driving both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce sales.

The panel, moderated by longtime industry consultant Bob Moore, will include Jon Wyly, SDC president; Larry Blair of Goals HQ; and Van Woodell, a former SEMA board member who recently made the decision to acquire a new business system for his company. Woodell will provide first-hand knowledge of what’s involved in this type of decision.

According to Blair, the aftermarket industry was one of the first to jump on the technology bandwagon more than two decades ago. “But a lot of companies are still using the same systems they acquired to handle their inventory control 20 years ago,” said Blair. “Now you need your system to be integrated with the Internet and you need access to all the data that is available.”

Blair also said that the choice of business system is fundamental in accomplishing the goals of every aftermarket business.

“Every business owner needs to have a strategy,” he said. “They don’t need to implement it all now, but they do need a roadmap.”

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.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 18:21
By Michael Hart

  logo
In the “Business Innovation—Understanding Business Management Software for Small- and Medium-Sized Operators” session, attendees will sit in on a panel discussion with speakers who will clue them in on the power and flexibility of today’s latest software solutions.
  

What’s your business system like? Is it the same one you had 20 years ago for inventory control, when you felt like you were on the cutting edge of technology? Is the system you have today linked to the Internet? Do you have access to all the data required to fulfill your customer's needs? Better yet, are you ready to download all of the information the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) will provide to you on your suppliers’ products?

If the answer to any of these questions is “I don’t know,” consider attending “Business Innovation—Understanding Business Management Software for Small- and Medium-Sized Operators,” Monday, November 3, at 3:00 p.m., during the SEMA Show Education Days.

In this session, participants will join a panel discussion with insiders covering the power and flexibility of today’s latest software solutions. Attendees will find out the costs and benefits of the newest systems, and how up-to-date product data is driving both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce sales.

The panel, moderated by longtime industry consultant Bob Moore, will include Jon Wyly, SDC president; Larry Blair of Goals HQ; and Van Woodell, a former SEMA board member who recently made the decision to acquire a new business system for his company. Woodell will provide first-hand knowledge of what’s involved in this type of decision.

According to Blair, the aftermarket industry was one of the first to jump on the technology bandwagon more than two decades ago. “But a lot of companies are still using the same systems they acquired to handle their inventory control 20 years ago,” said Blair. “Now you need your system to be integrated with the Internet and you need access to all the data that is available.”

Blair also said that the choice of business system is fundamental in accomplishing the goals of every aftermarket business.

“Every business owner needs to have a strategy,” he said. “They don’t need to implement it all now, but they do need a roadmap.”

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.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:57
By Amanda Gubbins

 TORA
Last year, George Lathouris of Keystone Automotive won the TORA Chairman’s Award.
  

The slates are set, and votes for SEMA’s Council and Network Awards will be accepted until Thursday, September 25, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT). The awards are designed to give members an avenue to recognize the individuals, companies and products that have significantly influenced their market niche. The winners will be announced and honored at various events during the 2014 SEMA Show.

Members eligible to vote should have received an e-mail invitation on September 11 from their council or network liaison via Survey Monkey. Vote today to ensure your voice is represented.

For more information, contact Lindsay Bianco at 909-978-6692.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:57
By Amanda Gubbins

 TORA
Last year, George Lathouris of Keystone Automotive won the TORA Chairman’s Award.
  

The slates are set, and votes for SEMA’s Council and Network Awards will be accepted until Thursday, September 25, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT). The awards are designed to give members an avenue to recognize the individuals, companies and products that have significantly influenced their market niche. The winners will be announced and honored at various events during the 2014 SEMA Show.

Members eligible to vote should have received an e-mail invitation on September 11 from their council or network liaison via Survey Monkey. Vote today to ensure your voice is represented.

For more information, contact Lindsay Bianco at 909-978-6692.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:02
By AJ Carney

  lounge
The Members Lounge is a convenient place to grab lunch and network with other members.
  

Meeting rooms that can accommodate small groups of 10 or fewer are available at no charge to member-exhibitors and buyers* in the SEMA Members Lounge. Reserve your meeting room prior to the Show, or visit the Members Lounge (Las Vegas Convention Center, room N251) during Show hours to check availability.

The Members Lounge is a convenient place to grab lunch, network with other members, access a computer, printer and Internet service, or charge a cell phone during Show hours. A hot lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. daily, or a cold “Grab N’ Go” meal can be purchased any time during Show hours.

SEMA-member buyers have a few extra perks through the Member Buyer Rewards Program (MBR), including a reserved lounge, dedicated taxi lines, reserved seating for select events and a free drink ticket at SEMA Ignited. MBR cards will be mailed to eligible buyers in mid-October, or can be picked up in the Members Lounge.

*Non-exhibiting manufacturers and members otherwise eligible to exhibit are not permitted to use the meeting rooms.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:02
By AJ Carney

  lounge
The Members Lounge is a convenient place to grab lunch and network with other members.
  

Meeting rooms that can accommodate small groups of 10 or fewer are available at no charge to member-exhibitors and buyers* in the SEMA Members Lounge. Reserve your meeting room prior to the Show, or visit the Members Lounge (Las Vegas Convention Center, room N251) during Show hours to check availability.

The Members Lounge is a convenient place to grab lunch, network with other members, access a computer, printer and Internet service, or charge a cell phone during Show hours. A hot lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. daily, or a cold “Grab N’ Go” meal can be purchased any time during Show hours.

SEMA-member buyers have a few extra perks through the Member Buyer Rewards Program (MBR), including a reserved lounge, dedicated taxi lines, reserved seating for select events and a free drink ticket at SEMA Ignited. MBR cards will be mailed to eligible buyers in mid-October, or can be picked up in the Members Lounge.

*Non-exhibiting manufacturers and members otherwise eligible to exhibit are not permitted to use the meeting rooms.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:02
By AJ Carney

  lounge
The Members Lounge is a convenient place to grab lunch and network with other members.
  

Meeting rooms that can accommodate small groups of 10 or fewer are available at no charge to member-exhibitors and buyers* in the SEMA Members Lounge. Reserve your meeting room prior to the Show, or visit the Members Lounge (Las Vegas Convention Center, room N251) during Show hours to check availability.

The Members Lounge is a convenient place to grab lunch, network with other members, access a computer, printer and Internet service, or charge a cell phone during Show hours. A hot lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. daily, or a cold “Grab N’ Go” meal can be purchased any time during Show hours.

SEMA-member buyers have a few extra perks through the Member Buyer Rewards Program (MBR), including a reserved lounge, dedicated taxi lines, reserved seating for select events and a free drink ticket at SEMA Ignited. MBR cards will be mailed to eligible buyers in mid-October, or can be picked up in the Members Lounge.

*Non-exhibiting manufacturers and members otherwise eligible to exhibit are not permitted to use the meeting rooms.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:54

By Monika Earle

The new 2014 SEMA Show mobile app is creating buzz among Showgoers, with users praising the program’s robust features. The mobile app was revamped for 2014 and is more dynamic than previous versions.

Available free of charge through iTunes and Android stores, as well as via a web version for those whose mobile devices are not compatible with traditional apps, the 2014 SEMA Show mobile app includes a customizable schedule of events, searchable list of exhibitors, connectivity to the most popular social media sites and a “Locate Me” option that pinpoints one’s location at the SEMA Show and provides turn-by-turn directions to any place on the Show floor.

Here’s a snapshot of what users of the 2014 SEMA Show mobile app are saying:

“The SEMA Show app is great, it's going to make hitting all the ‘must-see’ booths much easier with them set as a favorite and the find me button.”

—Tyler Watty Watson on Twitter

“I like the new app. Once you have your favorite locations downloaded, it will make for an easier and faster first day.”

—Rob Ramtech via Twitter

“Downloaded it, favorited exhibitors I want to connect with and it added them all to the map for me! Fantastic app!!!”

—Jeff Cleer on Facebook

“Big fan of the app, I can't get enough of it!!”

—Jared Sensat on Facebook

“Get this app you'll need it.”

—Shane Thayer on Facebook

For more information about the mobile app and the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:54

By Monika Earle

The new 2014 SEMA Show mobile app is creating buzz among Showgoers, with users praising the program’s robust features. The mobile app was revamped for 2014 and is more dynamic than previous versions.

Available free of charge through iTunes and Android stores, as well as via a web version for those whose mobile devices are not compatible with traditional apps, the 2014 SEMA Show mobile app includes a customizable schedule of events, searchable list of exhibitors, connectivity to the most popular social media sites and a “Locate Me” option that pinpoints one’s location at the SEMA Show and provides turn-by-turn directions to any place on the Show floor.

Here’s a snapshot of what users of the 2014 SEMA Show mobile app are saying:

“The SEMA Show app is great, it's going to make hitting all the ‘must-see’ booths much easier with them set as a favorite and the find me button.”

—Tyler Watty Watson on Twitter

“I like the new app. Once you have your favorite locations downloaded, it will make for an easier and faster first day.”

—Rob Ramtech via Twitter

“Downloaded it, favorited exhibitors I want to connect with and it added them all to the map for me! Fantastic app!!!”

—Jeff Cleer on Facebook

“Big fan of the app, I can't get enough of it!!”

—Jared Sensat on Facebook

“Get this app you'll need it.”

—Shane Thayer on Facebook

For more information about the mobile app and the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:29

By SEMA Editors

 meguiar
Select contestants will be invited on stage for an interview with Barry Meguiar.
  

"Car Crazy TV" is looking to fill its car corral at the 2014 SEMA Show. The chosen car will be shown off at the "Car Crazy TV" stage area throughout the week of the Show, November 4–7. Select contestants will be invited on stage for an interview with Barry Meguiar.

Exhibitors that would like their vehicle to be considered, e-mail Cynthia Whorton at cynthia@bciitv.com no later than September 30, with photos of the car and a brief description of the build.