Thu, 10/28/2010 - 09:34
bowdoin
Robert Bowdoin
Robert E. Bowdoin, 72, passed away October 14, 2010. Born April 24, 1938, he founded Bowdoin Products in 1978 in Elkhart, Indiana. The company manufactured running boards, headlight covers and bug shields and was sold to JM Industries in 1988.

In 1994, Bowdoin became a partner with his son Jeff in Bowdoin Marketing when they acquired RJ Patteri and Associates. He retired in 2005 and is survived by his wife Lynn, son Jeff and daughter Julie.

Bowdoin was a member of the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) and, in his spare time, he enjoyed traveling, boating, golfing and spending time with his family.

Contributions can be made to the scholarship fund at Bethel College.

Thu, 10/28/2010 - 09:01
SEMA Show New Products Showcase
As of press time, 1,621 product registrations have been confirmed by SEMA Show management for the 2010 SEMA Show New Products Showcase.

The doors to the 2010 SEMA Show open in five days, and it's official—the New Products Showcase is going to shatter the record for most registrations in SEMA Show history. Last-minute registrations continue to come into the SEMA Show office. As of press time, 1,621 product registrations have been confirmed by SEMA Show management.

“The New Products Showcase is arguably the single best, most effective tool exhibitors have to reach the largest audience possible,” said SEMA Vice President of Communication and Events Peter MacGillivray. “It’s not just about showcasing the product in a prominent area at the Show, it’s also about maximizing the exposure throughout the year."

New products cause cameras to flash, journalists to write and buyers to place orders. In fact, the New Products Showcase is the number-one reason attendees make the annual trip to Las Vegas. Located in the upper level of the South Hall, the Showcase is broken into 15 categories, both for judging in the New Product Awards and so that attendees are able to easily find products for their respective markets. Here's a look at the Showcase categories:

  • Interior Accessory Product
  • Exterior Accessory Product
  • Mobile Electronics Product
  • Off-Road/4WD Product
  • Performance-Racing Product
  • Performance-Street Product
  • Powersports Product
  • Street-Rod/Custom Car Product
  • Tire and Related Product (*New Category for the 2010 SEMA Show)
  • Tools and Equipment Product
  • Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product
  • Wheel and Related Product (*New Category for the 2010 SEMA Show)
  • Engineered New Product
  • Merchandising Display
  • Packaging Design

Don't wait until the 2010 SEMA Show opens to take a sneak peek at the Showcase. The November issue of SEMA News features a preview of more than 100 new products on display in the 2010 New Products Showcase. In addition, the online exhibitor database allows attendees to view a complete list of companies with a product registered in the New Products Showcase. Take advantage of these pre-Show planning tools and identify the exhibitors your company will connect with at the Show.

From an exhibitor perspective, why is the New Products Showcase so important? President of T-Rex Grilles, Ben Mizban, has seen the benefits of participating in the Showcase first-hand. "We definitely found it very helpful with bringing qualified customers to our booth," said Mizban. "We showcased our new products and created excitement about what was new from T-Rex. It reminded our existing customers about us and, in many cases, brought new customers on board."

The 2010 SEMA Show is November 2–5, with doors open from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Tuesday–Thursday, and Friday, the 2010 Show comes to a close at 4:00 p.m. All SEMA Show attendees should carve out time in their schedule to visit the upper level of the South Hall. The 2010 SEMA Show New Products Showcase has more than 1,600 products making their debut in the automotive specialty-equipment market. Don't pass up the opportunity to preview the market's newest products.

Thu, 10/28/2010 - 09:01
SEMA Show New Products Showcase
As of press time, 1,621 product registrations have been confirmed by SEMA Show management for the 2010 SEMA Show New Products Showcase.

The doors to the 2010 SEMA Show open in five days, and it's official—the New Products Showcase is going to shatter the record for most registrations in SEMA Show history. Last-minute registrations continue to come into the SEMA Show office. As of press time, 1,621 product registrations have been confirmed by SEMA Show management.

“The New Products Showcase is arguably the single best, most effective tool exhibitors have to reach the largest audience possible,” said SEMA Vice President of Communication and Events Peter MacGillivray. “It’s not just about showcasing the product in a prominent area at the Show, it’s also about maximizing the exposure throughout the year."

New products cause cameras to flash, journalists to write and buyers to place orders. In fact, the New Products Showcase is the number-one reason attendees make the annual trip to Las Vegas. Located in the upper level of the South Hall, the Showcase is broken into 15 categories, both for judging in the New Product Awards and so that attendees are able to easily find products for their respective markets. Here's a look at the Showcase categories:

  • Interior Accessory Product
  • Exterior Accessory Product
  • Mobile Electronics Product
  • Off-Road/4WD Product
  • Performance-Racing Product
  • Performance-Street Product
  • Powersports Product
  • Street-Rod/Custom Car Product
  • Tire and Related Product (*New Category for the 2010 SEMA Show)
  • Tools and Equipment Product
  • Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product
  • Wheel and Related Product (*New Category for the 2010 SEMA Show)
  • Engineered New Product
  • Merchandising Display
  • Packaging Design

Don't wait until the 2010 SEMA Show opens to take a sneak peek at the Showcase. The November issue of SEMA News features a preview of more than 100 new products on display in the 2010 New Products Showcase. In addition, the online exhibitor database allows attendees to view a complete list of companies with a product registered in the New Products Showcase. Take advantage of these pre-Show planning tools and identify the exhibitors your company will connect with at the Show.

From an exhibitor perspective, why is the New Products Showcase so important? President of T-Rex Grilles, Ben Mizban, has seen the benefits of participating in the Showcase first-hand. "We definitely found it very helpful with bringing qualified customers to our booth," said Mizban. "We showcased our new products and created excitement about what was new from T-Rex. It reminded our existing customers about us and, in many cases, brought new customers on board."

The 2010 SEMA Show is November 2–5, with doors open from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Tuesday–Thursday, and Friday, the 2010 Show comes to a close at 4:00 p.m. All SEMA Show attendees should carve out time in their schedule to visit the upper level of the South Hall. The 2010 SEMA Show New Products Showcase has more than 1,600 products making their debut in the automotive specialty-equipment market. Don't pass up the opportunity to preview the market's newest products.

Wed, 10/27/2010 - 16:07
Three experienced SEMA member exporters—SEMA Chairman-Elect and Competition Performance Group COO Scooter Brothers, K&N International Business Manager Kevin Floody and Exports International CEO Wade Kawasaki—will lend their considerable hands-on experience in selling U.S. products to international customers at a Monday, November 1, seminar at 3:00 p.m. in room N252.

Entitled "Global Growth: Successful Aftermarket Companies Show the Way to International Success," the interactive session will incorporate participant participation with the audience voting on key questions with an  instant tallying of results. See what other SEMA members think are the up and coming international markets for specialty products. Whether they believe SEMA members should sign exclusive agreements.  Whether IPR concerns are an important factor as they identify additional target overseas markets. There is no charge for this one-hour session, and no RSVP is necessary. 
Wed, 10/27/2010 - 16:07
Three experienced SEMA member exporters—SEMA Chairman-Elect and Competition Performance Group COO Scooter Brothers, K&N International Business Manager Kevin Floody and Exports International CEO Wade Kawasaki—will lend their considerable hands-on experience in selling U.S. products to international customers at a Monday, November 1, seminar at 3:00 p.m. in room N252.

Entitled "Global Growth: Successful Aftermarket Companies Show the Way to International Success," the interactive session will incorporate participant participation with the audience voting on key questions with an  instant tallying of results. See what other SEMA members think are the up and coming international markets for specialty products. Whether they believe SEMA members should sign exclusive agreements.  Whether IPR concerns are an important factor as they identify additional target overseas markets. There is no charge for this one-hour session, and no RSVP is necessary. 
Wed, 10/27/2010 - 15:40

Honda will host a Measuring Session for the 2011 Honda Odyssey on November 23.

All SEMA Manufacturer Members

  • 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan
  • Newly re-designed
  • 3.5L i-VTEC V-6, 248HP, 6AT
  • 7 & 8-passenger configuration
  • Cameras will be allowed

RSVP now. Deadline is Friday, November 19. Limit two persons per company

For questions, contact Bill Wolf, Kelly Clancy or call 909-978-6735.

Wed, 10/27/2010 - 15:40

Honda will host a Measuring Session for the 2011 Honda Odyssey on November 23.

All SEMA Manufacturer Members

  • 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan
  • Newly re-designed
  • 3.5L i-VTEC V-6, 248HP, 6AT
  • 7 & 8-passenger configuration
  • Cameras will be allowed

RSVP now. Deadline is Friday, November 19. Limit two persons per company

For questions, contact Bill Wolf, Kelly Clancy or call 909-978-6735.

Wed, 10/27/2010 - 15:13
Several exhibitors are offering product-training sessions at the 2010 SEMA Show. For the complete list, click here.
Wed, 10/27/2010 - 15:13
Several exhibitors are offering product-training sessions at the 2010 SEMA Show. For the complete list, click here.
Wed, 10/27/2010 - 14:24
The 2010 SEMA Show will attract numerous industry personalities and celebrities from all facets of the automotive industry. To see if your favorite personality is making the trip to Vegas for the Show, use the Celebrity Appearance List. More information on the 2010 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.