At this year's Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Project, to be held at the SEMA Show, influential automotive enthusiasts will help industry professionals identify future trends.

With overwhelming support from the SEMA Show Committee, last year’s Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Project will expand at the 2010 SEMA Show. Through the program, the nation’s most active and influential automotive enthusiasts will be called upon to help industry professionals identify future trends by providing firsthand feedback on the products and vehicles debuting at the SEMA Show.

“The results of last year’s inaugural Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Project exceeded our expectations,” said Thomas Myroniak, vice president of marketing and member services. “Not only did we get an exceptional group of participants, but through their efforts we were able to provide exhibitors and attendees immediate and in-depth feedback about their preferences, attitudes and outlook towards our industry and its products.”

The 2009 program invited 527 enthusiasts, selected through a rigorous application process, to attend the second day of the SEMA Show. In addition to completing a comprehensive pre-Show survey, participants were tasked with using social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube, to share their feedback on product, vehicle and trend highlights from the Show. The level of activity was significant enough that it led to the SEMA Show entering Twitter’s top 10 global trends for that day (November 4, 2009).

“Through the exercise, SEMA Show exhibitors gained a great deal of exposure from the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program,” said Myroniak. “By using social media platforms, the exposure is much more impactful because the information is shared from a trusted source.”

In addition, onsite focus groups were conducted to provide deeper insight into enthusiasts’ attitudes and outlooks about our industry. This input, combined with the social media feedback and pre-Show survey results, was captured in a series of comprehensive market research reports and provided to exhibitors prior to being released to the industry at large.

“The information generated from the program is unlike anything else we’ve ever done before,” said Myroniak. “By providing the country’s most knowledgeable and influential enthusiasts with access to the newest products, we’re able to learn what resonates and what doesn’t. Exhibitors who’ve reviewed the reports have indicated that they are incredibly valuable and will undoubtedly aid in shaping future plans.”

To learn more about the SEMA Show Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Project, click here, or contact Megan McKernan at meganm@sema.org.

SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to generate more opportunities and buzz for their company and products by announcing SEMA Show incentives in SEMA eNews.

Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know. The information will be included each week in SEMA eNews from now until the opening of the 2010 SEMA Show. To be included, send information to editors@sema.org.

Here are the companies offering specials at the 2010 SEMA Show.

	TRIMAX is offering a 5% discount on orders made at the Show.

TRIMAX Corp.

TRIMAX Corp., a division of Wyers Products Group, produces more than 120 lifetime-warranted security products spanning markets such as trailer and towing, power sports, marine, RV and bicycles.

TRIMAX is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado, and has been in business for more than 20 years.

For the 2010 SEMA Show, TRIMAX is offering a 5% discount on orders made at the Show. Visit booth #35088.

For more information on the 2010 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Flitz International

Flitz International is offering special pricing on its Commercial Truck, Auto Starter and Auto Premium packages.

Flitz International is offering several specials at the 2010 SEMA Show.

Special pricing is available on its Commercial Truck, Auto Starter and Auto Premium packages.

Flitz International Ltd., Waterford, WI; 262/534-5898.

SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to generate more opportunities and buzz for their company and products by announcing SEMA Show incentives in SEMA eNews.

Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know. The information will be included each week in SEMA eNews from now until the opening of the 2010 SEMA Show. To be included, send information to editors@sema.org.

Here are the companies offering specials at the 2010 SEMA Show.

	TRIMAX is offering a 5% discount on orders made at the Show.

TRIMAX Corp.

TRIMAX Corp., a division of Wyers Products Group, produces more than 120 lifetime-warranted security products spanning markets such as trailer and towing, power sports, marine, RV and bicycles.

TRIMAX is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado, and has been in business for more than 20 years.

For the 2010 SEMA Show, TRIMAX is offering a 5% discount on orders made at the Show. Visit booth #35088.

For more information on the 2010 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Flitz International

Flitz International is offering special pricing on its Commercial Truck, Auto Starter and Auto Premium packages.

Flitz International is offering several specials at the 2010 SEMA Show.

Special pricing is available on its Commercial Truck, Auto Starter and Auto Premium packages.

Flitz International Ltd., Waterford, WI; 262/534-5898.

There are more than 1,800 exhibitors and more than 80 educational sessions taking place during the 2010 SEMA Show—don't panic, plan it. Attendees can use SEMA Show Planner to fine tune their four-day schedule with the perfect mix of must-see exhibitors and can't-miss educational programs.

In 19 days, the doors to the Las Vegas Convention Center will open and the 2010 SEMA Show will officially begin. There's no reason, however, to wait until the doors open to make quality connections. My Show Planner is ready to help attendees, allowing users to fine-tune their four-day schedule with the perfect mix of must-see exhibitors and can't-miss educational programs. Here's how it works—start by clicking on the SEMA Show Planner link located on www.SEMAShow.com and then click "Login." Create an account if you haven't already by entering your contact information, and your My Show Planner is ready to be customized. At this point, you want to book the educational programs you're going to attend and you can browse through them by session, track, speaker or schedule at-a-glance. Next to the title of each education session is a box you can check if you want to attend the event.

As you continue selecting events to add to your schedule, you can click "View My Calendar" to see the blueprint of your SEMA Show week. You also have the option of clicking on the calendar icon next to the event, which then downloads the event directly into your Outlook Calendar. Your schedule can fill up quickly, but fortunately My Show Planner will warn you if you are booking a session that conflicts with a session already on your schedule. Identifying those conflicts early ensures that attendees can make alternate arrangements with co-workers and colleagues and avoid on-site scheduling challenges.

Now that you have a basic time-table sketched out, it's time to identify the exhibitors that you want to meet with during Show week. Start by pointing your browser to www.SEMAShow.com and scroll down under the Exhibitor heading to "Exhibitor List/Floorplan." This link will take you to a digital version of the floorplan as well as an index of exhibitors you can access by clicking the link marked, "Click here to view complete exhibitor list." As you scroll through the list, check the box next to each exhibitor that you want to connect with at the Show; take note of the symbols identifying exhibitors that are at SEMA for the first-time, displaying a product in the New Products Showcase or designated as featured exhibitors.

Now it's time to weld together the two components of your schedule and print out your customized "To-Do List" for the 2010 SEMA Show. Point your browser to www.SEMAShow.com and select SEMA Show Planner. Once inside the Planner, click on "View My Calendar." You will be looking at the schedule of educational events that you created earlier. Click on the icon at the top right-hand corner of the schedule that says "Print-Friendly Version." This will take you to a black-and-white version of your schedule, complete with all your educational sessions listed in order by date and time, followed by an alphabetical list of exhibitors that you selected.

Think of the My Show Planner account as your personal assistant; so for the next two weeks, as you take calls and receive e-mails inviting you to visit a booth or to attend an event, make sure you keep your assistant in the loop. There are more than 1,800 exhibitors and more than 80 educational sessions taking place during the 2010 SEMA Show; the sheer scope of the event can be overwhelming. Don't panic—plan it. Establishing the connections you want to make with exhibitors and industry experts today will ensure the highest possible return on your 2010 SEMA Show investment.

There are more than 1,800 exhibitors and more than 80 educational sessions taking place during the 2010 SEMA Show—don't panic, plan it. Attendees can use SEMA Show Planner to fine tune their four-day schedule with the perfect mix of must-see exhibitors and can't-miss educational programs.

In 19 days, the doors to the Las Vegas Convention Center will open and the 2010 SEMA Show will officially begin. There's no reason, however, to wait until the doors open to make quality connections. My Show Planner is ready to help attendees, allowing users to fine-tune their four-day schedule with the perfect mix of must-see exhibitors and can't-miss educational programs. Here's how it works—start by clicking on the SEMA Show Planner link located on www.SEMAShow.com and then click "Login." Create an account if you haven't already by entering your contact information, and your My Show Planner is ready to be customized. At this point, you want to book the educational programs you're going to attend and you can browse through them by session, track, speaker or schedule at-a-glance. Next to the title of each education session is a box you can check if you want to attend the event.

As you continue selecting events to add to your schedule, you can click "View My Calendar" to see the blueprint of your SEMA Show week. You also have the option of clicking on the calendar icon next to the event, which then downloads the event directly into your Outlook Calendar. Your schedule can fill up quickly, but fortunately My Show Planner will warn you if you are booking a session that conflicts with a session already on your schedule. Identifying those conflicts early ensures that attendees can make alternate arrangements with co-workers and colleagues and avoid on-site scheduling challenges.

Now that you have a basic time-table sketched out, it's time to identify the exhibitors that you want to meet with during Show week. Start by pointing your browser to www.SEMAShow.com and scroll down under the Exhibitor heading to "Exhibitor List/Floorplan." This link will take you to a digital version of the floorplan as well as an index of exhibitors you can access by clicking the link marked, "Click here to view complete exhibitor list." As you scroll through the list, check the box next to each exhibitor that you want to connect with at the Show; take note of the symbols identifying exhibitors that are at SEMA for the first-time, displaying a product in the New Products Showcase or designated as featured exhibitors.

Now it's time to weld together the two components of your schedule and print out your customized "To-Do List" for the 2010 SEMA Show. Point your browser to www.SEMAShow.com and select SEMA Show Planner. Once inside the Planner, click on "View My Calendar." You will be looking at the schedule of educational events that you created earlier. Click on the icon at the top right-hand corner of the schedule that says "Print-Friendly Version." This will take you to a black-and-white version of your schedule, complete with all your educational sessions listed in order by date and time, followed by an alphabetical list of exhibitors that you selected.

Think of the My Show Planner account as your personal assistant; so for the next two weeks, as you take calls and receive e-mails inviting you to visit a booth or to attend an event, make sure you keep your assistant in the loop. There are more than 1,800 exhibitors and more than 80 educational sessions taking place during the 2010 SEMA Show; the sheer scope of the event can be overwhelming. Don't panic—plan it. Establishing the connections you want to make with exhibitors and industry experts today will ensure the highest possible return on your 2010 SEMA Show investment.

More than 3,000 tire buyers have registered for the 2010 SEMA Show.

Tire buyers are ready to see what's rolling out from the tire industry's top companies at the 2010 SEMA Show, November 2–5, in Las Vegas. With the opening of the Show less than three weeks away, there are currently more than 3,000 tire buyers registered. In addition, the number of buyers that indicated interest in tires as well as tire accessories is currently more than 9,300.

For 2010, SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) created an industry-only Show section known as the Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA, which is open to all segments of the tire industry, including automotive, commercial, retreading, recycling and more. The section features the latest innovations in performance and off-road tires for passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs and race cars.

Here are all of the companies currently exhibiting in the Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA.

The Expo will also include expanded educational session tracks targeted to the tire market. The tracks are TPMS at 10, Tires at 2, Truck Tires at 10 and Management at 4. Every day of the Show, each track will feature a session relevant to tire dealers and led by knowledgeable experts in the tire industry. The educational sessions will be located in the Skybridge between the Central and South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Buyers: Not registered yet? Get started here.

For more information on the 2010 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

More than 3,000 tire buyers have registered for the 2010 SEMA Show.

Tire buyers are ready to see what's rolling out from the tire industry's top companies at the 2010 SEMA Show, November 2–5, in Las Vegas. With the opening of the Show less than three weeks away, there are currently more than 3,000 tire buyers registered. In addition, the number of buyers that indicated interest in tires as well as tire accessories is currently more than 9,300.

For 2010, SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) created an industry-only Show section known as the Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA, which is open to all segments of the tire industry, including automotive, commercial, retreading, recycling and more. The section features the latest innovations in performance and off-road tires for passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs and race cars.

Here are all of the companies currently exhibiting in the Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA.

The Expo will also include expanded educational session tracks targeted to the tire market. The tracks are TPMS at 10, Tires at 2, Truck Tires at 10 and Management at 4. Every day of the Show, each track will feature a session relevant to tire dealers and led by knowledgeable experts in the tire industry. The educational sessions will be located in the Skybridge between the Central and South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Buyers: Not registered yet? Get started here.

For more information on the 2010 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that there is insufficient test data to permit E15 to be used in model year ’00 and older light-duty motor vehicles. SEMA has consistently voiced concern that ethanol increases water formation, which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber. While SEMA is pleased with the decision that older cars should not be fueled with E15, the association is disappointed that the EPA issued an E15 waiver for 2007 and newer vehicles. The agency is still gathering data for the ’01–’06 vehicles. The EPA’s ruling responds to a request from the ethanol industry to raise the ethanol content in gasoline from 10% (E10) to 15% (E15).

Consumers will not see E15 at the pump any time soon. The EPA must first approve regulations on how gas stations will label their pumps to avoid consumer misfueling. This will take months. Furthermore, there is no obligation that gasoline retailers market the fuel. In fact, some retailers oppose the fuel over concern that they could be held liable if E15 damages a vehicle. The gas stations and distributors may also need to invest in new storage tanks, hoses and other equipment.

SEMA will continue to oppose E15 until there are conclusive scientific findings that demonstrate that it will not harm automobiles of any age as a result of corrosion or other chemical incompatibilities. SEMA represents thousands of companies that market products for these vehicles and through its SEMA Action Network, millions of enthusiasts who buy and operate these automobiles. Questions/comments may be directed to Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that there is insufficient test data to permit E15 to be used in model year ’00 and older light-duty motor vehicles. SEMA has consistently voiced concern that ethanol increases water formation, which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber. While SEMA is pleased with the decision that older cars should not be fueled with E15, the association is disappointed that the EPA issued an E15 waiver for 2007 and newer vehicles. The agency is still gathering data for the ’01–’06 vehicles. The EPA’s ruling responds to a request from the ethanol industry to raise the ethanol content in gasoline from 10% (E10) to 15% (E15).

Consumers will not see E15 at the pump any time soon. The EPA must first approve regulations on how gas stations will label their pumps to avoid consumer misfueling. This will take months. Furthermore, there is no obligation that gasoline retailers market the fuel. In fact, some retailers oppose the fuel over concern that they could be held liable if E15 damages a vehicle. The gas stations and distributors may also need to invest in new storage tanks, hoses and other equipment.

SEMA will continue to oppose E15 until there are conclusive scientific findings that demonstrate that it will not harm automobiles of any age as a result of corrosion or other chemical incompatibilities. SEMA represents thousands of companies that market products for these vehicles and through its SEMA Action Network, millions of enthusiasts who buy and operate these automobiles. Questions/comments may be directed to Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

During the SEMA Online Marketing Conference, Ray "Catfish" Comstock will cover search analytics and what they mean to your company's search campaign.

In a recent article of a "Search Engine Watch" three-part series, by Ray "Catfish" Comstock, BusinessOnLine, he talked about how to measure search engine optimization (SEO) success. But those measurements are predicated on understanding your organic rankings in search engines for the search terms that drive revenue or leads to your site.

However, some recent changes to the data that Google now offers dramatically changes the way we think of "search rankings" and really underscore the notion that search engines continue to focus on user experience as they improve their ranking formulas. Important factors to consider are:

• How Personalization and Localization Changed the SEO Game
• Why "Average Rank" is an Important New KPI
• How and Where to Get the New Webmaster Tools Ranking Data
• Better Understanding SEO Performance
• Why the User's Experience Continues to Grow in Importance

Learn more from Ray "Catfish" Comstock, who will be a featured presenter at the SEMA Online Marketing Conference, November 1, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. His presentation will be a deeper dive into the topic of search analytics and what they mean to your search campaign.

Read Comstock's complete article and get additional information on what the above changes mean to an SEO campaign.