Riding the momentum of social media's virtually unbridled growth, consumer reviews have become a powerful, proven tool for spiking company sales and are showing signs of becoming even more potent. Indeed, 72% of online shoppers say that web reviews and ratings on company websites and elsewhere influence their purchase decisions more than any other factor, according to the 2010 Social Shopping Survey authored by the e-tailing group (www.e-tailing.com). And 39% of those same shoppers say that they read eight or more online reviews before making a purchase. [Read more]

	The 2010 SEMA Show Media Center will be sponsored by Continental Tire.

Continental Tire has signed on as sponsor of the 2010 SEMA Show Media Center. The sponsorship is one element of the tire company's collaboration and participation in the event taking place Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, 2010, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

"Continental's Media Center sponsorship is an example of their support for the industry," said Peter MacGillvray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "Thanks to the tire maker's assistance, the Media Center will serve as home base to nearly 3,000 credentialed editors and reporters at the Show."

With thousands of credentialed media at the SEMA Show each year, the Media Center is one of the SEMA Show's main attractions. Representing television crews, radio programs, print and online publications, the media at the SEMA Show are challenged each year with conducting interviews, shooting videos and/or photos and writing stories on tight deadlines and shrinking staffs.

The Media Center is equipped with computers, a dedicated wireless hub, meeting rooms, press conference area, snacks and beverages, resting areas and more. Editors and reporters use the Media Center to write and file stories.

The Media Center opens in advance of the Show for media registration and exhibitor press kit drop-off. On Show days, the Media Center opens before and stays open after the Show floor hours.

"Continental Tire has a lot of exciting news to share with the industry, and we believe the SEMA Show provides us with an ideal platform to unveil what's new," said Dana Zamalloa, Continental Tire PR and communications manager. "We're looking forward to sharing that news and appreciate the opportunity to connect with the industry through programs such as the SEMA Show sponsorship."

Reporters can learn more about the Media Center, the services available to them at the SEMA Show and how they can register by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/media.

	The 2010 SEMA Show Media Center will be sponsored by Continental Tire.

Continental Tire has signed on as sponsor of the 2010 SEMA Show Media Center. The sponsorship is one element of the tire company's collaboration and participation in the event taking place Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, 2010, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

"Continental's Media Center sponsorship is an example of their support for the industry," said Peter MacGillvray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "Thanks to the tire maker's assistance, the Media Center will serve as home base to nearly 3,000 credentialed editors and reporters at the Show."

With thousands of credentialed media at the SEMA Show each year, the Media Center is one of the SEMA Show's main attractions. Representing television crews, radio programs, print and online publications, the media at the SEMA Show are challenged each year with conducting interviews, shooting videos and/or photos and writing stories on tight deadlines and shrinking staffs.

The Media Center is equipped with computers, a dedicated wireless hub, meeting rooms, press conference area, snacks and beverages, resting areas and more. Editors and reporters use the Media Center to write and file stories.

The Media Center opens in advance of the Show for media registration and exhibitor press kit drop-off. On Show days, the Media Center opens before and stays open after the Show floor hours.

"Continental Tire has a lot of exciting news to share with the industry, and we believe the SEMA Show provides us with an ideal platform to unveil what's new," said Dana Zamalloa, Continental Tire PR and communications manager. "We're looking forward to sharing that news and appreciate the opportunity to connect with the industry through programs such as the SEMA Show sponsorship."

Reporters can learn more about the Media Center, the services available to them at the SEMA Show and how they can register by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/media.

	SEMA Show Exhibitors planning a newsworthy announcement at the Show need to submit a press conference application.

Exhibitors that wish to schedule a press conference during the 2010 SEMA Show will need to submit an application here. Press conferences are reserved for those announcing newsworthy information and are not to announce new products.

If submitting an application, be sure to review the acknowledgement receipt that will be e-mailed afterwards. Exhibitors will be notified in mid-September on the status of the application. All approved press conferences will be highlighted in correspondence to the media and promoted through maps and special handouts at the Show.

For more information, click here or contact PR@sema.org.

	SEMA Show Exhibitors planning a newsworthy announcement at the Show need to submit a press conference application.

Exhibitors that wish to schedule a press conference during the 2010 SEMA Show will need to submit an application here. Press conferences are reserved for those announcing newsworthy information and are not to announce new products.

If submitting an application, be sure to review the acknowledgement receipt that will be e-mailed afterwards. Exhibitors will be notified in mid-September on the status of the application. All approved press conferences will be highlighted in correspondence to the media and promoted through maps and special handouts at the Show.

For more information, click here or contact PR@sema.org.

	The Global Tire Expo was created to serve the unique needs of the tire industry and provide it with a greater level of prominence at the SEMA Show.

Tire professionals are showing strong support for the first-ever Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA (Tire Industry Association). The exhibitor list shows leading tire manufacturers as well as first-time exhibitors, confirmed for the event, taking place as part of the 2010 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“The strong exhibitor presence is proof positive that TIA’s and SEMA’s efforts are reaping positive results,” said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield. “We appreciate the support these manufacturers are showing and are especially pleased to know that the new Expo is resonating with them.”

TIA and SEMA collaborated to create the Global Tire Expo to serve the unique needs of the tire industry and provide it with a greater level of prominence at the SEMA Show.

“By partnering with TIA and creating the Global Tire Expo, we are providing the tire industry with a high-value industry event,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The Global Tire Expo ensures that the tire industry has a show that caters to its needs, while allowing attendees to take part in the first-class services and international appeal of the SEMA Show.”

Featuring unique layout features, the Global Tire Expo will serve as a convenient stop for the 50,000-plus buyers that attend the SEMA Show each year. More than 26% of the buyers came to the 2009 SEMA Show specifically seeking tires and related equipment.

“The SEMA Show attracts professionals from all segments of the automotive industry, many of whom are looking to expand their business,” said Kersting. “Tires are a natural expansion for many businesses since the product is relevant to any car or truck.”

More than 135 educational seminars will be available to those attending the Global Tire Expo. The list includes 70 free sessions that address general business and management issues and four educational session tracks being held by TIA: TPMS at 10, Truck Tires at 10, Tires at 2, and Management at 4.

“The educational sessions offered at the Expo provide tire industry attendees with the best of both worlds: they can get up-to-the-minute, relevant and entertaining information from some of the world’s leading experts in the tire industry and still have enough time to make important business contacts, meet plenty of potential buyers and enjoy the great hotels, restaurants and nightlife that only Las Vegas can provide,” said Littlefield.

Preceding all of the SEMA Show excitement, TIA is hosting its Wine & Cheese Social, Tire Industry Honors and Welcome Reception special events at Paris Hotel (TIA’s host hotel) on Monday, November 1. These events provide Global Tire Expo attendees an unparalleled opportunity to socialize and network with other leaders and decision makers in the tire industry. And, in a sign that the Expo is having success in attracting interest from all sectors of the tire industry, both the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB) and Tread Rubber & Repair Materials Manufacturers Group (TRMG) will be holding meetings in conjunction with the Show.

“The Global Tire Expo is about doing business—whether it’s improving an existing business skill or discovering a new profit center,” said Littlefield. “No matter what sector of the tire industry you are in, the Global Tire Expo has all of the components you need to get business done effectively.”

To learn more about the Global Tire Expo and how to participate, click here. For more information on TIA’s special events, visit the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org.

	The Global Tire Expo was created to serve the unique needs of the tire industry and provide it with a greater level of prominence at the SEMA Show.

Tire professionals are showing strong support for the first-ever Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA (Tire Industry Association). The exhibitor list shows leading tire manufacturers as well as first-time exhibitors, confirmed for the event, taking place as part of the 2010 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“The strong exhibitor presence is proof positive that TIA’s and SEMA’s efforts are reaping positive results,” said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield. “We appreciate the support these manufacturers are showing and are especially pleased to know that the new Expo is resonating with them.”

TIA and SEMA collaborated to create the Global Tire Expo to serve the unique needs of the tire industry and provide it with a greater level of prominence at the SEMA Show.

“By partnering with TIA and creating the Global Tire Expo, we are providing the tire industry with a high-value industry event,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The Global Tire Expo ensures that the tire industry has a show that caters to its needs, while allowing attendees to take part in the first-class services and international appeal of the SEMA Show.”

Featuring unique layout features, the Global Tire Expo will serve as a convenient stop for the 50,000-plus buyers that attend the SEMA Show each year. More than 26% of the buyers came to the 2009 SEMA Show specifically seeking tires and related equipment.

“The SEMA Show attracts professionals from all segments of the automotive industry, many of whom are looking to expand their business,” said Kersting. “Tires are a natural expansion for many businesses since the product is relevant to any car or truck.”

More than 135 educational seminars will be available to those attending the Global Tire Expo. The list includes 70 free sessions that address general business and management issues and four educational session tracks being held by TIA: TPMS at 10, Truck Tires at 10, Tires at 2, and Management at 4.

“The educational sessions offered at the Expo provide tire industry attendees with the best of both worlds: they can get up-to-the-minute, relevant and entertaining information from some of the world’s leading experts in the tire industry and still have enough time to make important business contacts, meet plenty of potential buyers and enjoy the great hotels, restaurants and nightlife that only Las Vegas can provide,” said Littlefield.

Preceding all of the SEMA Show excitement, TIA is hosting its Wine & Cheese Social, Tire Industry Honors and Welcome Reception special events at Paris Hotel (TIA’s host hotel) on Monday, November 1. These events provide Global Tire Expo attendees an unparalleled opportunity to socialize and network with other leaders and decision makers in the tire industry. And, in a sign that the Expo is having success in attracting interest from all sectors of the tire industry, both the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB) and Tread Rubber & Repair Materials Manufacturers Group (TRMG) will be holding meetings in conjunction with the Show.

“The Global Tire Expo is about doing business—whether it’s improving an existing business skill or discovering a new profit center,” said Littlefield. “No matter what sector of the tire industry you are in, the Global Tire Expo has all of the components you need to get business done effectively.”

To learn more about the Global Tire Expo and how to participate, click here. For more information on TIA’s special events, visit the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org.

	The Global Tire Expo was created to serve the unique needs of the tire industry and provide it with a greater level of prominence at the SEMA Show.

Tire professionals are showing strong support for the first-ever Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA (Tire Industry Association). The exhibitor list shows leading tire manufacturers as well as first-time exhibitors, confirmed for the event, taking place as part of the 2010 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“The strong exhibitor presence is proof positive that TIA’s and SEMA’s efforts are reaping positive results,” said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield. “We appreciate the support these manufacturers are showing and are especially pleased to know that the new Expo is resonating with them.”

TIA and SEMA collaborated to create the Global Tire Expo to serve the unique needs of the tire industry and provide it with a greater level of prominence at the SEMA Show.

“By partnering with TIA and creating the Global Tire Expo, we are providing the tire industry with a high-value industry event,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The Global Tire Expo ensures that the tire industry has a show that caters to its needs, while allowing attendees to take part in the first-class services and international appeal of the SEMA Show.”

Featuring unique layout features, the Global Tire Expo will serve as a convenient stop for the 50,000-plus buyers that attend the SEMA Show each year. More than 26% of the buyers came to the 2009 SEMA Show specifically seeking tires and related equipment.

“The SEMA Show attracts professionals from all segments of the automotive industry, many of whom are looking to expand their business,” said Kersting. “Tires are a natural expansion for many businesses since the product is relevant to any car or truck.”

More than 135 educational seminars will be available to those attending the Global Tire Expo. The list includes 70 free sessions that address general business and management issues and four educational session tracks being held by TIA: TPMS at 10, Truck Tires at 10, Tires at 2, and Management at 4.

“The educational sessions offered at the Expo provide tire industry attendees with the best of both worlds: they can get up-to-the-minute, relevant and entertaining information from some of the world’s leading experts in the tire industry and still have enough time to make important business contacts, meet plenty of potential buyers and enjoy the great hotels, restaurants and nightlife that only Las Vegas can provide,” said Littlefield.

Preceding all of the SEMA Show excitement, TIA is hosting its Wine & Cheese Social, Tire Industry Honors and Welcome Reception special events at Paris Hotel (TIA’s host hotel) on Monday, November 1. These events provide Global Tire Expo attendees an unparalleled opportunity to socialize and network with other leaders and decision makers in the tire industry. And, in a sign that the Expo is having success in attracting interest from all sectors of the tire industry, both the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB) and Tread Rubber & Repair Materials Manufacturers Group (TRMG) will be holding meetings in conjunction with the Show.

“The Global Tire Expo is about doing business—whether it’s improving an existing business skill or discovering a new profit center,” said Littlefield. “No matter what sector of the tire industry you are in, the Global Tire Expo has all of the components you need to get business done effectively.”

To learn more about the Global Tire Expo and how to participate, click here. For more information on TIA’s special events, visit the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org.

	The Global Tire Expo was created to serve the unique needs of the tire industry and provide it with a greater level of prominence at the SEMA Show.

Tire professionals are showing strong support for the first-ever Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA (Tire Industry Association). The exhibitor list shows leading tire manufacturers as well as first-time exhibitors, confirmed for the event, taking place as part of the 2010 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“The strong exhibitor presence is proof positive that TIA’s and SEMA’s efforts are reaping positive results,” said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield. “We appreciate the support these manufacturers are showing and are especially pleased to know that the new Expo is resonating with them.”

TIA and SEMA collaborated to create the Global Tire Expo to serve the unique needs of the tire industry and provide it with a greater level of prominence at the SEMA Show.

“By partnering with TIA and creating the Global Tire Expo, we are providing the tire industry with a high-value industry event,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The Global Tire Expo ensures that the tire industry has a show that caters to its needs, while allowing attendees to take part in the first-class services and international appeal of the SEMA Show.”

Featuring unique layout features, the Global Tire Expo will serve as a convenient stop for the 50,000-plus buyers that attend the SEMA Show each year. More than 26% of the buyers came to the 2009 SEMA Show specifically seeking tires and related equipment.

“The SEMA Show attracts professionals from all segments of the automotive industry, many of whom are looking to expand their business,” said Kersting. “Tires are a natural expansion for many businesses since the product is relevant to any car or truck.”

More than 135 educational seminars will be available to those attending the Global Tire Expo. The list includes 70 free sessions that address general business and management issues and four educational session tracks being held by TIA: TPMS at 10, Truck Tires at 10, Tires at 2, and Management at 4.

“The educational sessions offered at the Expo provide tire industry attendees with the best of both worlds: they can get up-to-the-minute, relevant and entertaining information from some of the world’s leading experts in the tire industry and still have enough time to make important business contacts, meet plenty of potential buyers and enjoy the great hotels, restaurants and nightlife that only Las Vegas can provide,” said Littlefield.

Preceding all of the SEMA Show excitement, TIA is hosting its Wine & Cheese Social, Tire Industry Honors and Welcome Reception special events at Paris Hotel (TIA’s host hotel) on Monday, November 1. These events provide Global Tire Expo attendees an unparalleled opportunity to socialize and network with other leaders and decision makers in the tire industry. And, in a sign that the Expo is having success in attracting interest from all sectors of the tire industry, both the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB) and Tread Rubber & Repair Materials Manufacturers Group (TRMG) will be holding meetings in conjunction with the Show.

“The Global Tire Expo is about doing business—whether it’s improving an existing business skill or discovering a new profit center,” said Littlefield. “No matter what sector of the tire industry you are in, the Global Tire Expo has all of the components you need to get business done effectively.”

To learn more about the Global Tire Expo and how to participate, click here. For more information on TIA’s special events, visit the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org.

The SEMA Financial Benchmarking Program was developed in order to provide SEMA members with financial benchmarks they could use to help measure and compare their business operations with others in the industry. Industry-specific key performance indicators are reported that can then be used by participants to improve or grow their businesses.

Through participation in the program, respondents not only receive the report corresponding to their business type at no charge, but they also receive the report at least one month before it is made available to the industry. If you are interested in participating in the June questionnaires, please click the appropriate link below.

Manufacturers 

Retailers 

Distributors