News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

TIA to Induct Hall of Famers at 2009 SEMA Show

Thu, 04/30/2009 - 20:18

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is accepting nominations for the 2009 Tire Industry Hall of Fame from May 1 to July 1.The Hall of Fame is open to individuals in the tire industry, including manufacturers, inventors, publishers, equipment suppliers, tire association executives, tire dealers, tire and rubber recyclers and retreaders.

The “Historical Contributors” category of the Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals who have been out of the industry for at least 20 years or more. These individuals may be retired, deceased or may have begun their career in the tire industry and moved on to a different industry.

Inductees are chosen based on the following criteria: their contributions of new ideas, practices and/or innovations that promote the health and well being of the tire industry; their exemplary and distinguished service in the tire industry; and the respect of their peers. Contributions in civic, cultural, educational or charitable endeavors will be considered, but are not a primary consideration as attributes for selection.

TIA is also accepting nominations for the Friend of the Industry Award (a former International Tire & Rubber Association award), which recognizes well-known individuals who are allies and proven supporters of the tire industry. These individuals are not part of the tire industry, but have affected it positively in some manner.

“There are so many people who have given so much to the tire industry. That’s why it’s great to be able to honor these people, via the Tire Industry Hall of Fame,” said TIA President Dan Beach. “The TIA Hall of Fame Committee will undoubtedly have a challenging task ahead of them when it comes to selecting the honorees, as there are so many worthy candidates who have a lifetime of achievement in both their business and community.”

The Hall of Fame inductions will take place in November during TIA’s Breakfast with the President, which is a part of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

A nomination form that can be used for both awards is available at www.tireindustry.org or by calling TIA at 301/430-7280, ext. 109.

TIA to Induct Hall of Famers at 2009 SEMA Show

Thu, 04/30/2009 - 20:18

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is accepting nominations for the 2009 Tire Industry Hall of Fame from May 1 to July 1.The Hall of Fame is open to individuals in the tire industry, including manufacturers, inventors, publishers, equipment suppliers, tire association executives, tire dealers, tire and rubber recyclers and retreaders.

The “Historical Contributors” category of the Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals who have been out of the industry for at least 20 years or more. These individuals may be retired, deceased or may have begun their career in the tire industry and moved on to a different industry.

Inductees are chosen based on the following criteria: their contributions of new ideas, practices and/or innovations that promote the health and well being of the tire industry; their exemplary and distinguished service in the tire industry; and the respect of their peers. Contributions in civic, cultural, educational or charitable endeavors will be considered, but are not a primary consideration as attributes for selection.

TIA is also accepting nominations for the Friend of the Industry Award (a former International Tire & Rubber Association award), which recognizes well-known individuals who are allies and proven supporters of the tire industry. These individuals are not part of the tire industry, but have affected it positively in some manner.

“There are so many people who have given so much to the tire industry. That’s why it’s great to be able to honor these people, via the Tire Industry Hall of Fame,” said TIA President Dan Beach. “The TIA Hall of Fame Committee will undoubtedly have a challenging task ahead of them when it comes to selecting the honorees, as there are so many worthy candidates who have a lifetime of achievement in both their business and community.”

The Hall of Fame inductions will take place in November during TIA’s Breakfast with the President, which is a part of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

A nomination form that can be used for both awards is available at www.tireindustry.org or by calling TIA at 301/430-7280, ext. 109.

SEMA to Honor Industry Pioneers at 2009 Installation Banquet & Gala

Thu, 04/30/2009 - 20:17


	The 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be announced at the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser.

The 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be announced at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, held on Saturday, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center.

The inductees will be honored for their dedication, service and devotion to their businesses and the specialty-equipment industry. The event will also include charitable fundraising activities in conjunction with the traditional banquet.

The gala will be preceded by the SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors, which will be held from 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. The drag races will benefit children’s charities Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp is an organization that assists abused and neglected children, and Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically ill children.

Approximately $40,000 was raised last year for the two charities. Stock cars were built by children at their camps and then sponsored by participants through their donations to the charities. Each of the 156 cars built were sponsored.

“Last year, we were able to donate a good deal of money to help these kids, as well as go out and build cars with some of the children with Childhelp,” said Gregory Parker, 2009 SEMA Pinewood Drag Race committee chair. “We also gave them a track to keep on-site so they could run their cars year-round.”

This year, about 250 cars will be built at both the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp facilities. Participants that sponsor a child’s car will be the team owner and will race it under the child’s name.

Participants can also enter their own derby car. The drag race will feature three classes: Stock, Modified and Unlimited.

To enter the race, visit www.sema.org/derby.

For questions about the Pinewood Drag Race and the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105 or e-mail lisam@sema.org.

In addition to being introduced at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be formally honored at the annual SEMA Industry Awards Banquet during the 2009 SEMA Show.

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

SEMA to Honor Industry Pioneers at 2009 Installation Banquet & Gala

Thu, 04/30/2009 - 20:17


	The 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be announced at the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser.

The 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be announced at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, held on Saturday, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center.

The inductees will be honored for their dedication, service and devotion to their businesses and the specialty-equipment industry. The event will also include charitable fundraising activities in conjunction with the traditional banquet.

The gala will be preceded by the SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors, which will be held from 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. The drag races will benefit children’s charities Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp is an organization that assists abused and neglected children, and Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically ill children.

Approximately $40,000 was raised last year for the two charities. Stock cars were built by children at their camps and then sponsored by participants through their donations to the charities. Each of the 156 cars built were sponsored.

“Last year, we were able to donate a good deal of money to help these kids, as well as go out and build cars with some of the children with Childhelp,” said Gregory Parker, 2009 SEMA Pinewood Drag Race committee chair. “We also gave them a track to keep on-site so they could run their cars year-round.”

This year, about 250 cars will be built at both the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp facilities. Participants that sponsor a child’s car will be the team owner and will race it under the child’s name.

Participants can also enter their own derby car. The drag race will feature three classes: Stock, Modified and Unlimited.

To enter the race, visit www.sema.org/derby.

For questions about the Pinewood Drag Race and the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105 or e-mail lisam@sema.org.

In addition to being introduced at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be formally honored at the annual SEMA Industry Awards Banquet during the 2009 SEMA Show.

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

SEMA to Honor Industry Pioneers at 2009 Installation Banquet & Gala

Thu, 04/30/2009 - 20:17


	The 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be announced at the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser.

The 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be announced at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, held on Saturday, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center.

The inductees will be honored for their dedication, service and devotion to their businesses and the specialty-equipment industry. The event will also include charitable fundraising activities in conjunction with the traditional banquet.

The gala will be preceded by the SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors, which will be held from 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. The drag races will benefit children’s charities Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp is an organization that assists abused and neglected children, and Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically ill children.

Approximately $40,000 was raised last year for the two charities. Stock cars were built by children at their camps and then sponsored by participants through their donations to the charities. Each of the 156 cars built were sponsored.

“Last year, we were able to donate a good deal of money to help these kids, as well as go out and build cars with some of the children with Childhelp,” said Gregory Parker, 2009 SEMA Pinewood Drag Race committee chair. “We also gave them a track to keep on-site so they could run their cars year-round.”

This year, about 250 cars will be built at both the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp facilities. Participants that sponsor a child’s car will be the team owner and will race it under the child’s name.

Participants can also enter their own derby car. The drag race will feature three classes: Stock, Modified and Unlimited.

To enter the race, visit www.sema.org/derby.

For questions about the Pinewood Drag Race and the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105 or e-mail lisam@sema.org.

In addition to being introduced at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be formally honored at the annual SEMA Industry Awards Banquet during the 2009 SEMA Show.

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

SEMA to Honor Industry Pioneers at 2009 Installation Banquet & Gala

Thu, 04/30/2009 - 20:17


	The 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be announced at the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser.

The 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be announced at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, held on Saturday, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center.

The inductees will be honored for their dedication, service and devotion to their businesses and the specialty-equipment industry. The event will also include charitable fundraising activities in conjunction with the traditional banquet.

The gala will be preceded by the SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors, which will be held from 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. The drag races will benefit children’s charities Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp is an organization that assists abused and neglected children, and Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically ill children.

Approximately $40,000 was raised last year for the two charities. Stock cars were built by children at their camps and then sponsored by participants through their donations to the charities. Each of the 156 cars built were sponsored.

“Last year, we were able to donate a good deal of money to help these kids, as well as go out and build cars with some of the children with Childhelp,” said Gregory Parker, 2009 SEMA Pinewood Drag Race committee chair. “We also gave them a track to keep on-site so they could run their cars year-round.”

This year, about 250 cars will be built at both the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp facilities. Participants that sponsor a child’s car will be the team owner and will race it under the child’s name.

Participants can also enter their own derby car. The drag race will feature three classes: Stock, Modified and Unlimited.

To enter the race, visit www.sema.org/derby.

For questions about the Pinewood Drag Race and the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105 or e-mail lisam@sema.org.

In addition to being introduced at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be formally honored at the annual SEMA Industry Awards Banquet during the 2009 SEMA Show.

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

Tools for Exhibitors to Increase International Orders at the 2009 SEMA Show

Thu, 04/30/2009 - 19:23

Attendees from Canada, Mexico and 134 countries will be walking the aisles of the 2009 SEMA Show. You can connect with these buyers through the following programs offered by SEMA's International Affairs office. Interested in growing your international business at the SEMA Show? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to learn more.

Attend the single most important event for exhibitors seeking to network with international buyers from more than 100 countries

Last year more than 700 companies and international media representatives participated in the International Happy Hour. This year’s event will be held Wednesday, November 4, in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). SEMA invites SEMA Show exhibitors and international buyers to secure your place at the complimentary mega-event. Reservations required.

Place a complimentary “We Export” sign in your booth

“We Export” signs are available to all SEMA member exhibitors seeking to identify their company as “export ready” to the large number of international buyers from more than 100 countries who will be seeking new suppliers.

Take advantage of the services of the centrally located Center for International Commerce

The Center for International Commerce (CIC) is a valuable complimentary resource available for the exclusive use of international attendees and exhibitors who seek international business. The room is outfitted with interpreters and private meeting space as well as free Wi-Fi. SEMA and U.S. Department of Commerce staff will be available to provide export assistance.

Secure your free listing in the International Buyers' Guide

The 2009–2010 SEMA International Buyers' Guide is an exclusive directory of specialty-equipment companies seeking overseas business. There is NO CHARGE for SEMA members and SEMA Show exhibitors to be listed in the guide. It is distributed worldwide each year to every international buyer that attends the SEMA Show, throughout the year at international trade shows, and to more than 50 U.S. embassies throughout the world, including offices in Germany, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Italy, Brazil and South Africa.
Meet your match

Thousands of international buyers seeking accessories, performance and off-road products will attend the 2009 SEMA Show. Exhibitors and international buyers are invited to contact each other at www.sema.org before the Show and begin the dialogue even before arriving in Las Vegas. This new powerful feature on the SEMA website will be available soon.

Tools for Exhibitors to Increase International Orders at the 2009 SEMA Show

Thu, 04/30/2009 - 19:23

Attendees from Canada, Mexico and 134 countries will be walking the aisles of the 2009 SEMA Show. You can connect with these buyers through the following programs offered by SEMA's International Affairs office. Interested in growing your international business at the SEMA Show? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to learn more.

Attend the single most important event for exhibitors seeking to network with international buyers from more than 100 countries

Last year more than 700 companies and international media representatives participated in the International Happy Hour. This year’s event will be held Wednesday, November 4, in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). SEMA invites SEMA Show exhibitors and international buyers to secure your place at the complimentary mega-event. Reservations required.

Place a complimentary “We Export” sign in your booth

“We Export” signs are available to all SEMA member exhibitors seeking to identify their company as “export ready” to the large number of international buyers from more than 100 countries who will be seeking new suppliers.

Take advantage of the services of the centrally located Center for International Commerce

The Center for International Commerce (CIC) is a valuable complimentary resource available for the exclusive use of international attendees and exhibitors who seek international business. The room is outfitted with interpreters and private meeting space as well as free Wi-Fi. SEMA and U.S. Department of Commerce staff will be available to provide export assistance.

Secure your free listing in the International Buyers' Guide

The 2009–2010 SEMA International Buyers' Guide is an exclusive directory of specialty-equipment companies seeking overseas business. There is NO CHARGE for SEMA members and SEMA Show exhibitors to be listed in the guide. It is distributed worldwide each year to every international buyer that attends the SEMA Show, throughout the year at international trade shows, and to more than 50 U.S. embassies throughout the world, including offices in Germany, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Italy, Brazil and South Africa.
Meet your match

Thousands of international buyers seeking accessories, performance and off-road products will attend the 2009 SEMA Show. Exhibitors and international buyers are invited to contact each other at www.sema.org before the Show and begin the dialogue even before arriving in Las Vegas. This new powerful feature on the SEMA website will be available soon.

Avoid These 25 Common Mistakes Made by SEMA Show Exhibitors

Thu, 04/30/2009 - 19:23


	With effective pre-Show planning, you can draw the maximum number of buyers to your booth.

Creating a successful SEMA Show trip does not end at reserving booth space. As part of SEMA's ongoing effort to ensure exhibitors receive the most profitable experience possible, the association hosted a webinar entitled "25 Common Mistakes Made by SEMA Show Exhibitors," presented by ConvExx Chairman Chuck Schwartz, that steers exhibitors away from the common pitfalls of trade show exhibiting.

"I think we are all going to find that if we prepare for the Show knowing what our expectation really needs to be, we will be very successful and get the return on the investment that we expect," Schwartz said.

Schwartz outlined the following 25 mistakes that exhibitors must avoid:

1: Pre-Show Marketing

* Failure to create a pre-Show market plan.
* Failure to include the Show in your company's plan or budget.

2: Suitcasers

* Allowing a suitcaser (an individual who comes to the Show with their booth in their briefcase to try and sell their products to you as well as steal your buyers) to occupy your time.

3: Show Expenses

* Lack of control over Show expenses.
* Not putting your staff on per diem.
* Lack of budgeting for entertaining buyers.

4. Plan

* Lack of a clear plan and timeline.

5. Badges

* Not ordering badges.

6. Budget

* Not creating a budget.
* Not following your budget.

7. Intellectual Property

* Not having records of your trademarks or IP protections.
* Not being equipped with documentation of patent or trademark protection.

8. SEMA Help

* Not utilizing SEMA assistance when facing various difficulties including suitcasers, damages, injuries, thefts, etc.

9. Deadlines

* Missing deadlines and, as a result, paying too much.

10. Hotels

* Picking hotels by quality and not by price.
* Putting staff in different hotels.

11. Booth Installation

* Failure to schedule booth labor properly.
* Hiring temps from outside—a no-no.
* Not testing your booth at home.
* Lack of a back-up plan.

12. Electrical

* Not providing a layout for the electrical order.
* Not being aware of power needs.
* Forgetting to budget for labor and wattage.

13. Rules and Regulations

* Breaking display rules and having to redesign your booth on-site.

14. Handouts

* Not bringing enough flyers or catalogs to the Show.

15. Be in Shape

* Not being prepared for 10% humidity, causing dehydration.

16. Marketing at the Show

* Missing out on a feature vehicle program.
* Not having your new products ready by Show time.
* Not having a press kit.
* Not having sponsorships.
* Forgetting directory listing.

17. Freight

* Not taking advantage of the small-exhibitor 1,000-lb. free-freight program.
* Not obtaining bids on shipping freight to the Show.

18. Booth Staff

* Not training your staff.
* Not creating a schedule.
* Lack of knowledge regarding booth and Show rules.

19. International

* Not attending the international marketplaces to learn how to market outside the United States.
* Not using the free trade leads program in the CIC.

20. Seminars

* Not attending seminars or having staff attend to learn about trends and forecasts in the industry.

21. Assuming that sponsorships were over the company's budget. Not looking for a sponsorship in the price range or contacting Motor Media Inc. to be creative.

22. Exhibit Rendering

* Not sending a rendering of exhibit floorplan in advance to eliminate problems on-site.

23. Association Booth

* Not stopping by the association booth to find out about special programs that can save money throughout the year.

24. eNews

* Not looking for exhibitor updates to find out the latest breaking news about the Show.

25. Leads

* Not protecting leads against loss.
* Not assigning staff to follow up.
* Not following up within five days after the Show.

"SEMA did a survey of buyers once a few years ago to ask, 'What was the thing that you liked least about the SEMA Show?' and the number one answer was that exhibitors don't follow up on their leads," said Schwartz.

"There are some exhibitors at the SEMA Show who have linked the reader into their computers and are responding to the buyer while they are still there at the Show. If you don't do that, then Monday... you must respond to those leads. You must follow up on your leads."

"Every lead is gold," added Schwartz. "Everything you do to make your presence at the SEMA Show successful is more important than ever before."

To access a complete audio download of this presentation and the SEMA Webinar archives, visit http://meridian.sema.org and then click on "Course Catalog.”

Next, enter a search term for the specific webinar or click on "Search" to browse all webinar archives. If you are not already signed in, then you will be prompted to do so.

Avoid These 25 Common Mistakes Made by SEMA Show Exhibitors

Thu, 04/30/2009 - 19:23


	With effective pre-Show planning, you can draw the maximum number of buyers to your booth.

Creating a successful SEMA Show trip does not end at reserving booth space. As part of SEMA's ongoing effort to ensure exhibitors receive the most profitable experience possible, the association hosted a webinar entitled "25 Common Mistakes Made by SEMA Show Exhibitors," presented by ConvExx Chairman Chuck Schwartz, that steers exhibitors away from the common pitfalls of trade show exhibiting.

"I think we are all going to find that if we prepare for the Show knowing what our expectation really needs to be, we will be very successful and get the return on the investment that we expect," Schwartz said.

Schwartz outlined the following 25 mistakes that exhibitors must avoid:

1: Pre-Show Marketing

* Failure to create a pre-Show market plan.
* Failure to include the Show in your company's plan or budget.

2: Suitcasers

* Allowing a suitcaser (an individual who comes to the Show with their booth in their briefcase to try and sell their products to you as well as steal your buyers) to occupy your time.

3: Show Expenses

* Lack of control over Show expenses.
* Not putting your staff on per diem.
* Lack of budgeting for entertaining buyers.

4. Plan

* Lack of a clear plan and timeline.

5. Badges

* Not ordering badges.

6. Budget

* Not creating a budget.
* Not following your budget.

7. Intellectual Property

* Not having records of your trademarks or IP protections.
* Not being equipped with documentation of patent or trademark protection.

8. SEMA Help

* Not utilizing SEMA assistance when facing various difficulties including suitcasers, damages, injuries, thefts, etc.

9. Deadlines

* Missing deadlines and, as a result, paying too much.

10. Hotels

* Picking hotels by quality and not by price.
* Putting staff in different hotels.

11. Booth Installation

* Failure to schedule booth labor properly.
* Hiring temps from outside—a no-no.
* Not testing your booth at home.
* Lack of a back-up plan.

12. Electrical

* Not providing a layout for the electrical order.
* Not being aware of power needs.
* Forgetting to budget for labor and wattage.

13. Rules and Regulations

* Breaking display rules and having to redesign your booth on-site.

14. Handouts

* Not bringing enough flyers or catalogs to the Show.

15. Be in Shape

* Not being prepared for 10% humidity, causing dehydration.

16. Marketing at the Show

* Missing out on a feature vehicle program.
* Not having your new products ready by Show time.
* Not having a press kit.
* Not having sponsorships.
* Forgetting directory listing.

17. Freight

* Not taking advantage of the small-exhibitor 1,000-lb. free-freight program.
* Not obtaining bids on shipping freight to the Show.

18. Booth Staff

* Not training your staff.
* Not creating a schedule.
* Lack of knowledge regarding booth and Show rules.

19. International

* Not attending the international marketplaces to learn how to market outside the United States.
* Not using the free trade leads program in the CIC.

20. Seminars

* Not attending seminars or having staff attend to learn about trends and forecasts in the industry.

21. Assuming that sponsorships were over the company's budget. Not looking for a sponsorship in the price range or contacting Motor Media Inc. to be creative.

22. Exhibit Rendering

* Not sending a rendering of exhibit floorplan in advance to eliminate problems on-site.

23. Association Booth

* Not stopping by the association booth to find out about special programs that can save money throughout the year.

24. eNews

* Not looking for exhibitor updates to find out the latest breaking news about the Show.

25. Leads

* Not protecting leads against loss.
* Not assigning staff to follow up.
* Not following up within five days after the Show.

"SEMA did a survey of buyers once a few years ago to ask, 'What was the thing that you liked least about the SEMA Show?' and the number one answer was that exhibitors don't follow up on their leads," said Schwartz.

"There are some exhibitors at the SEMA Show who have linked the reader into their computers and are responding to the buyer while they are still there at the Show. If you don't do that, then Monday... you must respond to those leads. You must follow up on your leads."

"Every lead is gold," added Schwartz. "Everything you do to make your presence at the SEMA Show successful is more important than ever before."

To access a complete audio download of this presentation and the SEMA Webinar archives, visit http://meridian.sema.org and then click on "Course Catalog.”

Next, enter a search term for the specific webinar or click on "Search" to browse all webinar archives. If you are not already signed in, then you will be prompted to do so.