Manufacturers of automotive specialty-equipment products will find it easier than ever to exhibit at the 2009 SEMA Show, taking place November 3–6, 2009, in Las Vegas. With more than 100,000 automotive professionals expected to gather at the annual event, the SEMA Show is considered by many to be the industry’s leading automotive accessories trade event in the world.

“For more than 40 years the SEMA Show has served as the best place for buyers and manufacturers to meet face-to-face,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Not open to the general public, this Show really is for business people, and it’s about doing business.”

Recognizing today’s challenging economy and the impact it is having on the industry, SEMA Show organizers have streamlined the exhibit rental agreement process, modified the payment plan and are launching an aggressive attendee campaign to retain the Show’s high buyer quality.

“Beginning with the Exhibitor Space Rental Agreement available at www.SEMAShow.com, the process has never been simpler,” said MacGillivray.

This year’s deadline for exhibitors to submit the rental agreement and deposit in order to participate in the priority space selection process was moved back about one month to May 8. The extension allows companies more time to plan for maximum cost-effectiveness, resource efficiency and ROI.

Additionally, for the first time ever, exhibitors using a credit card have the option to pay only 25% down with their rental agreement. The final payment will not be due until September, also later than previous years.

Another benefit that 2009 SEMA Show exhibitors will find is reduced rates for a number of items, including free drayage to those who have 1,000 lbs. or less of freight that is transported to the Show in their personal vehicles, and rock-bottom room rates at more than 30 hotels in Las Vegas during Show week.

“We truly believe that exhibiting at the SEMA Show is an investment in one’s business,” said MacGillivray. “We also believe that SEMA is a partner in this effort. The association is committed to providing exhibitors with everything they need to survive this turbulent economy, and helping them position themselves to thrive once the economy turns around.”

SEMA Show attendees include buyers, installers, dealers, retailers and media from all segments of the automotive specialty-equipment market. Results from the 2008 event found that:

• 88% of attendees said they were planning on placing an order at the SEMA Show.
• 80% of attendees took advantage of exhibitors’ SEMA Show specials.
• Exhibitors had an average of 325 buyers visit their booth.
• Exhibitors left the SEMA Show with an average of 141 qualified leads.

“Our research tells us that the number one reason buyers come to the SEMA Show is to find new products,” MacGillivray said. “If you have a new product to unveil, this is the place to be.”

To learn more about exhibiting at the 2009 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com or contact ConvExx Show Management at sema-exhibit@convexx.com or 702/450-7662, ext. 120.

Manufacturers of automotive specialty-equipment products will find it easier than ever to exhibit at the 2009 SEMA Show, taking place November 3–6, 2009, in Las Vegas. With more than 100,000 automotive professionals expected to gather at the annual event, the SEMA Show is considered by many to be the industry’s leading automotive accessories trade event in the world.

“For more than 40 years the SEMA Show has served as the best place for buyers and manufacturers to meet face-to-face,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Not open to the general public, this Show really is for business people, and it’s about doing business.”

Recognizing today’s challenging economy and the impact it is having on the industry, SEMA Show organizers have streamlined the exhibit rental agreement process, modified the payment plan and are launching an aggressive attendee campaign to retain the Show’s high buyer quality.

“Beginning with the Exhibitor Space Rental Agreement available at www.SEMAShow.com, the process has never been simpler,” said MacGillivray.

This year’s deadline for exhibitors to submit the rental agreement and deposit in order to participate in the priority space selection process was moved back about one month to May 8. The extension allows companies more time to plan for maximum cost-effectiveness, resource efficiency and ROI.

Additionally, for the first time ever, exhibitors using a credit card have the option to pay only 25% down with their rental agreement. The final payment will not be due until September, also later than previous years.

Another benefit that 2009 SEMA Show exhibitors will find is reduced rates for a number of items, including free drayage to those who have 1,000 lbs. or less of freight that is transported to the Show in their personal vehicles, and rock-bottom room rates at more than 30 hotels in Las Vegas during Show week.

“We truly believe that exhibiting at the SEMA Show is an investment in one’s business,” said MacGillivray. “We also believe that SEMA is a partner in this effort. The association is committed to providing exhibitors with everything they need to survive this turbulent economy, and helping them position themselves to thrive once the economy turns around.”

SEMA Show attendees include buyers, installers, dealers, retailers and media from all segments of the automotive specialty-equipment market. Results from the 2008 event found that:

• 88% of attendees said they were planning on placing an order at the SEMA Show.
• 80% of attendees took advantage of exhibitors’ SEMA Show specials.
• Exhibitors had an average of 325 buyers visit their booth.
• Exhibitors left the SEMA Show with an average of 141 qualified leads.

“Our research tells us that the number one reason buyers come to the SEMA Show is to find new products,” MacGillivray said. “If you have a new product to unveil, this is the place to be.”

To learn more about exhibiting at the 2009 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com or contact ConvExx Show Management at sema-exhibit@convexx.com or 702/450-7662, ext. 120.

President Obama and his Auto Task Force initiated a series of actions to help rebuild the U.S. auto industry. In an open letter to the president, SEMA expressed a continued commitment to work with the president and the U.S. Congress toward that goal. SEMA also expressed its opposition to vehicle scrappage programs, also known as “Cash for Clunkers."

President Obama mentioned a willingness to consider including such a program within his auto restructuring plans.

In the letter, SEMA discussed the need to help consumers, automakers and dealerships with a program to stimulate new-car sales. Assistance could come in the form of government-issued vouchers toward the purchase of fuel-efficient new vehicles, and allowing consumers to deduct the car interest payments on their taxes. SEMA, however, strongly opposed tying the vouchers to a scrappage program.

Scappage programs accelerate the demise of older vehicles, which are then typically crushed into blocks of sheetmetal. Program supporters focus on a car's age or fuel-efficiency rating rather than its actual emissions or how much it is driven. SEMA has consistently warned against wasting taxpayer dollars on a program that may produce an artificial spike in sales, but does not reduce emissions nor increase fuel efficiency.

Automakers and dealers need to sell cars in order to survive, but potential buyers have hit the brakes in these tough economic times. Scrappage programs would actually deny vouchers to the majority of people who may want to buy a new car but don’t have an eligible older car to trade. Instead, these programs will be misused by those who own two or three older cars and seek to take advantage of the taxpayer giveaway.

Many of these cars aren’t frequently driven, if at all, so destroying them will not clean the nation’s air or make us less dependent on foreign oil.

While supporters tout a similar German program as evidence of success, the European Federation for Transport and the Environment, (the pan-European federation of environmental groups), has urged Germany and other countries to abandon scrappage subsidies because they do more environmental harm than good by artificially accelerating the car life cycle.

Scrappage programs hurt thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers, customizers and their customers across the country. This industry provides thousands of American jobs and generates millions of dollars in local, state and federal tax revenues.

SEMA encouraged the president to help the entire auto industry with programs that focus the incentive where it counts: on the purchase of new vehicles and not destroying older cars.

Read SEMA's letter to President Obama.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

President Obama and his Auto Task Force initiated a series of actions to help rebuild the U.S. auto industry. In an open letter to the president, SEMA expressed a continued commitment to work with the president and the U.S. Congress toward that goal. SEMA also expressed its opposition to vehicle scrappage programs, also known as “Cash for Clunkers."

President Obama mentioned a willingness to consider including such a program within his auto restructuring plans.

In the letter, SEMA discussed the need to help consumers, automakers and dealerships with a program to stimulate new-car sales. Assistance could come in the form of government-issued vouchers toward the purchase of fuel-efficient new vehicles, and allowing consumers to deduct the car interest payments on their taxes. SEMA, however, strongly opposed tying the vouchers to a scrappage program.

Scappage programs accelerate the demise of older vehicles, which are then typically crushed into blocks of sheetmetal. Program supporters focus on a car's age or fuel-efficiency rating rather than its actual emissions or how much it is driven. SEMA has consistently warned against wasting taxpayer dollars on a program that may produce an artificial spike in sales, but does not reduce emissions nor increase fuel efficiency.

Automakers and dealers need to sell cars in order to survive, but potential buyers have hit the brakes in these tough economic times. Scrappage programs would actually deny vouchers to the majority of people who may want to buy a new car but don’t have an eligible older car to trade. Instead, these programs will be misused by those who own two or three older cars and seek to take advantage of the taxpayer giveaway.

Many of these cars aren’t frequently driven, if at all, so destroying them will not clean the nation’s air or make us less dependent on foreign oil.

While supporters tout a similar German program as evidence of success, the European Federation for Transport and the Environment, (the pan-European federation of environmental groups), has urged Germany and other countries to abandon scrappage subsidies because they do more environmental harm than good by artificially accelerating the car life cycle.

Scrappage programs hurt thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers, customizers and their customers across the country. This industry provides thousands of American jobs and generates millions of dollars in local, state and federal tax revenues.

SEMA encouraged the president to help the entire auto industry with programs that focus the incentive where it counts: on the purchase of new vehicles and not destroying older cars.

Read SEMA's letter to President Obama.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

President Obama and his Auto Task Force initiated a series of actions to help rebuild the U.S. auto industry. In an open letter to the president, SEMA expressed a continued commitment to work with the president and the U.S. Congress toward that goal. SEMA also expressed its opposition to vehicle scrappage programs, also known as “Cash for Clunkers."

President Obama mentioned a willingness to consider including such a program within his auto restructuring plans.

In the letter, SEMA discussed the need to help consumers, automakers and dealerships with a program to stimulate new-car sales. Assistance could come in the form of government-issued vouchers toward the purchase of fuel-efficient new vehicles, and allowing consumers to deduct the car interest payments on their taxes. SEMA, however, strongly opposed tying the vouchers to a scrappage program.

Scappage programs accelerate the demise of older vehicles, which are then typically crushed into blocks of sheetmetal. Program supporters focus on a car's age or fuel-efficiency rating rather than its actual emissions or how much it is driven. SEMA has consistently warned against wasting taxpayer dollars on a program that may produce an artificial spike in sales, but does not reduce emissions nor increase fuel efficiency.

Automakers and dealers need to sell cars in order to survive, but potential buyers have hit the brakes in these tough economic times. Scrappage programs would actually deny vouchers to the majority of people who may want to buy a new car but don’t have an eligible older car to trade. Instead, these programs will be misused by those who own two or three older cars and seek to take advantage of the taxpayer giveaway.

Many of these cars aren’t frequently driven, if at all, so destroying them will not clean the nation’s air or make us less dependent on foreign oil.

While supporters tout a similar German program as evidence of success, the European Federation for Transport and the Environment, (the pan-European federation of environmental groups), has urged Germany and other countries to abandon scrappage subsidies because they do more environmental harm than good by artificially accelerating the car life cycle.

Scrappage programs hurt thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers, customizers and their customers across the country. This industry provides thousands of American jobs and generates millions of dollars in local, state and federal tax revenues.

SEMA encouraged the president to help the entire auto industry with programs that focus the incentive where it counts: on the purchase of new vehicles and not destroying older cars.

Read SEMA's letter to President Obama.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

SEMA is adding two new sections to the 2009 SEMA Show dedicated to powersports and utility vehicles, and paint, body and equipment.

Located in the South Hall, the Powersports & Utility Vehicles section will feature manufacturers of power-driven equipment, such as personal transporters; motorcycles; motor scooters; two-, three- and four-wheel ATVs; pocket bikes; specialty golf carts; mini-bikes; dirt bikes; and accessories and services that support these vehicles.

“We are constantly seeking new growth opportunities for our members and attendees of the SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The Powersports and Utility Vehicle marketplace is of growing importance to our core buyers. Manufacturers in this area will discover a slew of potential buyers.

"Meanwhile, the SEMA Show will serve as a convenient location for veteran attendees to discover all there is to know about this booming market.”

Attendees will have opportunities to participate in educational seminars and interactive workshops focused on the powersports and utility vehicle market during the week.

The 2009 SEMA Show will also feature the new Paint, Body & Equipment section, which will feature vehicle paint booths, prep stations, body work, frame machines, spray guns and safety/filtration/breathing apparatus, coating/refinishing products, services and publications. The Paint, Body & Equipment section will be located in the North Hall, adjoining the Tools & Equipment section. 

The annual SEMA Show gathers more than 100,000 professionals from all sections of the automotive aftermarket, including more than 2,000 media representing 100 countries. Information regarding the SEMA Show and all its sections is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Manufacturers interested in exhibiting should contact Show management at 702/450-7662.

SEMA is adding two new sections to the 2009 SEMA Show dedicated to powersports and utility vehicles, and paint, body and equipment.

Located in the South Hall, the Powersports & Utility Vehicles section will feature manufacturers of power-driven equipment, such as personal transporters; motorcycles; motor scooters; two-, three- and four-wheel ATVs; pocket bikes; specialty golf carts; mini-bikes; dirt bikes; and accessories and services that support these vehicles.

“We are constantly seeking new growth opportunities for our members and attendees of the SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The Powersports and Utility Vehicle marketplace is of growing importance to our core buyers. Manufacturers in this area will discover a slew of potential buyers.

"Meanwhile, the SEMA Show will serve as a convenient location for veteran attendees to discover all there is to know about this booming market.”

Attendees will have opportunities to participate in educational seminars and interactive workshops focused on the powersports and utility vehicle market during the week.

The 2009 SEMA Show will also feature the new Paint, Body & Equipment section, which will feature vehicle paint booths, prep stations, body work, frame machines, spray guns and safety/filtration/breathing apparatus, coating/refinishing products, services and publications. The Paint, Body & Equipment section will be located in the North Hall, adjoining the Tools & Equipment section. 

The annual SEMA Show gathers more than 100,000 professionals from all sections of the automotive aftermarket, including more than 2,000 media representing 100 countries. Information regarding the SEMA Show and all its sections is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Manufacturers interested in exhibiting should contact Show management at 702/450-7662.

SEMA is adding two new sections to the 2009 SEMA Show dedicated to powersports and utility vehicles, and paint, body and equipment.

Located in the South Hall, the Powersports & Utility Vehicles section will feature manufacturers of power-driven equipment, such as personal transporters; motorcycles; motor scooters; two-, three- and four-wheel ATVs; pocket bikes; specialty golf carts; mini-bikes; dirt bikes; and accessories and services that support these vehicles.

“We are constantly seeking new growth opportunities for our members and attendees of the SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The Powersports and Utility Vehicle marketplace is of growing importance to our core buyers. Manufacturers in this area will discover a slew of potential buyers.

"Meanwhile, the SEMA Show will serve as a convenient location for veteran attendees to discover all there is to know about this booming market.”

Attendees will have opportunities to participate in educational seminars and interactive workshops focused on the powersports and utility vehicle market during the week.

The 2009 SEMA Show will also feature the new Paint, Body & Equipment section, which will feature vehicle paint booths, prep stations, body work, frame machines, spray guns and safety/filtration/breathing apparatus, coating/refinishing products, services and publications. The Paint, Body & Equipment section will be located in the North Hall, adjoining the Tools & Equipment section. 

The annual SEMA Show gathers more than 100,000 professionals from all sections of the automotive aftermarket, including more than 2,000 media representing 100 countries. Information regarding the SEMA Show and all its sections is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Manufacturers interested in exhibiting should contact Show management at 702/450-7662.

The E85 ethanol-powered C6.R run by Corvette Racing in the 2008 American Le Mans Series marries horsepower and greenpower.

A new conference is being held to address how the high-performance motorsports business is connecting with today’s advancements in green automotive applications.

“The Race Goes Green” is a one-day business event taking place at the Long Beach Convention Center on the opening day of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Thursday, April 16, 2009. Industry leaders will reveal new technologies that are making it possible for today’s race cars and other high-performance vehicles to be more fuel- and energy-efficient.

“The event is about how today’s cars and trucks can be both ‘cool’ and ‘green’,” said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. “Through new vehicle technology and advanced engineering, horsepower and green power are able to coexist.”

Waraniak is among the featured presenters of the conference. He will be joined by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting; AutoNation CEO Mike Jackson; Pete Spence, group vice president technical director, Toyota Racing Development USA; Don Taylor from the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA); Herb Fishel, former GM Motorsports executive; and others.

“Participants will leave with a good understanding of what green vehicle technologies exist and the emerging business opportunities this presents,” said Waraniak. “Equally important is the opportunity that attendees will have to meet and network with senior executives and decision makers from major automakers and motorsports companies.”

The conference is presented by SEMA and the Motorsports Industry Association (MIA). Both organizations represent companies in the motorsports industry and seek to provide members with timely and relevant news to help their businesses grow and succeed.

To learn more about the event or to register, visit the Motorsports Industry Association.

The E85 ethanol-powered C6.R run by Corvette Racing in the 2008 American Le Mans Series marries horsepower and greenpower.

A new conference is being held to address how the high-performance motorsports business is connecting with today’s advancements in green automotive applications.

“The Race Goes Green” is a one-day business event taking place at the Long Beach Convention Center on the opening day of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Thursday, April 16, 2009. Industry leaders will reveal new technologies that are making it possible for today’s race cars and other high-performance vehicles to be more fuel- and energy-efficient.

“The event is about how today’s cars and trucks can be both ‘cool’ and ‘green’,” said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. “Through new vehicle technology and advanced engineering, horsepower and green power are able to coexist.”

Waraniak is among the featured presenters of the conference. He will be joined by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting; AutoNation CEO Mike Jackson; Pete Spence, group vice president technical director, Toyota Racing Development USA; Don Taylor from the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA); Herb Fishel, former GM Motorsports executive; and others.

“Participants will leave with a good understanding of what green vehicle technologies exist and the emerging business opportunities this presents,” said Waraniak. “Equally important is the opportunity that attendees will have to meet and network with senior executives and decision makers from major automakers and motorsports companies.”

The conference is presented by SEMA and the Motorsports Industry Association (MIA). Both organizations represent companies in the motorsports industry and seek to provide members with timely and relevant news to help their businesses grow and succeed.

To learn more about the event or to register, visit the Motorsports Industry Association.