Representatives from 22 SEMA-member companies recently traveled to Melbourne, Australia, for the third annual SEMA Australia Business Development Conference. The week-long program in late May included exhibiting at the MotorEx Show, visiting accessory and performance businesses (including installers, retailers and distributors) and briefings with top buyers and U.S. government officials. The 2018 trip Down Under is the newest addition to SEMA’s overseas trade missions, which also include programs in the United Arab Emirates and China.

Representatives from 22 SEMA-member companies recently traveled to Melbourne, Australia, for the third annual SEMA Australia Business Development Conference. The week-long program in late May included exhibiting at the MotorEx Show, visiting accessory and performance businesses (including installers, retailers and distributors) and briefings with top buyers and U.S. government officials. The 2018 trip Down Under is the newest addition to SEMA’s overseas trade missions, which also include programs in the United Arab Emirates and China.

With opening day of the 2018 SEMA Show set for Tuesday, October 30, now is the time for exhibitors to make their crucial last push toward attracting buyers to their booths. According to SEMA Trade Show Director Tom Gattuso, more than 60,000 buyers are expected to attend this year’s Show, and a large percentage of them are already determining which exhibitors they want to see.

With opening day of the 2018 SEMA Show set for Tuesday, October 30, now is the time for exhibitors to make their crucial last push toward attracting buyers to their booths. According to SEMA Trade Show Director Tom Gattuso, more than 60,000 buyers are expected to attend this year’s Show, and a large percentage of them are already determining which exhibitors they want to see.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Sales/Marketing Manager: Vararam is hiring a sales/marketing manager with established relationships with WDs to work remotely. Candidates must have at least two years’ relevant experience.

e-commerce Marketplace Specialist: Speedway Motors Inc. is hiring an e-commerce marketplace specialist to oversee the sales of more than 100,000 products and optimize at scale. This position works closely with the marketplace manager to implement strategic objectives aimed at providing industry-leading service while driving growth across all marketplace channels.

Automotive Technician: Automotive Restorations Inc. is hiring an experienced automotive technician for an independent vintage repair shop that has been in business for more than 40 years. Specialties should include European vehicles, including but not limited to Jaguar, Porsche, Mercedes, Ferrari and Maserati. Candidates should have experience and interest in vintage European vehicles, the ability to properly diagnose issues with vehicles, understand and follow directions on a repair order with efficiency and accuracy, correctly examine vehicles for additional work and document all work performed on the vehicle.

Sales Representative: Wes-Coast Marketing is hiring a full-time representative to grow and service customers in the Pacific Northwest region. The ideal candidate must be a self-starter, highly motivated with good communication skills and have general computer skills with knowledge of Outlook, Word and Excel. Living in the Seattle area is preferred.

Digital Marketing Manager: National Speed Inc. is hiring a digital marketing manager to drive inbound leads for national speed performance consultants in both its Wilmington and Richmond locations. This includes developing social-media posts and other digital content that showcase the company’s projects, events and other company news. This also includes managing digital ads on Google Adwords and Facebook platforms, driving maximum ROI in terms of low cost-per-lead and high volume of qualified leads. Candidates must have a high level of peformance automotive technical acumen and strong digital content creation/writing skills. 

By Jason Catullo

Veteran Showgoers know that creating a plan is key to making the most of their SEMA Show experience. With the new SEMA Show Mobile App, locating exhibitors anywhere at the Show, scanning products in the New Products Showcase, viewing the Show's layout and scheduling education seminars have been made easier than ever.  

To quickly navigate the Las Vegas Convention Center, the app will take you where you want to go from anywhere on the Show floor. Simply enter your current location by booth number, exhibitor name or room number, then enter the destination you want to go, and the app will supply you with the best route.

In one of the main attractions of the SEMA Show—the New Products Showcase—Showgoers can use the app to scan a company’s products, receive details and photos, have the case where the product is located highlighted on the Showcase layout and receive directions to that exhibitor's booth.

“The updated, responsive SEMA Show Mobile App is the one tool that all attendees should download,” said SEMA's Trade Show Director Tom Gattuso. “It’s designed to keep Showgoers informed, on time and in touch, so they can return to their businesses having taken advantage of all the Show has to offer.”

Other app features include a “Maps” section that contains the layouts of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s halls and grounds, an “Events” tab that includes the times and locations of the Show’s seminars and special events and the “Celebrity Appearance” button features the schedule of all of the special appearances by notable industry celebrities and personalities.

Download the SEMA Show Mobile App from www.semashow.com/app, the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

By Jason Catullo

Veteran Showgoers know that creating a plan is key to making the most of their SEMA Show experience. With the new SEMA Show Mobile App, locating exhibitors anywhere at the Show, scanning products in the New Products Showcase, viewing the Show's layout and scheduling education seminars have been made easier than ever.  

To quickly navigate the Las Vegas Convention Center, the app will take you where you want to go from anywhere on the Show floor. Simply enter your current location by booth number, exhibitor name or room number, then enter the destination you want to go, and the app will supply you with the best route.

In one of the main attractions of the SEMA Show—the New Products Showcase—Showgoers can use the app to scan a company’s products, receive details and photos, have the case where the product is located highlighted on the Showcase layout and receive directions to that exhibitor's booth.

“The updated, responsive SEMA Show Mobile App is the one tool that all attendees should download,” said SEMA's Trade Show Director Tom Gattuso. “It’s designed to keep Showgoers informed, on time and in touch, so they can return to their businesses having taken advantage of all the Show has to offer.”

Other app features include a “Maps” section that contains the layouts of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s halls and grounds, an “Events” tab that includes the times and locations of the Show’s seminars and special events and the “Celebrity Appearance” button features the schedule of all of the special appearances by notable industry celebrities and personalities.

Download the SEMA Show Mobile App from www.semashow.com/app, the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

By SEMA Editors

The 2018 SEMA Show will feature the artwork of Alex Carmona.

The 2018 SEMA Show, taking place October 30–November 2 in Las Vegas, will have a new look this year featuring the artwork of Alex Carmona, who will become part of a tradition that was established by celebrated automotive artists Max Grundy and Ed Tillrock. Carmona’s art will be woven into marketing material and signage onsite and online to help heighten the energy of the SEMA Show experience by striking a chord with Showgoers at the exclusive event.

“Being named the artist of the 2018 SEMA Show is overwhelming and exciting. After seeing last year the impact that art has at the SEMA Show, I’m excited to take on this challenge,” said Carmona. “I’m looking forward to showcasing my art to the thousands of buyers and exhibitors who will be in attendance.”

Show officials feature a new artist every two to three years at the SEMA Show to help mirror industry trends and innovation for attendees. The annual four-day trade-only event makes it possible for manufacturers of auto parts and accessories to connect and do business with buyers from all over the world.

Alex Carmona

“Alex Carmona’s art will help the 2018 SEMA Show experience strike a chord in the heart and soul of our industry,” said SEMA Vice President of Events and Business Development Peter MacGillivray. “We work with elite artists from the industry to produce original and authentic artwork for the Show that will resonate with Showgoers.”

Carmona specializes in traditional printmaking and art, producing relief prints from wood or linoleum plates that he carves by hand. The 29-year-old has used this technique to produce many automotive prints during his career.

“I love to put action into my artwork and have it tell a story,” said Carmona. “I believe all good art will always be appreciated, but if I can tell a story with my art, rather than it just be a pretty car to look at, I will be able to attract more people and guide them to the different areas of the SEMA Show."

For more information about Carmona’s artwork, visit www.oldschoolalex.com or follow him on Instagram @TheRealOldSchoolAlex.

By SEMA Editors

The 2018 SEMA Show will feature the artwork of Alex Carmona.

The 2018 SEMA Show, taking place October 30–November 2 in Las Vegas, will have a new look this year featuring the artwork of Alex Carmona, who will become part of a tradition that was established by celebrated automotive artists Max Grundy and Ed Tillrock. Carmona’s art will be woven into marketing material and signage onsite and online to help heighten the energy of the SEMA Show experience by striking a chord with Showgoers at the exclusive event.

“Being named the artist of the 2018 SEMA Show is overwhelming and exciting. After seeing last year the impact that art has at the SEMA Show, I’m excited to take on this challenge,” said Carmona. “I’m looking forward to showcasing my art to the thousands of buyers and exhibitors who will be in attendance.”

Show officials feature a new artist every two to three years at the SEMA Show to help mirror industry trends and innovation for attendees. The annual four-day trade-only event makes it possible for manufacturers of auto parts and accessories to connect and do business with buyers from all over the world.

Alex Carmona

“Alex Carmona’s art will help the 2018 SEMA Show experience strike a chord in the heart and soul of our industry,” said SEMA Vice President of Events and Business Development Peter MacGillivray. “We work with elite artists from the industry to produce original and authentic artwork for the Show that will resonate with Showgoers.”

Carmona specializes in traditional printmaking and art, producing relief prints from wood or linoleum plates that he carves by hand. The 29-year-old has used this technique to produce many automotive prints during his career.

“I love to put action into my artwork and have it tell a story,” said Carmona. “I believe all good art will always be appreciated, but if I can tell a story with my art, rather than it just be a pretty car to look at, I will be able to attract more people and guide them to the different areas of the SEMA Show."

For more information about Carmona’s artwork, visit www.oldschoolalex.com or follow him on Instagram @TheRealOldSchoolAlex.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors interested in receiving a vehicle wipe-down each day of the Show must apply by Friday, October 5.

Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners will sponsor a free vehicle wipe-down program for 2018 SEMA Show exhibitors. The service is limited to the first 200 exhibitors, with applications due October 5. One booth or feature vehicle per exhibitor is eligible and will receive a wipe-down each day of the SEMA Show.

For complete guidelines and to apply, fill out the “Daily Wipe-Down” form within the SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual.

Questions can be directed to the SEMA Show customer service team, 909-396-0289, or email wipedown@sema.org.