Generating leads and establishing connections with buyers is a top priority for exhibitors, and a successful Show typically means once the Show closes, the real value of committing to the SEMA Show begins to pay dividends.

It's been exactly one month since the Las Vegas Convention Center was taken over by the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Since that time, the media has worked day and night developing articles, radio broadcasts and television shows, dedicated to giving audiences at least a taste of the 2010 SEMA Show experience. While the media's highlight reels magnificently capture Show floor excitement, for a report on the business impact of the recent SEMA Show, the most powerful stories are coming directly from SEMA Show exhibiting manufacturers.

Generating leads and establishing connections with buyers is a top priority for exhibitors, and a successful Show typically means once the Show closes, the real value of committing to the SEMA Show begins to pay dividends. For Doug Worswick, CEO of Bubba Rope, his company's rolodex is now filled with contacts stretching from Oklahoma to South Africa.

"Being fortunate and honored to receive one of 15 awards from 2,000 entrants in the New Products Showcase as 'Best New Packaging Design' truly puts Bubba Rope on the automotive specialty-equipment map," said Worswick. In fact, according to Worswick, the excitement and enthusiasm generated by Bubba Rope's presence at the Show lead to multiple distribution deals with domestic and international partners. "We found ourselves unexpectedly finalizing exclusive distribution in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, with many other countries showing tremendous interest." Bubba Rope also initiated multiple new business opportunities with domestic buyers. Worswick explained, "Nationally, we scored huge as well, having opened up new distribution channels in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wyoming and Iowa, with many more distribution leads to follow up on."

For many exhibitors, the face-to-face meetings that are only possible at the SEMA Show, create enthusiasm unlike any other form of advertisement. Todd Deshler of Time Shaver Tools saw first hand the value of showcasing his company's Panel Thing painting stand in front of Show attendees. "As we demonstrated our products to bodyshop operators, their enthusiasm was not lost on the wholesale buyers standing nearby," said Deshler. "We can’t overestimate the value an auto body technician explaining to an overseas buyer why he likes a particular product so much." Similar to Bubba Rope, Time Shaver Tools continues to reap the benefits of exhibiting at the Show. "For Time Shaver Tools, the SEMA Show represents a primary location for developing closer relationships with our customers both here and abroad. Our sales from this year’s Show far exceeded our greatest expectations."

For other exhibitors, it's not just following up on leads, a successful SEMA Show has served as a catalyst to hire new employees to meet demands. In a recent article in aftermarketNews, Signal Extraprise Corp. was singled out for having to add sales executives to help "enhance the profitability and productivity of their operations." Signal Extraprise President and CEO A.J. McKenna further suggested that his company's success at the SEMA Show is a positive indicator for the entire industry.

“SEMA Show organizers and TIA deserve praise for creating the Global Tire Expo this year and providing exhibitors and attendees with a refreshed venue for face-to-face meetings and networking opportunities," said McKenna. "Our positive experience was a clear signal that the aftermarket has been emboldened and is preparing for a resurgence after challenging times.”

Ultimately, it is the year-long impact on specialty-equipment business that makes the annual SEMA Show so much more than a four-day business trip to Las Vegas. It's the momentum that the Show creates that brings attendees and exhibitors back, year after year. Speed Dawg LLC General Manager Christopher Figdore cited his company's tremendous success last year as a first-time exhibitor as the primary reason they returned in 2010. According to Figdore, it's a can't-miss event, and his company's presence not only generated new business, but caught the global media's attention as well.

"The SEMA Show enabled Speed Dawg to develop new business relationships, show the quality of our products and expand the awareness of our brand," said Figdore. "Speed Dawg also received a 2010 SEMA Global Media Best New Product Award—a tremendous honor for us that will be utilized in our promotional endeavors."

The business impact of the SEMA Show is something that exhibiting manufacturers will continue to report on throughout 2011. Though each company's story is unique, the common theme is that by claiming a booth space and being a part of the Show, exhibitors will continue to find opportunities that didn't exist a month ago. Throughout the new year, look for 2010 SEMA Show exhibitors to continually grab the media spotlight, taking what premiered in Vegas and delivering it to the world.

Media registration is now open for the 14th MPMC Media Trade Conference. The MPMC Media Trade Conference takes place January 25–27, 2011, at Embassy Suites Los Angeles International Airport South, El Segundo, California. Media attendance is free, and includes lunch each day, and a media reception on Tuesday evening of the Conference.

Media: Register here.

Media registration is now open for the 14th MPMC Media Trade Conference. The MPMC Media Trade Conference takes place January 25–27, 2011, at Embassy Suites Los Angeles International Airport South, El Segundo, California. Media attendance is free, and includes lunch each day, and a media reception on Tuesday evening of the Conference.

Media: Register here.

Distributors and retailers from throughout China gathered in Beijing to meet with 21 SEMA-member companies that were participating in the first SEMA China Business Development Conference. The hotel-based program held in Beijing in September was built around a series of one-on-one meetings with pre-selected Chinese buyers who traveled to the event from cities throughout China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Ha'erbin in the far north, Guangzhou in the south and Hubei in the center of the country. [Read more]

Distributors and retailers from throughout China gathered in Beijing to meet with 21 SEMA-member companies that were participating in the first SEMA China Business Development Conference. The hotel-based program held in Beijing in September was built around a series of one-on-one meetings with pre-selected Chinese buyers who traveled to the event from cities throughout China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Ha'erbin in the far north, Guangzhou in the south and Hubei in the center of the country. [Read more]

It was no accident that the NHRA brought the U.S. Nationals to Detroit in 1959. The Big Three were engaged in a growing horsepower war, and hot rodders were enjoying the spoils of that war, turning Detroit's big-inch, multi-carbed mills into quarter-mile terrors. Wally Parks, who at the time was both the editor of Hot Rod magazine and president of the NHRA, felt that there would be no better way to demonstrate the popularity of drag racing to the members of the Motown establishment than to have this national meet in their backyard. [Read more] 

 

It was no accident that the NHRA brought the U.S. Nationals to Detroit in 1959. The Big Three were engaged in a growing horsepower war, and hot rodders were enjoying the spoils of that war, turning Detroit's big-inch, multi-carbed mills into quarter-mile terrors. Wally Parks, who at the time was both the editor of Hot Rod magazine and president of the NHRA, felt that there would be no better way to demonstrate the popularity of drag racing to the members of the Motown establishment than to have this national meet in their backyard. [Read more] 

 

Services for Bob DeYoung will be held on Monday, December 20, at 1:00 p.m., at the Phoenix First Assembly of God – (Building H), in Phoenix, Arizona.

The industry mourns the loss of a lifelong friend Bob DeYoung. He was 59. Services for DeYoung will be held on Monday, December 20, at 1:00 p.m., at the Phoenix First Assembly of God – (Building H), in Phoenix, Arizona (602/867-7117).

For the past 24 years, DeYoung has been involved in the Cragar Wheel Brand of products. Prior to Cragar, he worked in the performance aftermarket for companies that include Chuck’s Speed Shop, Goosic Total Performance, Loper’s Performance and Tom Klein Racing Engines, to name a few.

DeYoung is well known for his love for racing of all types. He and partner Joe Faulkner raced an El Camino drag car in the late ’70s that is still remembered by many. He also raced several late-model oval track stock cars, being best remembered for the unique Cadillac Seville-bodied car that raced throughout the southwest United States.

DeYoung's dedication and enthusiasm are defined by his 45-plus years of participation in the specialty-equipment industry and the many friends he made along the way.

"I am very sad to hear of Bob's passing. A great guy. Always available to help when he could." —Vic Wood, MPMC Chair-Elect, Vice President of Sales, Hedman Performance Group

"Bob was truly passionate about his work and the industry. My heart goes out to the family." —Bill Floyd, Immediate Past Chair MPMC, President, Lucas Oil Change Centers

"Bob always had a smile, and a good word." —Steve LeSueur, President, Steve’s Fast Fuels

"Bob really knew how to handle the race group and also knew how to handle the 'suits.' On top of that, he was a real honest guy. He will be missed, but not forgotten." —Tom Curnow, CEO, Performance Products

"Bob was one of the all-time good guys and a best friend. He was instrumental in getting me my first job with a performance manufacturer (Mr. Gasket Exhaust) and meant the world to me. He was one of the people who was a positive influence in the lives of many and was always there when someone needed him." —Chris Thomson, SEMA Board of Directors, National Sales Manager, AIRAID Filter Company

The 2011 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund provides financial awards ranging from $1,000–$4,000 to students preparing for careers in the automotive industry.

Students preparing for careers in the automotive industry may be eligible to receive financial awards ranging from $1,000–$4,000 through the 2011 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF). The scholarship application, which is due April 1, 2011, and requires college transcripts and letters of recommendation, is now available at www.sema.org/scholarships.

“Paying for a high-quality education is a challenge for many, particularly in today’s tough economy,” said Jamie Eriksen, SEMA education director. “SEMA is pleased to play a part in helping students prepare for careers in an innovative and exciting industry.”

Unlike financial aid and student loans, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship is a one-time award that does not have to be paid back. Awards are granted to eligible applicants based on academic achievements, work experience, community involvement, essay content and recommendations. Students may re-apply each year, provided that they still meet the eligibility criteria. A loan forgiveness award is also available to recent graduates who are working for SEMA-member companies and paying off existing student loans. Details and applications for both the scholarship and the loan-forgiveness awards are available at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Winners will be notified in the summer of 2011. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student’s college, university, trade or vocational school to help offset the cost of tuition. Loan-forgiveness payments are sent directly to the financial institutions.

For complete details, visit www.sema.org/scholarships or contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org, 909/978-6655.

The 2011 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund provides financial awards ranging from $1,000–$4,000 to students preparing for careers in the automotive industry.

Students preparing for careers in the automotive industry may be eligible to receive financial awards ranging from $1,000–$4,000 through the 2011 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF). The scholarship application, which is due April 1, 2011, and requires college transcripts and letters of recommendation, is now available at www.sema.org/scholarships.

“Paying for a high-quality education is a challenge for many, particularly in today’s tough economy,” said Jamie Eriksen, SEMA education director. “SEMA is pleased to play a part in helping students prepare for careers in an innovative and exciting industry.”

Unlike financial aid and student loans, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship is a one-time award that does not have to be paid back. Awards are granted to eligible applicants based on academic achievements, work experience, community involvement, essay content and recommendations. Students may re-apply each year, provided that they still meet the eligibility criteria. A loan forgiveness award is also available to recent graduates who are working for SEMA-member companies and paying off existing student loans. Details and applications for both the scholarship and the loan-forgiveness awards are available at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Winners will be notified in the summer of 2011. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student’s college, university, trade or vocational school to help offset the cost of tuition. Loan-forgiveness payments are sent directly to the financial institutions.

For complete details, visit www.sema.org/scholarships or contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org, 909/978-6655.