For much of 2014, SEMA members have generally reported having a good year and, for some, a great year. I’ve observed that the SEMA Show is a barometer of industry strength, reflected by participation and investment in the Show. This year’s pre-Show registration indicates that the SEMA Show will be an outstanding springboard for growth opportunities in 2015.

This marks the fifth straight year that the Show has had increased participation levels since the lows of the recession in 2009. This makes for a larger Show, but more important than size is how many innovative manufacturers are taking the opportunity...

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The following celebrities and industry personalities represent a sample of of the hundreds scheduled to appear at the 2014 SEMA Show. To view the entire real-time celebrities and industry personalities list, visit here.

Discover New Business With First-Time Exhibitors, Celebrate at the SEMA Banquet, Toyo Tires Treadpass, Gold Pavilion Features New Exhibitors and “Overhaulin’” With Chip Foose, Omix-ADA Jeep Giveaway, New Products Showcase and Join the SEMA Cruise—Get Ignited!

Breaking news from SEMA member companies, including Hastings Manufacturing, J&L Marketing, Flaming River Industries, Kit Car Builder, The Hybrid Shop, Drake Automotive Group and more.

GM Duramax Turbo Diesel, Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, ’16 Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger SRT8

In the past, the creation of an Interest-Charge Domestic International Sales Corporation (IC-DISC) has allowed U.S. manufacturers from a number of industries to greatly reduce the amount of tax paid on their exports—and the automotive industry has been no exception. For example, tax specialist alliantgroup recently helped one company that produces LED lights for a variety of motor vehicles receive $235,600 in tax savings on their exports. Another company that creates fabrics and composites for automotive applications was eligible to receive $539,000 in tax dollars for its IC-DISC.

3M has challenged all graphics experts to showcase their talents using 3M Wrap Film Series 1080 and face off in the Wrap2Wrap Battle. Installers began competing in online knockout rounds in August, and two finalists will go head-to-head, Thursday, November 6, at the 2014 SEMA Show.

If you’re not registered to participate in the SEMA Ignited event, now is the time to get in. The event concept is simple. After four days behind closed doors in the Las Vegas Convention Center, visible only to industry professionals, participating cars and trucks from the SEMA Show will roll out on Friday, November 7, to assemble at one of the newest landmarks in the city, the High Roller observation wheel at the LINQ entertainment district. There, from 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., consumers and the media will be able to experience the hottest cars, products and personalities from the SEMA Show and enjoy food and music in a culminating celebration. Participation in the event will be free of charge to SEMA exhibitors, attendees and consumers.

The Keys Are Collecting, Qualifying and Following Up

According to a report entitled “2013 SEMA Show Research”—a post-Show survey of exhibitors and attendees—almost 90% of exhibitors at the 2013 SEMA Show said that they exhibit in order to generate leads and increase awareness of their companies. Slightly higher percentages said that those objectives were met at the 2013 Show.