We’re pleased to report that the SEMA Data Co-op has surpassed critical mass and is rolling! Your industry-owned product data repository now has more than 350 brands covering more than 2.7 million live part numbers. Every week, we see thousands of data exports pulled down by data receivers—our industry’s resellers and retailers. That means that more products are getting more exposure, leading to increased sales.

That’s great news. Meanwhile, the marketplace continues to evolve. These days, more than 50% of all sales begin with online research, and studies show that a product listing that offers an image is more than twice as likely to sell as one with no image. Rich data—images with multiple views, video files, audio files—is reported to be as much as 17 times more likely to prompt a sale.

With the Right Demographic, a Potential Boon

Businesses with a significant demographic skewed toward “hipper,” generally younger tech users—people who like to stay on the edge of what’s happening digitally—should take a serious look at QR-code marketing. Most of us have come across a QR (quick reach) code in our travels. It’s that framed square of hieroglyphic-like symbols that we flip to in a magazine, which triggers our smartphones to reveal a company website when scanned. Or it’s on that advertisement we see at an airport or train station that, when scanned, conjures up an electronic coupon on our tablets that can be used at a coffee shop, often only steps away.

In addition to being one of the world’s largest trade events, the SEMA Show is a car show like no other. Automotive specialty-equipment manufacturers from throughout the world exhibit their wares on some of the most finely crafted vehicles in existence, and many are on display for the first time anywhere.

The feature vehicles shown in this listing and online will appear in exhibitor booths and in display areas throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center and the adjacent outdoor grounds. Check them out in person—and, in many cases, see how they turned out—when you get to the SEMA Show!

Playing in the Recreational Mecca

The annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas is, first and foremost, one of the world’s largest automotive trade events, and business is the number-one priority. But that doesn’t preclude a ton of fun on the side—especially given all the opportunities the city presents. The following items are a few highlighted attractions, but be sure to visit the official city website at www.lasvegas.com for its huge listing of activities, shows, tours and more. You can even download a guide to the city at the site or order a hard copy. The breadth of possibilities is amazing!

TIA Executive Vice President

On behalf of the Tire Industry Association (TIA), welcome to the 2014 Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA. The Global Tire Expo (GTE) continues to be a world-class show that is unmatched in the industry. From discovering new products to networking, I hope that you will take advantage of all the opportunities that GTE has to offer.

I am excited that the Global Tire Expo continues to experience growth and am pleased to welcome many new exhibitors. TIA has worked closely with our valuable partner SEMA to ensure this year’s show will be a tremendous success.

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...

Interested in placing an ad in the SEMA News Product and Catalog Showcase?

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!

The SEMA Show is all about innovation and creativity. For a taste of what’s coming at the 2014 event, check out the more than 70 new products previewed here.

During the Show on November 4–7, 2014, head to the upper level of South Hall for a look at the New Products Showcase in the Las Vegas Convention Center.