SEMA Programs for Global Exports
Growing demand for U.S. products among the more than 95% of the world’s consumers who reside outside the country has resulted in a five-fold growth in American exports from 1985–2012, according to a Federal Reserve Bank report, and a record number of American companies are seeking to meet the demand. Yet for all that growth, the Small Business Administration reports that only 1% of small businesses are involved in exporting. And for those that are, 58% export to only one country and 83% to less than five markets.
There are huge benefits for companies that export. Diversifying the customer base can lead to an improved bottom line; companies that export are better positioned to ride out future U.S. economic downturns and can increase the firms’ overall competitiveness through access to new customers; exporting leads to new ways of doing business; and exports provide contact with new cultures.
The Vehicle Technology Center (VTC) held a prominent position in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center at the 2012 SEMA Show, drawing greater attention and attendance than ever before. The VTC and Technology Briefing Seminar (TBS) program will be returning to the 2013 SEMA Show, providing attendees with new levels of education through the program’s vehicle technology keynotes, briefing sessions and workshops. 
Business is changing. And for those of us who have been in the industry for 20, 25, 30 years or more, it just feels different than it used to. I was talking to an old friend the other day who runs a specialty performance company, and he said, “You know, it just seems like nobody talks to each other on the phone anymore.” Yep, e-mail has changed the way we do business. The same sentiment can be heard in brick-and-mortar stores across the country in the form of, “You know, people don’t come into the store like they used to.” 
The SEMA Education Institute (SEI) has developed a three-part series of webinars designed to help exhibitors—both first-timers and veterans—get the most out of their SEMA Show investments. Preparing for the Show is a tremendous task, and strategy is required to successfully navigate the logistical and operational aspects involved. 
On July 12, SEMA members, SEMA staff and thousands of enthusiasts across the United States celebrated the fourth annual Collector Car Appreciation Day. A wide range of official events were also held in Canada and Australia to commemorate the day, designated by SEMA-requested U.S. Senate Resolution 176, which was sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Richard 
Each year, SEMA commissions an internal study to help association staff understand how to make the SEMA Show better. Based on thousands of interviews with exhibitors and attendees, it’s a study that contains valuable insights about the SEMA Show for the association. Of those insights, perhaps the most valuable takeaway is that new products are the force that drive the Show, yet many exhibitors don’t utilize successful Show features that highlight their products.
Nissan Aftermarket Engineering has launched a program of services to SEMA manufacturer members (only) for the automaker’s vehicles sold in the United States. Available through SEMA’s existing Technology Transfer program, the program is intended to provide members with access to Nissan’s technical/BBG questions, CAD files, aftermarket product notifications, white bodies and modifier VPPs as well as Ship-Thru and Ship-To services.