Eight Young Executives Network (YEN) members rode along on the YEN Power Tour in June, a journey of more than 1,500 miles from Madison, Wisconsin, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In addition to visiting each of the seven stops scheduled for the Hot Rod Power Tour, the YEN program added a twist of its own: Josh Backes, Tim Brueggeman, Jared Chavez, Cathy Clark, Matthew Davis, Keith McWilliams, Troy Spackman and Tyler Wesely each became advocates for the network and the industry, highlighting the variety of career choices available in the automotive specialty-equipment market. By the end of the week, the participants had become good friends.
While trade events and large automotive gatherings such as the upcoming SEMA Show in November offer manufacturers unparalleled opportunities to introduce products to hungry buyers, they also present a challenge. How does a company break out and get noticed amid a sea of competitors and busy floor activity? For many companies, the answer is a show or project vehicle—which can not only grab attention at the Show but continue holding it long after if done right.
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The inaugural Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA) New Product Showcase event, held at the All Truck Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on August 6–8, 2010, proved to be a hit with both the LTAA participants and event attendees. The brand-new LTAA-member benefit gave participating companies the opportunity to display products in front of one of the largest gatherings of truck enthusiasts in the country. Each product was placed for display, and an information sign was prepared for each one, providing enthusiasts with a product description, suggested retail price, company contact information and All Truck Nationals booth number (if the company was displaying at the event). Carlisle Events located the LTAA New Products Showcase tent strategically at the entrance to the manufacturer's midway, ensuring that every midway visitor would pass through the area. Thirty-five products from 15 LTAA-member companies were on display inside the tent, and A.R.E. and Undercover each provided a fullsize truck to display their products on. The trucks made perfect bookends on either side of the tent.
Over the past few years, SEMA has sought to reach out to its members in order to hear what they have to say about their businesses and how the association may better serve them, especially during tough economic times.
SEMA announced a new program that will make it easier and more affordable than ever for Southern California buyers.
Two new sections at the 2009 SEMA Show will highlight powersports and utility vehicles, and paint and body equipment.
