SEMA led a fact-finding and buying mission to the Middle East, where Abu Dhabi was the venue for a one-on-one matchmaking event held April 17–20. Through a series of private meetings and networking events, participating U.S. manufacturers gathered with pre-vetted local importers and retailers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and from throughout the region for the SEMA Middle East Market Development Conference. An intimate, hotel-based, one-on-one setting allowed manufacturers and buyers the opportunity to get to know one another over several full days and included receptions and events at the Yas Marina Circuit, which is the venue for the Abu Dhabi
Grand Prix.

The floorplan for the 2012 SEMA Show is live and available on the SEMA Show website at www.SEMAShow.com. More than 1,800 exhibitors recently participated in the Priority Space Selection process, which concluded on June 22.

From modifying a vehicle’s original-equipment appearance with products such as new grilles or complete body kits to buffing oxidized paint on a classic muscle machine, car-care and restyling products can dramatically change a car’s look or add features unavailable from the OEM. Hundreds of items aimed at doing just that were introduced in the New Products Showcase during the 2011 SEMA Show, and we’ve gathered them here to give you a quick look at the innovations and trends that are bringing sparkle to the marketplace.

Attendee and media registration for the 2012 SEMA Show is now open at www.SEMAShow.com/register. The annual trade-only event takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, 2012, in Las Vegas.

Buyers registering at www.SEMAShow.com/register before the early registration deadline pay just $25. They will also be sent their badges in the mail in advance of the event, allowing them to hit the Show floor immediately when the SEMA Show opens October 30.

International interest in automotive customization continues to grow each year. That is the reason why journalists from around the world come to the SEMA Show. With attendees from Canada, Mexico, Australia, Japan, Venezuela, Brazil and more than 120 other countries, the SEMA Show is featured in publications throughout the world. Below is just a sampling of the media coverage from outside the United States.

McLeod Racing LLC, Source Interlink Media, Automotive Accessories Management USA, Quarter Mile Foundation, Atlas Copco Compressors, Classic Industries, Royal Purple, King Engine Bearings, and more.

Since its beginning 24 years ago, the PRI Trade Show has become a key asset to race teams, engine builders, track owners, fabricators and retailers in every form of motorsports. Last year, more than 1,100 companies came to the PRI Trade Show to exhibit, and nearly 40,000 motorsports professionals attended. PRI has its own unique constituency and culture, and it has a history of helping build businesses through face-to-face meetings between exhibitors and attendees.