The Trade Event’s Continued Growth Bodes Well for the Tire Industry

Each year, SEMA teams up with the Tire Industry Association (TIA) to present the Global Tire Expo Powered by TIA—a unique “show within the SEMA Show” that focuses exclusively on the needs of the tire-business community. Targeted to all segments of the tire industry, including light duty, medium duty, heavy duty, retreading, recycling and more, this tire exhibition and conference stands as the industry’s foremost comprehensive trade gathering.

Over the last several years, SEMA has taken steps to heighten our outreach and increase touch points with members and the industry at large. This effort has included a commitment to enhancing customer service and raising the awareness of SEMA’s high-value member benefits. We recently announced a major move that will provide our members with the best customer service possible. For the first time in 50 years, each SEMA member will now have a single, dedicated point of contact for all things SEMA.

Empowering an Industry

The 2013 SEMA Show left no doubt that the automotive specialty-equipment industry is stronger than ever. While final attendance figures were being audited at press time, organizers reported that more than 126,000 credentials were issued prior to the event, with thousands more processed on site.

More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth.

SEMA Show attendees have the opportunity to preview the 2013 SEMA Show Directory, making Show planning easier and more productive.

The SEMA Show Directory is a valuable resource to help plan and navigate the features of the SEMA Show and its more than 2,000 exhibitors. In addition to the directory, take a moment to also click through other pre-show tools including a preview of the Show's feature vehicles, a celebrity appearance schedule and a SEMA Show Guide for buyers. The 2013 SEMA Show is set for Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Fifty years ago, in May of 1963 to be exact, a roomful of industry pioneers founded a trade association—the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association—and SEMA was born. As we celebrate the organization’s Golden Anniversary, what held true then is still true today: the association, with deep volunteer participation and guidance, is a reflection of the industry itself. Together we’re celebrating five decades of business perseverance, growth, innovation and success.

At a recent SEMA Installation Banquet I was noting some of the challenges that confront the industry and I read an excerpt from an industry trade publication: “We may wake up one morning soon and find there’s no one left with any reason to buy headers or manifolds or a host of other performance products designed to make a car perform better…

Taking Advantage of the Recreational Possibilities

While most attendees and exhibitors at the 2013 SEMA Show will spend the majority of their time either touring the displays or participating in the many educational and networking opportunities available, there’s plenty to do in the entertainment mecca of Las Vegas. It is one of the great recreational destinations in the world, offering all types of show-business entertainment as well as cultural, historical and outdoor activities.

Check out the official Las Vegas tourism site to find out about the myriad shows, activities, restaurants and more.

Show Registration, SEMA Show Mobile App, The New Products Showcase, Exclusive Benefits for SEMA-Member Buyers, 2013 DUB Show Tour, First-Time & Featured Exhibitors, Toyo Tires Treadpass and more.

As the world’s premier automotive aftermarket trade event, the annual SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) can seem overwhelming. How do you cover well over a million square feet of display vehicles, product innovations and special events in just a few short days? The secret, according to SEMA Show Director Tom Gattuso, is to start strategizing ahead of time.

“The SEMA Show is like the Super Bowl,” said Gattuso. “A buyer can’t just show up and hope to win. You have to have a strategy. The more you plan ahead, the more productive you will be. We talk to buyers extensively after each Show and find that those who had a plan are substantially more successful.”