Hot Topics at the SEMA Show
More than 50 educational programs in a number of segment categories will be presented at the 2012 SEMA Show, and you can see the full list in “2012 SEMA Show Education Days Brochure." Even so, we wanted to call out a few seminars that are of particular importance.
Some of the Attractions at the World’s Greatest Automotive Show
The SEMA Show is the world’s largest automotive trade show, but it’s much more than that. It’s a museum, a looking glass into the future, a university, a carnival, a catalog of innovation, a media frenzy and an incubator for tomorrow’s industry leaders. In short, from Tuesday, October 30–Friday, November 2, it’s the place where every automotive professional should be and where every auto enthusiast wishes he or she could be.
The Chairman of ConvExx Talks About Priorities at the SEMA Show
Chuck and Susan Schwartz, both of whom are Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), are the driving forces behind ConvExx, the company that manages the SEMA Show. They bring more than 45 years of experience in exhibition production and management to the Show, and their company includes eight additional team members who carry CEM credentials.
Providing product training to retailers and installers helps them sell. Understanding what a product does allows the end user to take advantage of its full capabilities. The SEMA Show will help bring both concepts to fruition through a series of product training sessions that will be conducted by exhibitors, allowing a complete understanding of how products can best be installed, used and marketed.
As the industry’s premier trade association, SEMA has long celebrated the spirit of volunteerism that prompts many of these individuals to give back. In fact, the association depends on such volunteerism for its very existence—its Board of Directors and council leadership are composed entirely of aftermarket professionals who donate their own time and talents to advance the industry’s goals. To support and recognize these leaders, SEMA again presented its annual Leadership Summit program July 25–27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona, California. The following are some highlights from the three-day industry gathering.
Put Your New and Featured Products Front and Center
Each year, hundreds of specialty-equipment businesses debut their newest products at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. If you’re an exhibitor in search of buyer and press attention for your latest and greatest innovations, there’s no better way to get it than the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Product Showcase section.
SEMA’s Vehicle Technology Center
One of the central principles of lean customization is the Japanese term Genchi Genbutsu, which means “go and see.” To truly understand new business opportunities and the impact vehicle technology is having on automotive specialty-equipment products, you need to Go to the Gemba—the place where value and meaning are created.
A Tidal Wave of New Exhibitors Have Committed to the 2012 SEMA Show
Last year, more than 600 hundred companies came to the SEMA Show for the first time, bringing their hottest products. It’s still early, but all indications are that the final count of first-time exhibitors will be just as strong for SEMA 2012. For buyers, this will be the year’s best opportunity to connect with new manufacturers and suppliers.
Early Preparation Is the Key to a Successful Show
The SEMA Show draws hundreds of new exhibitors every year. Six hundred companies were first-time exhibitors at last year’s Show, and this year’s Show is expected to surpass that number. In fact, there is an entire section of the floor dedicated solely to new and featured exhibitors.
Exhibiting for the first time at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas may seem daunting, but the association and ConvExx, the Show’s organizers, provide a wealth of information about how to prepare, get set up and ensure the best return on investment. From learning the lingo to keeping track of sales leads, there are plenty of resources that will help first-timers—and seasoned veterans—connect with the right buyers for the best partnerships. It all begins with a visit to the official Show website and the Exhibitor Manual.