DIAMOND BAR, Calif., Oct. 7, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The SEMA Show's reputation as a must-attend event for everyone connected to the automotive aftermarket will attract over 100,000 industry professionals to the Las Vegas Convention Center November 2-5. Opening day will see over 1 million square feet of space and over 1,900 exhibitor displays share the newest in automotive technology, gadgetry and style with the trade and media drawn to this annual gathering.
"The SEMA Show is not about what you need in automotive technology; it's about what you want," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president, marketing and communications. "People come to see, show and sell. And, there appears to be no shortage of those buyers willing to consider, compare and buy."
The first-ever feature vehicle arrangement into eight distinguishable categories is one of the hottest new additions to the 2004 SEMA Show. Over 2,000 feature vehicles will be on display, from the smallest Mini Cooper to the largest pick-up truck in the world. Each vehicle will be customized and sorted by lifestyle and theme for attendees to observe how specific aftermarket products fit in particular OEM stock vehicles.
As personalization, accessorization and customization have caught the attention of an increasing number of buyers, SEMA will be awarding its first ever "SEMA Design Awards" for the most accessory-friendly vehicle in three different categories. "We created these awards to thank manufacturers for continually building vehicles with our member products in mind," said Carl Sheffer, vice president, OEM relations "and for regularly participating in SEMA programs such as the Technology Transfer, Tech Talks and Measuring Sessions that help develop the highest quality aftermarket parts and accessories faster than ever before."
Two live-action tracks bring the show's products and technology to life. The Yokohama Performance Proving Ground allows exhibitors to demonstrate their products to buyers with hands-on driving. The UROC Off-Road Proving Ground provides opportunities for the SuperCrawl All-Stars and other legendary off-roading professionals to showcase what they do best -- ride "graciously" on millions of pounds of rocks and boulders. Attendees interested in getting down in the dirt are invited to experience the UROC-designed off-road course and drive the latest off-road machines equipped with the newest SEMA member off-road performance and appearance accessories.
"While the hot products are on display inside the show, the real action and interaction takes place on the tracks," said MacGillivray. "SEMA places great emphasis on interactive show experiences so that visitors can see, feel and touch for themselves what our member products can add to a vehicle."
This year, more than 1,000 exciting new products are being introduced at the SEMA Show featuring some of the industry's cutting-edge aftermarket parts and accessories. Each new product will have a one-page information sheet including a photo, short description and exhibitor information. The SEMA Show 2004 New Products Showcase CD will be available for pickup on November 2 in the afternoon, a comprehensive electronic compilation of the entire array of new products.
As the SEMA Show has grown in popularity and attendance, show management has developed ways to increase navigation. "This is an event that originally took an hour to walk through, then a day, then three days. Now, the show is an event that demands attendees have a game plan in order to maximize their time and enjoyment of what is now the world's leading aftermarket trade show," said MacGillivray. Consequently, SEMA has revamped the event layout, boosted infrastructure services, created online planning tools and streamlined media registration. This year's stand-alone niche market sections allow attendees to focus on specific industry segments.
The SEMA Show has become a truly global event. This year, approximately 240 international exhibitors from 24 countries are showcasing their products. We expect more than 15,000 international attendees from approximately 140 different countries and over 8,200 international buyers at the show. An improved Center for International Commerce and various services catering to the needs of foreign attendees will be offered throughout the week.
"SEMA Show is not a car show -- it is the fashion Mecca for trade, the Milan or Paris when it comes to the latest trends, innovations and technologies suited to both existing segments of the automotive consumer world or those being nurtured by our members. 2004 will mark the best attended SEMA Show in our over 30-year history and we owe it all to our members and the automotive consumer who just can't live without the latest, coolest and best aftermarket equipment," concluded MacGillivray.
About SEMA Show 2004
SEMA Show 2004 will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 2 through Friday Nov. 5 in the Las Vegas Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
Online registration and additional information about SEMA Show 2004 are available at www.SEMAshow.com or 909/396-0289 or by contacting ConvExx Show Management at askus@convexx.com or 702/450-7662.
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $29 billion specialty automotive industry of 5,727 member companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765-0910: call 909/396-0289; or visit www.sema.org and www.enjoythedrive.com.
Image available at: www.sema.org/image/33409.jpg CAPTION: SEMA Show 2004 is gearing up for its most successful year ever.