DIAMOND BAR, Calif., Aug. 16, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, is dedicated to making the SEMA Show 2004 experience as effortless and worthwhile as possible for both exhibitors and buyers. Already regarded by many as the vital indicator of automotive aftermarket trends, the new tools and organizational changes now in place make it easier than ever to register, work the show, schedule appointments and prioritize exhibits so that attendees can get the most out of their SEMA Show days.
"Our primary focus has been the improvement of intra-event systems for increased efficiency as well as making the show less overwhelming for participants and attendees," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president, marketing and communications. "That is the reason for launching several new support systems and organizational changes for 2004."
Online registration for SEMA Show is already the highest of any automotive and non-tech related trade show. More than 80% of attendees register online and will now benefit from an improved virtual show website system including the essential My Show Planner tool. SEMA's My Show Planner is highly useful for buyers and media wanting to organize their time at the show and can be found online at www.semashow.com.
This year's exhibit areas have been combined and expanded, allowing attendees to focus on industry segments critical to their specific business or customers. New for 2004 will be a clear focus on several market niches such as racing and performance, off-road, mobile electronics and more.
"SEMA has consistently added to its ability to inform and guide visitors to sectionalized member displays and events," continued MacGillivray. "This effort has resulted in the decision to further compartmentalize the 2004 event into distinguishable markets." SEMA's Racing & Performance section, the largest of the show, will now be located in the Center Hall in keeping with the organization's motorsports heritage and increased OEM high-performance interests. The section will be housed in one contiguous space.
Perhaps the most notable change in this year's program will be SEMA's emphasis on the off-road segment. The off-road exhibit will comprise the entire second floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center's new South Hall, and makes the SEMA Show the largest off-road aftermarket equipment exhibition. Every element of the robust off-road market will be presented - from mainstream recreational technologies to the most hard-core adventure equipment. The result will be a world-class display of off-road vehicles, accessories and gear presented by those who have created and grown the global off-roading experience.
The Mobile Electronics section, now the fastest growing category of the show, will present the newest in navigation technologies, entertainment and information systems and a host of safety and convenience accessories. The section will be conveniently placed near the Installer Challenge, a competition among car audio installers to showcase technology and encourage dialogue between attendees and expert installers.
"One auto writer has stated it is important for industry members to attend the SEMA Show because it represents the future," said MacGillivray. And in response, SEMA management has sought to improve the SEMA Show at every level.
From easier online registration, to more badge holder pickup locations, to improved shuttle bus schedules and coordination with the new Las Vegas Monorail, the effort to enhance access systems has been unrelenting. This is the place to find, buy, sell and see how products function in a real world environment. SEMA is not a car show - it is the annual launch of the most exciting products and technology.
Seeking to answer "why" member companies and buyers attend the SEMA Show helps explain the many layout and systems improvements. Engaging in cross-selling and cross-buying are but part of the answer; the breadth of the Show and member interaction is another. In great measure, the SEMA Show has been responsible for increased technology transfer between aftermarket member companies and OEMs, creating partnership opportunities resulting in positive business relationships. Today, both OEMs and SEMA members are discovering and serving market niches in ways unimagined only a decade ago. An example of this was seen at SEMA Show 2003 where more than 150 aftermarket accessories and parts for Ford's new F150 pickup were already on display and for sale at the same time Ford introduced the car at the show.
"The synchronized introduction of new vehicles and aftermarket accessories to the retail environment is noteworthy," said MacGillivray. "It is what separates the historic SEMA from the contemporary organization and we can anticipate more coordination in the years ahead. Our members are enabling the OEMs to better connect with and profitably serve vehicle customers with personalized or purpose-built aftermarket goods. The OEM community knows that SEMA aftermarket member-companies are on the cutting-edge of the automotive environment. SEMA Show brings the entire automotive culture together in ways our founding members dreamed they would...their vision created our reality."
About SEMA Show 2004
SEMA Show 2004 will be held 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.
More than 1,900 exhibitors in over one million square feet of space will display products for over 100,000 visiting industry professionals. This year's show is organized into 11 market-based sections and will feature a New Products Showcase where an anticipated 1,000 products will be displayed.
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: call 909/396-0289; or visit www.sema.org and www.enjoythedrive.com.
Images available at:
http://www.semaphotos.com/generalphotos/images/DSCF8755.jpg
http://www.semaphotos.com/generalphotos/images/DSCF8802.jpg
http://www.semaphotos.com/generalphotos/images/IMG_9734.jpg
CAPTION: SEMA Show 2004 will attract more than 100,000 professionals to Las Vegas to visit with exhibitors ranging from the smallest, emerging automotive entrepreneur to leading automakers and OEMs.