Aftermarket Professionals Prep for The SEMA Show

We all like the feeling of status, something that comes on the heels of exclusivity. For some, that means strolling around in handmade camel-colored Italian leather or strutting the corporate cat walk in Jimmy Choo. But for those of us who prefer a professional-grade GearWrench tool wrapped in our fingers over a $100 manicure, exclusivity comes in the form of the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the entire world, The SEMA Show. All industry influencers under one roof at one time, giving automotive business owners the freedom to explore those brands and their value proposition for an entire week without an obligation to purchase onsite. The benefit to consumers such as yourselves? The homework is being done for you.

Numbers Don’t Lie

According to SEMA, more than 70,000 qualifying buyers attend The SEMA Show each year, with 3,000 global media in attendance. Of that number, 40% of attending buyers are executive management and 29% are general management. Another 20% are general staff and 11% are skilled tradesmen or women. All come with high quality purchasing power throughout the year. Eighty percent of those attendees are interested primarily in seeing new products, 78% want to ignite ideas, and 72% are set on keeping up with trends, while 60% and 65% respectively want to connect with existing customers or seek new vendor partnerships.

Excellence in Engineering, Fabrication, and Design

While automaker and aftermarket manufacturers are eager to woo professional attendees with vehicles and products that showcase excellence in engineering, fabrication, and design, their real target is you – the end consumer. For if they don’t impress the middle man, how could they ever best serve you?

Moreover, exhibitors spare no expense unveiling the next generation of innovative prototypes. Consider it the this-could-all-be-yours effect! Over 3,000 newly-introduced parts, tools, and components will be on display at The SEMA Show – New Products Showcase. That equates to thousands of goodies for customers such as yourselves to shop in the New Year. These benefits and many more lay at the feet of attendees. Like, for example, the ability to boost sales, profit, diversification, and relationship-building opportunities throughout the year. But make no mistake, shop owners have customers like you on their mind as they walk the floors, browse the booths, inspect the products, and ask detailed questions about the company’s follow through in quality, performance, installation, and warranty.

Attend The SEMA Show with Purpose

It goes without saying that a retailer or restyler’s attendance offers many benefits that exceed a few days on the show floor. Ron DiVincenzo, General Manager of Cap World Inc. in Melrose, MA, urges people to attend The SEMA Show with a sense of purpose. “Be ready to engage otherwise you will wander the show floor aimlessly in awe of everything you see. Vegas is a fun town, but don’t forget why you are there. Use this as a time to network with your peers and be a sponge. Soak up everything you possibly can,” he said. Because in the end, business owners may be the ones holding the exclusive invite, but you’re the guest of honor at the after-party.

Leave a Reply