DIAMOND BAR, Calif. – Recognizing today’s challenging economy and the impact it is having on the industry, SEMA Show organizers have streamlined the exhibit rental agreement process, modified the payment plan and are launching an aggressive attendee campaign to retain the show’s high buyer-quality. More than 100,000 automotive professionals are expected to gather at the annual event, which takes place Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas.
 
“For more than 40 years the SEMA Show has served as the best place for buyers and manufacturers to meet face-to-face,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of events and communications. “Not open to the general public, this show really is for business people, and it’s about doing business. Beginning with the Exhibitor Space Rental Agreement available at www.SEMAshow.com, the process has never been simpler,” said MacGillivray.

This year’s deadline for exhibitors to submit the rental agreement and deposit in order to participate in the priority space selection process was moved back about one month to May 8. The additional time allows companies more time to plan for maximum cost-effectiveness, resource efficiency and ROI.

Additionally, exhibitors using a credit card have – for the first time ever – the option to pay only 25 percent down with their rental agreements. The final payment will not be due until September, also later than previous years.

Another benefit that 2009 SEMA Show exhibitors will find is reduced rates for a number of items, including free drayage to those who have 1,000 lbs. or less of freight that is transported to the Show in their personal vehicles, and rock-bottom room rates at more than 30 hotels in Las Vegas during Show week.

“We truly believe that exhibiting at the SEMA Show is an investment in one’s business,” said MacGillivray. “We also believe that SEMA is a partner in this effort. The association is committed to providing exhibitors with everything they need to survive this turbulent economy, and helping them position themselves to thrive once the economy turns around.”
 
SEMA Show attendees include buyers, installers, dealers, retailers and media from all segments of the automotive specialty-equipment market. Results from the 2008 event found that:
• 88 percent of attendees said they were planning on placing an order at the SEMA Show.
• 80 percent of attendees took advantage of exhibitors’ SEMA Show specials.
• Exhibitors had an average of 825 buyers visit their booth.
• Exhibitors left the SEMA Show with an average of 141 qualified leads.
 
“Our research tells us that the number-one reason buyers come to the SEMA Show is to find new products,” MacGillivray said. “If you have a new product to unveil, this is the place to be.”

To learn more about the exhibiting at the 2009 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAshow.com or contact ConvExx Show Management at sema-exhibit@convexx.com or 702-450-7662, ext. 120.