Jan. 13, 2010, PALM SPRINGS, CALIF.--Collision Industry Conference participants voted Thursday to hold the organization's fall meeting at SEMA in November rather than NACE in October. The vote was 99 for SEMA, 98 for NACE.

Before the vote, representatives from the Automotive Service Association (ASA), which owns NACE, and SEMA campaigned for their event in short speeches to CIC participants. CIC was held at SEMA in November of 2010, the first year SEMA and NACE split since 2003.

"On behalf of our board and bringing the energy and special experience to [SEMA], we're humbled and appreciative of the support," said Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the Society for Collision Repair Specialists, which holds its Repair Driven Education Series at SEMA. 

Peter MacGillivray, vice president of events and communication for SEMA, told participants as he urged them to vote for that show, that SEMA is the largest annual gathering of small businesses in America. "We are determined through education and through the value proposition the show presents to continue to deliver that commitment to our constituents. That's the secret to that show's success."  

Mike Quinn, chairman of the CIC, told participants that the CIC Past Chairmen's Committee, in its meeting Tuesday, decided to recommend that CIC remain at SEMA in 2011.

Jeff Hendler, administrator for the CIC, told participants that there were more administrative costs to CIC when it was held at NACE at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas than when it was held at SEMA at the Convention Center Hilton.

The decision for CIC will likely determine where other smaller industry associations meet for their fall meetings. The National Auto Body Council voted Wednesday to follow the CIC whereever it decides to go. It will also have ramifications on NACE's attendance as it breaks further from SEMA this year and holds its expo in Orlando, Fla., in October rather than Las Vegas, where it was originally scheduled.

The vote, which has generated buzz among participants of this week's industry association meetings, had taken on the feel of a campaign. One SEMA flyer which lay on chairs and tables in the CIC meeting room, had as its headline: "SEMA Show: The only show to attend."

NACE will be held in Orlando Oct. 6-8. SEMA will be held in Las Vegas Nov. 1-4.