SEMA Show enhances services for collision repair market

The 2013 SEMA Show will include enhanced features for the Collision Repair & Refinish market, including an expanded show floor area, targeted activities both inside and outside the Las Vegas Convention Center, and an unsurpassed educational program. The upgrades come as a result of the fast-growing interest from both exhibitors and buyers in the collision market segment. “As interest grows and the landscape changes, we continue to evolve and are excited about the plans for 2013,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA VP of events and communications. Last year’s SEMA Show featured 330 exhibitors in the Collision Repair & Refinish area and the Tools & Equipment area, the two sections where many exhibitors feature products for the collision market. These exhibitors were housed in over 88,000 square feet in North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. For 2013, the Collision Repair & Refinish section will expand into an adjacent area of the LV Hotel, accommodating up to 20,000 square feet of additional space. “The expanded floor section makes it really easy and convenient for buyers to see all the products in the collision market within a defined area,” said MacGillivray. More than 20,000 SEMA Show buyers expressed an interest in collision repair products, and 87 percent of all buyers have buying influence. Those in the collision market are also able to network and expand their knowledge during several industry meetings and educational events taking place. The Collision Industry Conference (CIC), the National Auto Body Council (NABC) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) are amongst the groups hosting meetings during the SEMA Show. A comprehensive Repairer Driver Education program is also presented by the SCRS.

“From the impressive growth of exhibitors, to attendees who are reaching out to SCRS already looking to register and ask questions about our education, it is clear the collision industry is really excited about this year’s show,” said Aaron Schulenburg, SCRS Executive Director. Schulenburg says that the 2013 Repairer Driven Education program will include fresh and inspiring content, while continuing to remain relevant to collision repairers.

“Each year we have taken feedback from past attendees and used it to amplify our upcoming offerings,” he said, noting that 2013 will be the group’s fourth year partnering with SEMA to present the educational program. “This year, we are adding to the format with designated tracks that can guide repair industry professionals through the week-long program based on their core interests in what they need for their business. Some want to better understand how to manage their business, and what makes it tick, while some are looking for ways to enhance and grow it through new business opportunities or untapped customer bases; others may be looking for ways to best position their business to make it more attractive when they wish to sell it, or learn how to compete in a consolidating marketplace. Regardless of interest, there is something for everyone and the objective remains the same: to address real issues faced by collision repairers, while providing tangible information that they can directly apply to their business when they return home.”

The 2013 SEMA Show is set for Tuesday-Friday, November 5-8, 2013, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The annual event typically attracts more than 130,000 individuals from 125 countries, making the annual show the premier automotive trade event in the world. Manufacturers come to the event to showcase products that enhance the styling, performance and functionality of cars, trucks and SUVs. For details, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $29.99 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,537 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts 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, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com

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