SEMA Show 2010: 2010 NACE attendance down 27 percent

Nov. 1, 2010—The Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW) announced on Monday that attendance at the 2010 event was down more than one-quarter from 2009, although organizers are still optimistic for next year.

In October, 16,289 members of the collision repair industry gathered in Las Vegas for NACE and CARS, which was 27 percent fewer members than anticipated, according to an ASRW press release_notes. Originally, ASRW expected the attendance to be about the same as 2009, which was at 21,927 participants.

Due to the poor economy and the fact that NACE is no longer held in conjunction with SEMA, automotive professionals are having to choose between the two events. In spite of the decrease in attendance, preparations for ASRW 2011 are underway with commitments for the following key events at next year's show: ASRW Industry Forum, NACE Town Hall meeting and an Association Leadership Summit, according to an ASRW press release.

"I have been attending NACE since 1990 and have always enjoyed the inspirational general session speakers. However, this year was different. Kelly McDonald was not only a terrific speaker, but she gave real world information and tactics about running one's business in today's diverse marketplace,” said Karen Fierst, ASRW speaker. “I left the session with quite a few takeaways and a breadth of knowledge.”

"We extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the loyal vendors, attendees, speakers, participants and supporters for a solid 2010 event," said Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive. "Thank you for the team effort that went into this year's event. We look forward to another great event in 2011."

The 2010 SEMA Show starts in Las Vegas on Nov. 2.