SEMA Gearing Up for Tighter Travel Budgets

SEMA is, without a doubt, the premier automotive event for aftermarket product manufacturers and dealers of all types. When this event sets in on the Las Vegas Convention Center, it draws automotive enthusiasts from all corners of the world. And car enthusiasts know-no customized ride is complete without the perfect shade of window film. As a result, the window film industry held a tremendous presence at the 2007 SEMA Show and the same is to be expected November 4-7 this year. But, in an economy that's less than stellar and a time in which companies are cutting back on travel expenses, will they be met with strong attendance? SEMA Show officials are assuring the answer will be-yes.

The show is collaborating with the city of Las Vegas to ensure its show numbers will resemble past years, in spite of the times. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has agreed to hit the phones and place calls to more than 15,000 non-registered buyers from past shows. According to Chris Meyer, director of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the purpose of the calls is to reassure the marketplace that the SEMA Show and AAIW continues to be a vibrant event, despite current market conditions.

"There are a lot of small retailers out there that are hurting, and we need to assure them that the city of Las Vegas and SEMA are partnering even deeper than we have been to make Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) the best possible week it can be," Meyer says.

But attempts to increase attendance does little for tight travel budgets, so SEMA officials are making efforts to help attendees by actively renegotiating hotel room rates for attendees. So far, officials report they have successfully reduced the costs at Circus Circus and Trump International Hotel and Tower. If you've already booked, don't fret, as they assure the new rates will be retroactive for attendees of both the SEMA and AAPEX Shows. In addition, hotel packages are being arranged that will offer incentives on food, shows and various other hotel-related expenses.

"We are doing all these different things, because essentially we understand that dollars are tight right now and people need to be careful about investing in their businesses," says Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "But the best incentive of all continues to be the huge opportunity that the Show provides with the gigantic collection of buyers and businesses that will be in town. For the investment that you make to go on one sales call, you can come to the SEMA Show and make dozens of sales calls and that is a pretty efficient use of your dollars."