That's exactly what SEMA is, it's an automotive aftermarket industry trade show not open to the general public.

sema is a tool to sell parts.
rick k

Talking to some of my vendors they said that SEMA said domestic attendance was down but international was way up. The show turned out very productive for us....There were a few companies I wanted to talk to but never got a chance and others that were bonuses that we never expected to find there.

americansupercarinc
 

Thank you for the responce .Well if I had to miss a year this was the right one to miss I guess . I will be at PRI. I wonder how that will play out?
Phil

This years SEMA show was our best ever for Air Ride Technologies. The total quantity of people was down, which made it possible to have meaningful conversations with the people that we were really there to see: dealers, distributors, suppliers. I would never blow off anyone, but this particular show is NOT for the individual who wnats a price on a system for his 68 Chevelle. It is for the dealer/distributor who wants to learn more about our product/shippings policies/advertising policies/new product development/etc. so they can better service our product.
That is one of the reasons it is so miserably expensive to be there. Our 20x30 booth was 12k just for space rent. The cost of travel, meals, wages, motels/ building displays, etc. will triple that amount.
It is worth it? I am torn on that point. Several large companies such as BFG/ Michelin have decided that it is NOT worth it and have redirected their SEMA budget in other areas. It IS, however, a big party and no one like to be left out of a good party...

Well said Bret and I wish more people got it.

I would appear that although the intent of SEMA is to connect producers with the distribution network a mixed message is being sent.

For example retail discounts. Why would a supplier offer a X % discount for retail orders made @ SEMA if they didn't want to engage in retail buisness @ SEMA?

It must depend on the company. I know in the a/v room some were actually selling product one at a time right out of there booth. Bill Howel got a couple neet items!

But I do see/agree with what Brett is saying.

its probually thier higest selling item and they want to start a buiesness relationship off to a good foot in person. i guess i don't know, becouse i haven't gone as a vender, but people asking for product spacific stuff really that bad? i skiped calls to a couple venders i knew and just asked them at sema and they had no real issues with it? i guess ive been wrong though. alot of people sell stuff there to, like parts and what not.

So here is a thought. Would it be possiable to have days dedicated days for retail customers? In other words a day or two for the average tire kicker to check out the latest cool stuff and cars?
Perhaps approach one of the vendors and ask questions. If the vendor chooses not to take advantage so be it.

This may have a real positive impact. Now I don't pretend to understand promotion or trade shows. This does however seem to make good common sense.