I don't have a business that would be at SEMA, but I think the prices for the booths are high. Then when u factor in staff, fllights, rooms, food, etc. It gets ridiculously expensive.

One thing also to consider is this isn't the only rodeo, most companies do all the goodguys shows, magazine advertising, other trade shows, etc. Wow it sure does add up. I hope they get results and wish them success in a tough market.

then your cutting the retail shop that is selling the parts they went to the show to become a dealer or sell the product the person wants. whole point of sema/pri is to keep the public out and deal with the people selling the products and show them whats comming up, answer questions, build relationships, and make money togther, or so i thought.

My thought was it would be good for PR and the customer. Perhaps retail sales would be off limits all together. It would seem to me it would be a good way for dealers who sign on and to line up potential customers as well.

For me its really a good discussion. If you want SEMA to be exclusive its not hard. Just send out invites and stop there. It is hard however to create a Buzz and
then ONLY expect dealers. It just seems counter intuatitve

you do know how big sema is and how long its been around right? before this goes much farther...

SEMA is for getting dealers you cant sell products there even though people do. If you get caught selling you are not welcome back next year. Problem with SEMA is all you have to do to get a pass is have some kind of a company involved with the industry and you can come.

They dont need to lock everyone out just the guys that have no buisness at all being there. If they want to let people in for show maybe they can charge them do it on one day and split it with everyone with discounts on the booth.

Tire kickers/ Avg Joe DONT Support SEMA
 

I do know what it is I didn't know how long it was around so I googled it.

I found this (below) which basically answers my questions. It is not an event for me the retail consumer / tire kicker It is just for industry insiders. Cool I get it. I will stick to the goodguys shows, Super Chevy shows and Ignore anything with the word SEMA in it including "SEMA build threads" I hope others do the same.


SEMA eNews, Vol. 11, No. 45 - Nov 13, 2008
ABSENCE OF "TIRE KICKERS" ENHANCES ALREADY GREAT SEMA SHOW
2008 SEMA Show Attracts More Qualified Attendees Than Ever

That wont help anyone out, no one said you cant go they are just stating people dont waist time with manufactures when they have work to do. SEMA is important to all of us as that is where we show of the new parts to dealers to pass on to you the consumer. Or maybe you see something there you like so you find the dealer to get it for you or help a dealer locate something you think would be cool for them to sell.

if you're involved with the industry then you should go to SEMA. not everything is one off parts or wheels. theres tons of stuff there everything from tools, off road, performance, etc. if somebody went to SEMA and thought they had increasing demand in say people wanting to buy tools they can go to booth whatever to look at expanding operations. for example we bought some badass tools there because we've had a increase in that type of work.

so do you ever by speed parts from your local speed shop? this is where YOUR local speed shop goes to build a relationship with manufacturer so they can sell you those speed parts. it's a shame you have the attitude you do
if you have an affilitation in this industry you should attend SEMA

Let me be clear. My thought is simply I don't want to be somewhere I am not wanted. I also question the mixed message that i believe their to be. Its Kinda like come and fill the room but don't ask any questions. Dont bother me kid... I dont agree with that..
Its just me I can be a baby that way :cheers: