Gotta question about SEMA cars
 

Every year I walk around what I believe to be the greatest automotive spectacle, and wonder how those cars get there. More specifically, how are they chosen for the products or companies they represent? Booth space is crazy money there, so I'm sure the decisions made are critical. Do people shop their cars to vendors to get the opportunity to display something there? Do vendors have an agenda referencing what they want displayed, then seek out cars that fit? The wife and I have decided that it's on our bucket list to show something there. During last night's dinner conversation she asked how they are chosen, and I couldn't answer that. What does LatG think? Thanks in advance. Dave

Some are choosen or invited due to the level they are built at but most are still choosen the old fashioned, all about who you know.

I'm gonna second that response. For me, it was easier getting into a magazine than SEMA. Now that my truck is pretty much done, I have no need and little desire to go anymore.

Thats funny, we are taking our second car this year to SEMA for a company, but for the life of me I can't even get our last SEMA car into a bloody magazine!

Here at TMI, we do it based on a few things.

1. What product are we pushing? This determines if we are looking for a Camaro, Mustang, etc.
2. Quality of build. The car has to be built to a high level to be at SEMA since we are in the same room as the top builders in the world.
3. Look of the car. And this is probably the most important thing, more than quality. We need that cool car with the right color, stance, wheels, etc. The car is there to pull people into our booth.
4. Availability of the car. Is it across the US? Is it an employees car?

Two years ago TMI randomly called me and asked to take my Chevelle. They actually found it on the internet, then tracked me down through forums and such to find my e-mail. I had no clue who they were. I let them borrow my car though. Then about a year ago I actually got hired at TMI. We got in a bind last year and ended up bringing my Chevelle again, but all redone.

This year we are bringing three cars. We chose them based on the make/model/year because we have new product we will be displaying. The other big thing is all three cars are employees cars. This is the best scenario since we have complete control over the cars and where they are at.

I'm sure every company is different, but in a nutshell that's how we do it. Some are just absolutely amazing builds so you want them in your booth because you know they will pull in people.

Thankd for the responses fellas.

Tim, that kinda answers my question I guess. The availability aspect of it makes sense when it involves shipping, timing, etc etc.

I guess what I'll do it wrap the car up and see what happens. The car's full of Lat G sponsor products so maybe it'll happen- maybe not. Mag coverage is cool, but IMO having a car at SEMA would be the ultimate. Let me know if you need a back up Tim! This thing's gonna have TMI guts. lol

Start contacting people and put the word out early that your car is available. I know some shops and vendors get into jams at the last minute and often look for cars to display. You have a lot of local shops and vendors, i'd start there. Do you have a build thread?
I bet the first thing people did when they read this thread was look for your car.

Vince- my thread is here at

https://lateral-g.net/forums/show...erapy+chevelle

It's a '67 Chevelle, BBC/5 speed etc etc. I think when I start hanging the suspension after I get it back from paint, it'll start looking the like the something somewhat respectable. I agree with what you guys are saying about being socially connected to some of these vendors. They wanna put their best foot forward, especially when you're talking about the kind of money they charge for those booths. I'll build it the best I can and let the chips fall where they may.

You could always start hitting up manufactures and let them know you have this car available. Always good to be on a backup list as well. That's how my car ended up last year. We were working with a guy for months on his car...then a month before SEMA he just says "oh it won't be done in time, sorry." So we scrambled and redid my car real quick and brought it.

It is pretty neat to have your car at SEMA. It's neat to see thousands of people drooling over it, and then see it on all sorts of forums after the show from people that have snapped pictures.

I think that's gonna be my plan. I'll build it and see who needs a Chevelle for what. No need to whore it out, but if it works it works and if not no huge deal. What you said about people seeing your work and it appearing around the world is pretty damn cool. I'm not the kind of guy that needs my ego stroked, but to have your car under the same lights as some of the world's best is an amazing thing. Maybe one day.