AMERICAS - US auto aftermarket show SEMA has added more educational sessions to its itinerary for this year’s edition.
The trade event, which runs 30 October to 2 November, takes up almost all 232,300sqm at the Las Vegas Convention Centre and taps into the US automotive specialty equipment industry, valued at about $30bn per year.
Named after and organised by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the exhibition features more than 2,250 exhibitors and 125,000 visitors this year according to the organiser, making it the largest in the show’s history.
This year the event includes the Off-Road Success Center, where attendees can learn about the off-road lifestyle market. The programme features speakers and case studies as part of a twice-daily business seminar series.
There are also more training seminars for participants to see and hear first-hand about the technical application of the products. More than 12 members of the Professional Restylers Organisation have joined together to present the Technical Skills and Training Conference today (Thursday 1 November). The conference will give attendees a chance to take part in hands-on training sessions and demonstrations covering growth markets such as custom interiors, heated seats, mobile electronics, paint protection, window film and sunroofs.
“When businesses work smarter, the entire industry benefits,” said SEMA VP of events and communications Peter MacGillivray. “While the majority of our educational programme is available to showgoers at no cost, there are a few exceptions.
“The fee-based programmes are typically very comprehensive and are much more involved - and the cost still remains minimal.”
Messe Frankfurt’s auto parts, repair and maintenance fair Automechanika also claimed to be the largest in the show’s history, bolstered by an expanded exhibitor base that included trucks and e-mobility.
One of the event’s speakers, professor Charles McKay from the German Institute of Mobility and Transport, told the assembled press that he believed auto aftermarket events are cashing in on recession economics.
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