Hands-On 'Action Centers' and Industry Seminars Planned for
SEMA Spring Expo 2003
DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2003) -- SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, will feature
two distinct "action centers" at its SEMA Spring Expo to be held at the Nashville (Tenn.) Convention
Center, Friday-Saturday, February 14-15, 2003. The Expo's new format features the TCAA Light-Truck
Accessory Expo and the PRO Restyling & Trim Expo.
The hands-on action centers, located on the show floor, will highlight the SEMA Spring Expo 2003 main
themes -- light-truck accessories and restyling and trim products. These products reflect the core markets
for the two SEMA councils most involved with the SEMA Spring Expo -- the Truck & Accessory Alliance
and the Professional Restylers Organization.
"Because the show has roots within TCAA and PRO, having these two themed action centers -- the first
showcasing the installation of truck accessories and the second featuring automotive restyling -- is logical.
They underscore the show's purpose and will demonstrate current technology," said Peter MacGillivray,
vice president of marketing for SEMA.
The action centers let exhibitors interact with attendees on a technical level. Exhibitors demonstrate their
technologies and their most current installation techniques. The action centers also afford attendees an
opportunity to ask questions about specific technologies or processes.
The SEMA Spring Expo 2003 will also offer two slates of seminars to attendees, beginning Thursday, Feb.
13, 2003, with its Industry Day seminars sponsored by TCAA. These will include a look at "Increasing
Profits Through Add-On Sales," a presentation on "Managing Multiple Stores," and an Industry
Roundtable, "Working with Modern Electrical Systems."
On Friday, Feb. 14, popular inspirational speaker Dr. Jim Tunney will set the tone for the show opening
with his keynote speech. Tunney, who had an exemplary 31-year career as an NFL referee, is the first
official to be named to the "All-Madden Team," (named for John Madden of Monday Night Football).
Tunney, a recipient of the Good Whistle Award, also has been honored by the National Association of
Sports Officials and is a member of the National Football League Hall of Fame.
Also on Friday, a special presentation targeted for big-box retailers and others in the retail portion of the
automotive specialty equipment industry will feature American Products Company (APC) President Brian
Horowitz presenting his "A Retailer's Guide to Maximizing Accessory Sales." Horowitz's company's
products are highly visible in the compact performance marketplace, the fastest-growing segment of
automotive accessories.
Seminar programs sponsored by PRO will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15, and include: Recruiting for the
21st Century -- Fine Tuning Your Selection/Hiring Process; Going Retail: Increasing Profits Through
Effective In-Store Merchandising, Industry Trends & Directions, and Merchandising Accessories to New-
Vehicle Dealers.
"During the year we listen to our members and try to develop seminars that best address their current
concerns and needs," said Ken Pyle, SEMA director of educational services. "These seminars cover a
wide variety of topics from implementing successful business practices and effectively merchandizing for
expanded profits, to a look at future industry trends. We encourage everyone to take advantage of the
marketing, merchandising and organizational insights our guest speakers will provide at SEMA Spring
Expo 2003."
A detailed listing of the seminars as well as more information about SEMA Spring Expo 2003 is available at
www.semaspringexpo.com.