SEMA Hot Rod Education Day Scheduled for First Time at Detroit Autorama

July 16, 2013

For the first time, the annual SEMA (Specialty Equipment Marketing Association) Hot Rod Industry Alliance Education Day will be held in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama – the 60-year old custom cars show taking place in March at Detroit’s Cobo Center.

The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot rod parts manufacturer who will educate attendees about the products’ features, benefits and installation guidelines.

“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical, information about their products with their customers,” said Jim Skelly, SEMA director of Councils.

He added, “Holding the Education Day program at the Detroit Autorama will allow HRIA members to expand and reach a new audience.”

HRIA previously held its Education Day program at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis.

The move to the Detroit Autorama will enable manufacturers to reach a new, expanded audience, according to association executives.

Autorama attracts more than 150,000 individuals annually who come to check out the hotrods. Education Day will take place March 6, the day before the main show opens, and is open to all hot rod shops and businesses, as well as to all Autorama attendees.

“As one the nation’s premier indoor custom cars show, the Detroit Autorama attracts thousands of businesses and enthusiasts who are passionate and deeply vested in new hot rod products,” said Peter A. Toundas – president of Championship Auto Shows Inc., promoter of the event.

He added, “The HRIA Education Day Program will add a valuable element to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers that would be difficult for them to do on their own.”

The list of participating manufacturers and schedule for HRIA Education Day will be available in August.

The HRIA is a SEMA council dedicated to ensuring the future prosperity of the hot rod industry and to advancing and promoting awareness of the hobby.

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