More than 15,000 International Buyers Expected at SEMA Show

June 30, 2013

The SEMA Show, produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, has expanded rapidly into international markets, with more than 15,000 overseas buyers expected at the Nov. 5-8 show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“As global demand for the industry’s products soars, there is huge opportunity for our members,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of events and communications.

He added, “We have a comprehensive international relations program to help U.S. manufacturers connect with buyers in the most relevant markets.”

The SEMA Show offers several resources to assist international buyers:

Online registration– The online registration site includes a designated “International Visitors” tab that features basic information about the Show in seven different languages. An “International Travel Support” tab is also available to connect visitors from key countries to travel information specific to their location. International buyers also are able to seamlessly generate personalized Letters of Invitations that can be used for requesting visas.



Badge pickup– International visitors are able to pick up their badges onsite at International Registration, where interpreters are on hand ready to assist.



Center for International Commerce— Centrally located within the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Center for International Commerce (CIC) is available to international buyers and includes private meeting rooms, a lounge area, interpreters and complimentary WiFi.

Exhibitor Directory– To help international buyers, the SEMA Show directory includes a list of exhibitors that currently export outside the United States. The list makes it easy for international buyers to hone in on the companies with whom they are most likely to do business.

Networking– At the Show, SEMA hosts the International Happy Hour. With 1,000 international buyers, exhibitors and media, the event is the world’s largest international networking gathering of specialty equipment companies.

In addition to the resources available at the SEMA Show, the association’s international relations program includes trade missions to key countries throughout the year, international research to identify developing markets and working with international officials on legislative issues.

SEMA recently was honored for its’ international outreach efforts with the President’s “E” Award for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

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