Industry veteran George Lathouris, category manager of the off-road, wheel and tire market segments at Keystone Automotive Operations Inc., has attended the SEMA Show for more than 30 years and has a few tricks up his sleeve to make the most of the world’s largest automotive show.
Here are a set of tips Lathouris said to consider for this year’s show:
- Have a plan! You’re there to see some great vehicles, but you’re also there to develop and expand your business. Take advantage of the opportunity. Get on the website and make sure you identify where and who you have to connect with before the end of the show. And always make sure you spend a few hours for the new products section, which is a must for all attendees.
- Set your appointments so you’re in one hall for as long as possible. If you don’t, then you will lose precious time walking back and forth between North, South and Central hals.
- Swipe your card and have the manufacturers send you catalogs—carrying all those books could slow you down.
- Spend time at the OE manufacturers’ booths to see what platforms they are focusing on so you know what’s in store for the aftermarket and your business’ future.
- The show does not end at 5 p.m.—hundreds of participating manufacturers promote their own events and attending those events will help you create meaningful contacts and connections for your business in the future.
- Don’t get comfortable . Take the time to look at things that you don’t normally sell. You never know what you might see that can diversify your business.
