Episode #148- SEMA '23 Wrap-up: Top 4 Reasons to GO!

Episode Notes: 

Join me as I navigate the automotive extravaganza that was SEMA 2023, the world's premier automotive trade event. From exploring the massive displays in the sprawling Las Vegas Convention Center to building invaluable connections at after-parties, this episode will reveal why SEMA is a must-attend. Remember, it's not just about the latest in tires, tools, accessories, ADAS, collision equipment and measuring systems – it's also about so much more!

If you’ve never attended, and you are in any way, shape or form, part of this industry, whether on the manufacturer, supplier, provider, or repairer/installer side of automotive…or, if your income or lively hood revolves around automobiles, their parts, their repairs, or customization… you NEED to make sure you attend this madness at least ONCE in your career!

Although I didn’t get to see everything I wanted to, didn’t connect with everyone I wanted to… It’s a great place to connect with our peers, suppliers, creators or inventors of the newest technology, tools & equipment… our industry leaders, Social-Media influencers, movers, shakers, and many of the auto-worlds icons.

Whether you need a single piece of equipment or plan to deck out an entire shop, SEMA is the place to explore options, ask questions, and make savvy buying decisions. So, strap-in, as I share my TOP 4 REASONS TO GO in this week’s episode!

At the end of the week, physically & mentally exhausted, feet sore, voice shot, sleep-deprived but so happy I was there, I left with 2 thoughts: 

“WOW” … WHAT A RIDE, I CAN’T WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR!” and…

“WHY HAVEN’T YOU ATTENDED THIS LEGENDARY EVENT YET?”

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Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Travel, weary, sleep, deprived, feet throbbing, voice shot, head spinning, but strangely satisfied. I'm sitting on my long flight back to the motor city from Sin City as I recall the weeks, events and experiences. My overwhelming thoughts are man, I gotta share this with all of you, because if you were here you know what I'm talking about. But those of you that have not made it out to the experience scene yet, man, what a ride.

Speaker 2: 0:55

That will make a major impact in our success, next level growth and quality of life.

Speaker 1: 1:33

I would really, really really appreciate your help sharing this word with your friends and family as well, and if you're a brand new listener, welcome. I hope you find something of value here that helps you in your personal or professional life as well, and if you're a brand new listener, welcome. I hope you enjoy the experience. Sema yet man, what a ride. So here's my SEMA 2023 wrap up. Well, at least as best as I can remember, my first trip out to SEMA was last year, so I learned a few things that would help me next time out, like number one most important, wear comfortable shoes. Logging more than I don't know, 20, 25,000 steps a day and lots of standing and chatting. You need comfortable shoes. If you don't, you'll absolutely regret it. Also, don't pass on any networking opportunities or the after parties, because sometimes that's where the best connections are made. Pack your patience. Listen. With about 150,000 people attending this automotive event, there's lots of lines, lots of standing and waiting, packed monorail rides like you wouldn't believe to and from the event and long waits for dinner, as well as Uber rides. And lastly, trust me, if you're over 50, don't try to keep up with the 20 year olds when it comes to staying out and partying. I mean, it's really hard to think clearly, learn something, make good decisions or make good connections when you're still hammered, with no sleep at 8 am Just saying Okay, my take on this whole experience is pretty similar to what it was last year. If you're involved in any sector of the automotive aftermarket which is really everything outside of the OEMs and you have a passion for any part of this business, you absolutely should go at least once in your career and trust me, I think if you go once, you'll want to go every single year. So here, in my humble opinion, are the top four reasons to go.

Speaker 1: 4:02

Number one the whole world of automotive aftermarket in one building. Las Vegas Convention Center has over two and a half million square feet of display space largest in the US and you can find everything from companies that produce, sell or support tires to tools, accessories to ADAS, protective films to paint products, motors to measuring systems and everything in between. Regardless of what part of the automotive repair or support you may be in, there are other businesses that could be additional revenue stream add-ons to your business. Whether you're a veteran technician or someone fresh out of a tech program eager to get into a great business. It's like being a kid in a candy store. So whether you're a gearhead tuner, four-wheeler repair owner, there's absolutely something here for you.

Speaker 1: 4:54

Number two there is a massive amount of educational learning opportunities. There were literally dozens of classes to choose from every single day from organizations like SCRS, which is a Society Collision Repair Specialists, and ICAR, just to name a few, as well as live hands-on training available from many equipment and tool manufacturers and running. Concurrent with CIMA was CIC, which is a collision industry conference, whom had more selections of educational presentations and panel discussions that addressed our current concerns in coming trends in collision repair, with some of the most influential leaders, the movers and the shakers that had devoted themselves to improving our industry, professionals from all aspects of collision repair working to identify and fix problems within our industry, looking not to where the puck is, but rather to where the puck is going in business. A great example is SCRS worked hard to prove to the insurance carriers that the old-school method of calculating blend time had been flawed for years, well held decades. So if you heard anything about the blend study, they worked hard to put something together that proved without the shadow of a doubt that blending a panel took more time, more labor than actually refinishing a panel, which resulted in change and it's now calculated more accurately. Looking to learn more about EVs and the challenges and opportunities that they present for your shop? Or the latest in ADES calibration, the tools and the rapidly evolving technology, or maybe even how AI is changing the repair process? In short, if you're a shop owner or leader, you have the opportunity to learn more about any subject that would help move the ball forward in your business.

Speaker 1: 6:43

Number three, networking. And this is a big one. Have you ever looked in the mirror and said to yourself how come I'm not further along than this? Or why can't I ever seem to get ahead? You're frustrated with life, unsure of your future, wanting to make a change in your current situation, but too scared to make that next move. Maybe you want to reach that next level in life or in your business, but not sure what the right move is. Or maybe you feel the best thing to do is nothing at all.

Speaker 1: 7:11

Many of you may not know but, along with hosting my own weekly podcast, I'm a personal development mindset, business and life coach where I focus on helping people with self-development mindset and how to make positive changes in their lives, and, trust me, with all the negativity we've had to deal with these past two years, I think we all need some positivity, a positive change and a fresh approach to our life or our business. Sometimes talking to the right person can make all the difference. If you really want to start making those changes in your life, take action right now. Reach out and email, text, call or direct message me as soon as possible. Do it right now. I'll set you up with a free consultation call and pre-qualify you for either the one-on-one or business coaching that you really need to get your life or your business on the right track to success. Appointments are available right now. Even if there are no products to see, no live demos, no training opportunities or educational offerings to attend, I would still go.

Speaker 1: 8:09

The networking or the ability and opportunity to connect to, not only with your peers in your particular niche of the automotive world, but the key people and the leadership from each company, the think leaders, the movers and shakers involved with new technologies each level, tooling and equipment, software solutions and the latest and advanced repair processes that every shop will face if they expect to stay in this business in the future is not to be missed If you're a shop owner, connecting with other successful shops is so beneficial, but if you're unsure of approaching others or you might be a little shy about it, make connections with the equipment and materials manufacturers. They can be helpful in making those introductions. Looking to change careers or add on a new service or just have friends in high places, this is absolutely, hands down, the best event in our industry to connect and number four one stop shopping. So whether you're looking to just buy one piece of equipment, like a new spray booth or the latest and advanced frame machines, or maybe a new welder that can handle all the complex metals used in today's vehicles, or maybe you're looking to outfit a complete brand new shop, there's absolutely no better opportunity than SEMA to comparison shop, explore all the options, the pros and the cons, talk directly with the manufacturers and ask all the questions you need to ask to make a great buying decision. Every single tool, piece of equipment, material and technologies represented here, and most of them have some type of show special discounting available as well. It's also the best chance to look at all the other bolt on businesses that you might want to add to your existing repair shop. There are countless, like ceramic coating companies, protection films, wraps, glass treatments, spray on bed lining systems, detailing products and new methodologies of applying and hundreds of various accessories for both interior and exterior applications. And that's not even factoring in all the tire and wheel and performance products and businesses. It's literally a one stop shopping for all things automotive nestled under one roof.

Speaker 1: 10:26

So there you have it, my top four reasons to attend SEMA. Number one the whole world of automotive and one building. Number two massive opportunities for training. Number three networking. And number four one stop shopping. And those were just the tactical or logical reasons to go.

Speaker 1: 10:45

I didn't even mention the after parties to attend the drifting contests, a burnout displays in a parking lot, the carnival like atmosphere outside the convention center or the massive musical lineup they had for SEMA Fest, which was after the show was done. And that's not even to mention the fact that you are in Vegas and all the things that go with that and all the opportunities to see shows and do fun things and experience things you won't experience anyplace else. Listen, I haven't even landed yet, unpacked or got the much needed sleep I missed out on yet, but I'm already looking forward to SEMA 2024. And I hope to see you there. Well, that's all I had for you today. Thanks again for tuning in. I really appreciate your support and I hope you have a great week. I can always be reached at wwwricksellovercom, where you can find all my social media links, broadcast episodes, blog posts and much more.