By CRM Staff
Las Vegas, Nevada — November 11, 2013 — After a week’s worth of events, demonstrations, seminars and product displays, the 2013 edition of SEMA wrapped with convention-goers already looking ahead to the 2014 show.
SEMA 2013 ran from Nov. 5 to 8 from inside the Las Vegas Convention Center. Industry pros both old and new had the opportunity to witness offerings from the latest industry manufacturers, getting first-hand glimpses of the vast array of cars, products and accessories from the broad spectrum of vendors attending.
During the show the winners of the New Products Showcase Awards were announced, with 3M taking top honours in the Collision Repair & Refinish Product category with its 3M Body Protection System.
“We developed the 3M Body Protection System by leveraging our proprietary 3M Accuspray technology with unique product delivery platforms, and it will revolutionize how textured finishes are applied in the future,†says Steve Widen, U.S Marketing Supervisor, 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division.
The runners up in the Collision Repair category were entries from Creative Auto Body Spray and ShelWes Tools and Auto Body. You can seem more about the awards here.
Not limited to products, seminars led by industry experts were scheduled to help businesses grow their operations, highlighting the trends that affect their bottom line. More than 50 free education courses were offered, in addition to several pay-to-attend panels organized by the SEMA Educational Institute.
SEMA organizers displayed the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC). The SDC is a collaborative database effort that aims to bring suppliers and receivers together to sell more parts. The database contains up-to-date weights, measurements, descriptions and pricing of all products, and can be accessed online.
SEMA’s Garage-Industry Innovations Center was also on display, featuring thousands of the most advanced tools and accessories. The 15,000 sq. ft. garage was filled with over $2 million worth of equipment, including vehicle lifts, parts and tools, 3D scanning technology and an aftermarket parts certification lab.
SEMA 2014 is scheduled to once again take place inside the Las Vegas Convention Center from Nov. 4 to Nov. 7.
In addition to the regular schedule, the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) put on a special Canada Night event during SEMA. You can check out photos from the event in the slideshow below.
