There's So Much to Check out at the IAS Seminar InfernoThere's no better place to pick up insider knowledge than at the seminars at IAS. These seminars offer you a chance to learn the ropes from industry leaders like Michael Meyers of NOPI, Tom Myroniac of HKS, and Kirk Miller of AEM. This year, there will be three seminars for trade attendees on Friday morning and one on Saturday afternoon for everyone, including consumers. The best part is that all the seminars are free.
Friday, April 258:45 - 9:45 a.m.How to Break Into and Profit from the Compact Performance MarketSpeaker: Michael Meyers, NOPI
The session will focus on today's market demographics and trends as well as provide information on the future of the import performance industry.
8:45 - 9:45 a.m.Sport Compact Retailing: Compare and Contrast: East vs. WestSpeaker: Kirk Miller, AEM
9:50 - 10:50 a.m.How to Find and Sell to Multiple Youth MarketsSpeaker: Ira Gabriel, Hot Rod magazine
9:50 - 10:50 a.m.A Retailer's Guide to Maximizing Sport Compact Accessory SalesSpeaker: Brian Horowitz, APC
2:00 - 2:45 p.m.Mobile Electronics Meets Compact PerformanceSpeaker: To be announced but we're sure you'll think he's a righteous dude.
Saturday, April 268:45 - 9:45 a.m.JDM Parts: What They Are and How They Impact Your BusinessSpeaker, Tom Myroniac, HKS USA Inc.
12:15 - 1:45 p.m.The Dos and Donts of How to Obtain Product SponsorshipSpeaker: Jack Cummings, Endeavors
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.Sport Compact & Import Drag Racing ForumModerator: Kirk Miller
This unique forum will have the experts from NOPI/NDRA, IDRC, NHRA, and IDRA/Battle of the Imports, in one location to provide insight and answer your questions about the hottest sport compact racing programs.
Light ClubSema's New Lighting Task Force Faces Its First ChallengeDid you know that the Specialty Market Equipment Association (SEMA) does more than throw debaucherous parties in Vegas? Neither did we (although we should, but then again we should be making a lot more money doing this and we don't). That's why we were surprised to hear that SEMA had formed what it calls the Lighting Task Force (LTF) last November. Like a more diplomatic version of the Delta Force (sorry, no water torture or shock paddles), the LTF is creating a dialogue with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an agency of the Department of Transportation, to come up with new ways to improve vehicle lighting and make roads safer, which is currently a very hot topic.
For example, in response to scattered complaints of glare from foglights and HID headlamps, NHTSA issued a request for comments on this issue and whether or not the use of HID headlamps should be restricted. Can you imagine life without HIDs? That's like playing Contra without the cheat code. But the LTF is on the case, offering its own set of comments to NHTSA, with the concern that many of the suggested actions contained by the latter's proposal will keep aftermarket suppliers from providing a full range of safe and compliant product to consumers.
"The Task Force is committed to promoting vehicle safety while ensuring the freedom of consumers to responsibly accessorize and enhance the safety of vehicles with motor vehicle lighting equipment," said Steve McDonald, SEMA's director of government affairs. "The Task Force and its members will strive to work cooperatively with NHTSA and to review and address consumer and law enforcement concerns to safety issues related to the manufacture, sale, and use of motor vehicle lighting equipment."
This year will be a critical year concerning this issue as well as many others for the LTF. You can find other issues that SEMA is dealing with on www.enjoythedrive.com.