(source: SEMA press release)

In a bid to attract the serious off-road professional, the SEMA Show 2004 has undergone what organizers call an improved show layout with centralized displays, workshops, educational outreach and the most technically advanced off-road vehicles. According to a SEMA press release, the changes make the show, scheduled for November 2-5 in Las Vegas, the world's largest off-road equipment trade show.

"Our research clearly indicates that off-road parts, accessories and equipment buyers use the SEMA Show as an indicator of both market trends and buying opportunities," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president, marketing and communications. "They want to get a sense of where off-roading is headed and consider partnering relationships with those SEMA members driving the segment."

At previous events, the off-road category was dispersed throughout the show. SEMA 2004 brings it all together in one contiguous space. According to the press release, the result will be a world-class display of off-road vehicles, accessories and communications gear presented by those who have created and grown the global off-roading experience. Expected to attend are trade buyers intent on finding the latest equipment, viewing real vehicle applications, meeting with the innovators and manufacturers and striking business relationships that last year helped propel the specialty equipment industry's retail sales over $29 billion.

"Approximately 25% of all SEMA Show exhibitors last year served the off-road market," said MacGillivray. "Going forward, SEMA will aggressively position off-roading in its many forms as central to our members' business and the relationships we help foster with new vehicle manufacturers and other OEMs."

Following the enhanced focus on the off-road segment at SEMA Show 2004, the organization is taking its efforts to target and serve the off-road market to the next level by launching an off-road exclusive event, Feb. 4-5, 2005 in Indianapolis, Ind. The stand-alone SEMA Off-road Show designed as a companion event to the well-established SEMA Spring Expo, will target companies serving the recreational and performance off-road segments and aims to create new opportunities for this growing market.

SEMA Show 2004 will be held Tuesday, Nov. 2 through Friday Nov. 5 in the Las Vegas Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.