Q: Who qualifies for media credentials?
A: As a trade-only event, media credentials are reserved exclusively for working members of the media, including print, broadcast, radio or online. In order to maintain a B2B environment conducive for buyers and sellers to do business, media credentials are only available to media that are related to the automotive industry, or those that cover small businesses or another relevant topic.
Public relations and marketing personnel representing manufacturers do not qualify for media credentials. Video production companies that are representing exhibitors or those that are charging companies to be covered do not qualify for media credentials.
Approved individuals who abuse their media privileges or who misrepresent themselves in obtaining their media passes may risk having their credentials revoked, and their names banned from attending the SEMA Show in future years.
Individuals who have been approved for media credentials in the last four years can use their unique alumni number or email address to register and qualify for media credentials. There is no need to re-submit qualifying materials in this case.
New applicants will need to submit qualifying materials, such as business cards, bylined articles, video or radio clips, links to articles posted online, etc. (see below).
Q: What are qualifying materials?
A: If you have been approved for media credentials in the last four years, you may have an alumni number and will need to re-submit qualifying materials (see below).
However, qualifying materials are required for all new media registrants and those without media alumni numbers. The qualifying materials should validate that you are indeed affiliated with a media outlet that covers a topic that is relevant to the SEMA Show, and it should provide insight on the plans of how the SEMA Show coverage will be used. Examples of qualifying materials include a business card, bylined article or photograph showing past work (within last 12 months), a copy of publication masthead with name and title, etc. The qualifying materials should show what the publication is, who it targets, what its readership is, etc.
Submit all qualifying information via email, fax or mail to:
Attn: SEMA Show PR Dept.
1575 Valley Vista Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Fax: 909/896-1709
Email: Media@AAIWshow.com
Q: What is an alumni number?/How can I retrieve my alumni number?
A: An alumni number is your unique code that verifies that you are approved as a qualifying media to attend the SEMA Show. You should receive/have received an email with your alumni number in April 2010. You may also enter your email address using the media registration link at www.semashow.com to retrieve your alumni number.
Please note that in order to maintain the SEMA Show’s B2B environment, media alumni may be required to re-submit qualifying materials. If you are a media alumni and are asked to submit qualifying materials, we recommend that you submit the SEMA Show coverage from when you attended the Show.
Q: When and how will I receive my badge?
A: All media badges are to be picked up in the Media Center, room S219 on the Skybridge between Central and South halls.
Media Center Hours
Friday, Oct. 29 -- Sunday, Oct. 31: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Monday, Nov. 1: 7:30 am — 5:00 pm
Tuesday, Nov. 2: 7:00 am — 6:00 pm
Wednesday, Nov. 3: 7:30 am — 6:00 pm
Thursday, Nov. 4: 8:00 am — 5:30 pm
Friday, Nov. 5: 8:00 am — 3:00 pm
Those who register and are approved in advance will need to present a photo ID to pick up their media credentials. You are not allowed to pick up credentials for colleagues.
Those registering onsite should bring qualifying materials with them, in addition to a photo ID.
Q: What if I am not pre-registered? Can I still attend the show?
A: Yes. You can register on-site in the Media Center, room S219 at the show. However, we recommend you register in advance to expedite the process and ensure that you do qualify. To register onsite, bring two forms of qualifying materials to be approved for credentials as well as a photo ID.
Q: What are the media center hours?/What amenities does it include?
A: Media Center hours are as follows:
Friday, Oct. 29 -- Sunday, Oct. 31: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Monday, Nov. 1: 7:30 am — 5:00 pm
Tuesday, Nov. 2: 7:00 am — 6:00 pm
Wednesday, Nov. 3: 7:30 am — 6:00 pm
Thursday, Nov. 4: 8:00 am — 5:30 pm
Friday, Nov. 5: 8:00 am — 3:00 pm
Amenities in the Media Center include food and beverages, working stations, complimentary copy machines, computers, printers, storage and lounging area. The Media Center also houses press kits and materials from SEMA and many exhibitors.
Media credentials allow the badge holder to access the SEMA Show floor during show hours only:
Tuesday, Nov. 2: 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
Wednesday, Nov. 3: 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
Thursday, Nov. 4: 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
Friday, Nov. 5: 9:00 am — 4:00 pm
Media from companies that are also exhibiting will receive “exhibiting media” badge holders, which allow access onto the Show floor an hour before and after regular show hours.
Q: When is Media Day?
A: There is not a designated Media Day at the SEMA Show. Media activities take place throughout the course of the event. There is an official press conference schedule, at which time select exhibitors will be making newsworthy announcements. The press conference schedule will be available in mid-September.
Q: How can I obtain information on the new products at the SEMA Show?
A: There are a number of options available for obtaining new product information. One of the easiest ways is to utilize the New Products Showcase at the SEMA Show. At the New Products Showcase, media have the opportunity to check out a “scanning device.” The scanning device can be used to select the products you are interested in learning more about. You will be able to receive a print out and an email that includes detailed information about the products you selected, as well as links to high-res photos of the products that can be downloaded quickly and easily.