DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Nov. 15, 2013) — The 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show drew a 7-percent larger audience than a year ago, leaving "no doubt" that the automotive specialty equipment industry is experiencing a resurgence, SEMA said.
Final attendance numbers are still being audited, but show organizers reported that more than 126,000 credentials were issues before the event and "thousands more" were processed on-site. Those numbers represent a 7-percent increase and the largest in SEMA Show history, according to the Diamond Bar-based trade group.
The show drew 2,381 exhibitors, representing all facets of the automotive specialty-equipment market, SEMA said.
"A trade show is a reflection of the industry it serves," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "The unprecedented participation levels this year indicate the industry is moving into growth mode. This was a record-breaking year, and we're seeing companies ready and eager to do business."
The SEMA Annual Market Report, which is available exclusively to SEMA members online, estimates the market for aftermarket products hit $31.3 billion in 2012, up from less than $28 billion during the depths of the recession in 2009.
Organizers anticipate the market will grow again this year.