At an open meeting of SEMA members, there was an extensive discussion about how the Internet has changed each member’s business. Commerce has shifted, and new technologies have empowered consumers like never before. In keeping with SEMA’s mission statement of helping its members prosper, an idea was formed to bring an industry-specific day of Internet knowledge to life. Subsequently, there was standing-room only in a theater-style classroom early one Saturday morning after the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. The room was crowded with truck guys, retailers, WDs, media and, of course, manufacturers. They were all there to see if they were missing essential details in their quest to stay at the top of their markets.

The opening speaker showed graphs that illustrated how the Internet had grown from a few users back in the ’70s to nearly 70% of the U.S. population. Search-engine providers spoke about pay-per-click advertising; attorneys answered questions about protecting a brand in cyberspace; and demonstrations of virtual stores riveted the gathering. Attendees had never witnessed this type of participation and interest from such a large group.

After circulating questionnaires to the participants at last year’s event, the Street Performance Council (SPC) has created a much larger scale endeavor for 2009. Taking place August 1, 2009, in Pasadena, California, again in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, this year’s event is multitracked.

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