The Specialty Equipment Market Association just finished its annual Spring Expo & Off-Road Show at the Indianapolis Convention Center. As you'd assume by the name, this is just like the big Las Vegas show but on a more manageable scale with a more truck-focused subject matter.
That's why we try to go each year; luckily, it was at the Indy Convention Center this year (it rotates around the country), so we were able to drive down from the Chicago auto show in just a few hours. The mini SEMA show gives us a great chance to see what clever new products will be hitting the market. In fact, one our favorite parts of the show is the New Products display that allow us to see what problem-solvers will be the "next big thing" that you need to know about—some of it may be for your truck or just be a great idea that could save you time. Additionally, it gives us a front-row seat to those businesses that are dealing with truck buyers on a daily basis at the retail level. That means just about all of these professionals are truck people, too, so these new products are more than just a way to make a buck -- and in many cases also a way to help their buddies. Of course, some of these ideas are ones we wish we had thought of. But a truck show wouldn't be anything without some interesting four-wheeled rigs to look at, as well. It never ceases to amaze us that each vehicle can have a personality as unique as the owner who built it. We even saw a huge display of vehicles, which is trying to promote the fact that many of the aftermarket parts built for enthusiasts have hugely "green" (meaning environmentally friendly) sides to their good looks. Who knows, there could be a SEMA Green Show in the not-too-distant future.
Unfortunately, these shows aren't open to public, but if by chance you're planning on opening up a truck store or looking to go into the truck publishing business, we'd recommend getting to one of these regional shows. In the meantime, we've collected a number of new products from the Indy Show. Check out the coverage here: SEMA Spring Expo & Off Road Show
FYI: Just eight months until SEMA 2008!