-- Participants Gain Insight Into Future Industry Trends,
While Learning New Skills and Approaches to Solving Everyday Business Challenges -- 

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (February 15, 2008) - SEMA's only event dedicated solely to education and learning, the National Education Conference (NEC), will be held April 9-11, 2008 at the Hilton Nashville Downtown in Nashville, Tennessee. The second annual event has become a premier professional development forum in the automotive industry, providing professionals with several unique opportunities to network with key players and peers in the specialty-equipment market.
The focus of the NEC is to provide SEMA members and the industry-at-large with proven strategies from recognized leaders that will enhance leadership skills, reinforce effective management practices and address new technology integration. The conference gives participants a collaborative environment in which to exchange new ideas and real-world solutions, gain wisdom and insight from industry experts, network with peers and examine new ways to solve everyday business challenges.

"Leaders in the specialty equipment industry are paying close attention to the rapidly changing business environment," said Pat Talaska, SEMA director of educational services. "At the NEC, participants will learn about trends and global influences that are shaping the direction of our industry and how those changes will influence the way we shape our businesses. Whether a veteran or new to the industry, the NEC is a must-attend event for those looking build a solid future in the SEMA industry."

In addition to the networking and social interaction, NEC participants will take part in a community of learning through several educational seminars and presentations from experts who have been carefully chosen for the event. Keynote speakers for the conference are:

• Jimmy Johnson, one of the all-time greatest NFL head coaches, will share a wealth of knowledge (and personal anecdotes) that will motivate and inspire

• Ram Charan, a highly acclaimed business advisor, speaker and author, will share his practical, real-world perspective on many areas of business

Other featured speakers include:

• Dr. Chris Przirembel will focus on emerging technologies in the automotive and motorsports industries from a research perspective, based on technological challenges and issues related to advanced materials, alternative fuels, computational modeling and advanced manufacturing
• Garold Markle, founding principal of consulting firm Energage Incorporated, will introduce a new performance review process that translates into an effective personnel tool
• Mike Mooney, marketing communications expert, will offer insight into emerging technologies that will improve a company's efficiencies, customer engagement and brand positioning
• Gil Cargill, highly-acclaimed business consultant, will teach attendees how to identify sales obstacles while gaining a competitive advantage
• Alan Beaulieu will discuss specific management objectives and decisions that embrace profits based on thorough, accurate economic forecasts
• Mike Allosso, business communications guru, will help executives enhance communication skills and provide realistic secret weapons to help achieve excellence in day-to-day life

• Jim Spoonhower, SEMA's VP of Market Research and Information, will highlight trends over the past 10 years and discuss where the market is going-as well as how to stay ahead.

SEMA is offering a money back guarantee to registrants who are not completely satisfied. To register and view a schedule of events, visit www.sema.org/nec. The website also includes information regarding hotel accommodations for the event.

About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $36.7 billion specialty automotive industry of 7,094 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry.
The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit http://www.sema.org/ and http://www.enjoythedrive.com/.

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