SEMA conference showcases tools, resources for product development

Technology such as 3D printing is changing the way manufacturers develop products. The SEMA Product Development Expo taking place April 10, 2014, in Diamond Bar, CA, will help SEMA members learn about new tools and resources available to increase efficiencies and decrease costs. Co-sponsored by the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) and the Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN), the one-day conference includes live demonstrations of 3D scanning and printing machines, discussions on connected vehicles, the future of transportation, and updates about automotive apps – including Ford’s OpenXC platform. Participants will also learn about and tour the SEMA Garage – Industry Innovations Center. The 15,000-square feet facility makes it easy and affordable for automotive parts manufacturers to access special high-tech tools and equipment needed to get products off the drawing board and into customer hands. "The race to define future vehicles is on," said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. "SEMA's Product Development Expo is a chance to learn how to compete and win as new technologies, tools and applications are deployed." Conference participants will discover how to avoid reverse engineering, what products require emissions certifications and how to obtain the proper certifications, and why data standards can help or hinder distribution. Registration fee for the SEMA Product Development Expo is $47 for SEMA members; $97 for non-SEMA members. Registration, which includes lunch and a networking reception, is available at http://www.sema.org/pde. For more details, contact Juliet Marshall, [email protected], 909-978-6655.About SEMA SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $31.3 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,537 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: 909-610-2030, or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.

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