The 2011 SEMA Show drew 132,000 participants, leaving association management pleased not only at the quantity of buyers but more importantly with the quality of attendance. Peter McGillivray, Vice President of Events and Communications, stated, “Based on what we are hearing from both exhibitors and buyers, this year’s show was successful at helping participants connect with others in the industry,  discover new products and capitalize on new business opportunities.” This year, there were 2,100 total exhibitors and 1 million square feet of exhibits. Of the 2,100 exhibiting companies, about 600 were companies that were exhibiting at the SEMA Show for the very first time. McGillivray commented, “Most of these companies are small businesses, which are the lifeblood of our industry. We pride ourselves in catering to small businesses and helping them succeed – whether it’s through innovative programs like the new products showcase or the thousands of media that feature the new products from the Show.”