The SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference will be 30 years old when it returns to Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 2-4, 2027, continuing one of the aftermarket industry’s most productive networking events for manufacturers and media professionals.
Since it began, the conference has operated under a unique one-on-one meeting format that brings together manufacturers with journalists, editors, podcasters and content creators. Participating companies have the opportunity to conduct more than 40 scheduled 30-minute meetings designed to generate editorial coverage, establish long-term media relationships and introduce new products to influential industry voices. This is all achieved in three days.
“The Media Trade Conference is a high-performance engine for visibility and connection in the motorsports aftermarket,” MPMC Chair Brian Bohlander said. “In just three days, companies have the opportunity to engage directly with the voices that shape the industry, turning conversations into coverage and relationships into long-term momentum.”
Unlike traditional trade shows centered on buyer-seller interactions, the Media Trade Conference is built around helping manufacturers develop meaningful relationships with members of the media. The meeting format allows companies to present products, discuss story opportunities and identify new editorial outlets in a focused business environment away from the distractions of a crowded show floor.
CompetitionPlus.com has been a regular at the conference since its early years, first attending the event in 2001. Editor Bobby Bennett said the conference has consistently produced more than just editorial opportunities.
“It’s like speed dating for the media and the manufacturers,” Bennett said. “We’ve had many years at the show where we have been able to develop working projects in the meeting, and many times after hours at dinner or maybe the occasional ground hang out. This event sets the benchmark for networking.”
Those working relationships have turned into feature stories, product coverage and long-term partnerships that benefit both manufacturers seeking exposure and media outlets looking for meaningful content. The conference’s format has remained largely unchanged because of its proven ability to connect the right people in an efficient setting.
“Your network is your net worth, and the Media Trade Conference is a great way to meet different people who can help you grow your business,” Bohlander said. “That’s why this program has been successful for the past 30 years; it puts people in a room together to talk about what they do best and are passionate about — and magic happens.”
In addition to the scheduled meetings, attendees will participate in daily networking events and an evening reception that includes presentation of the 2027 MPMC Robert E. Petersen Media Award. Media registration for the conference is scheduled to open in October.
