SEMA Combines PRI, IMIS Shows for 2013

The PRI and IMIS trade shows will be returning to Indy next year as a single, combined event. The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has finalized an agreement to purchase the International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS), a hardcore racing trade show that has been held annually in Indianapolis since 2009.

As a result, IMIS will be consolidated with the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, currently held in Orlando, which will return to Indianapolis for 2013 and beyond, according to a SEMA press release.

SEMA purchased the Performance Racing Industry trade show and magazine from founder Steve Lewis in March. Originally held in Indianapolis, the show had moved to Orlando for the past several years.

“We formed IMIS in 2009 to bring a hardcore racing tradeshow back to Indianapolis," said Chris Paulsen, co-founder of IMIS. “We grew a lot faster than we ever could have dreamed of and we couldn’t be happier that a hardcore racing tradeshow will remain in Indianapolis for years to come. SEMA will be great stewards of the hardcore racing industry and I couldn’t be more pleased that Indianapolis will remain the center of motorsports both on and off the track."

The IMIS transaction is set to close in December. Meanwhile, both the PRI Trade Show and IMIS will take place as scheduled for 2012. The 25th edition of the PRI Trade Show will be held Nov. 29-Dec. 1 in Orlando, and IMIS will be held Dec. 6-8 in Indianapolis.

“Being from Indiana, having a hardcore racing trade show in Indianapolis was very important to me," said Tony Stewart, three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and co-founder of IMIS. “That’s why I got involved with Chris and Jeff (Stoops, co-founder of IMIS) to help form IMIS and bring back a show to Indianapolis. I know SEMA will do a great job to make sure Indy remains the place for hardcore racing."

The 2013 PRI Trade Show will occupy the entire Indiana Convention Center from Dec. 12-14, 2013 The 2013 show will be organized and produced by the PRI team based in Laguna Beach, Calif., with John Kilroy as vice president/general manager.

“This consolidation is all about helping the racing industry to succeed," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Unifying the racing industry’s trade shows makes it more affordable for all to participate and allows us to focus on providing the greatest value and benefits for the racing segment. Look for the association to be adding resources and services to help participants get maximum value from the PRI Show in Indy."