SEMA plans to expand its Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Project at the upcoming 2010 SEMA Show.

Calling last year’s research effort a huge success, the program polls the nation’s most active, influential automotive enthusiasts to help identify future trends and collect feedback on the products and vehicles debuting at the SEMA Show.

“The results of last year’s inaugural Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Project exceeded our expectations,” said Thomas Myroniak, SEMA’s vice president of marketing and member services. “Not only did we get an exceptional group of participants, but through their efforts we were able to provide exhibitors and attendees immediate and in-depth feedback about their preferences, attitudes and outlook towards our industry and its products.”

The 2009 program invited 527 enthusiasts to attend the second day of the SEMA Show. In addition to completing a comprehensive pre-show survey, onsite focus groups were conducted to provide deeper insight into enthusiasts’ attitudes and outlooks about the industry. That input, combined with the social media feedback and pre-show survey results, was captured in a series of market research reports and provided to exhibitors prior to being released to the industry at large.

“The information generated from the program is unlike anything else we’ve ever done before,” said Myroniak. “By providing the country’s most knowledgeable and influential enthusiasts with access to the newest products, we’re able to learn what resonates and what doesn’t. Exhibitors who’ve reviewed the reports have indicated that they are incredibly valuable and will undoubtedly aid in shaping future plans.”

For more information about the SEMA Show Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Project, contact Megan McKernan at [email protected].