Thu, 01/11/2024 - 06:22

By Ashley Reyes

Aspiring leaders in the automotive aftermarket industry who want to elevate their personal and professional development are invited to apply for the 2024 SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Professional Development Program (PDP), taking place Thursday, May 16 through Friday, May 17, at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan. Applications are open now and close on March 13. Apply here.  

FLN Professional Development Program

Aspiring leaders in the automotive aftermarket industry can apply to participate in the program, scheduled for May 16-17 at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan. 

Held in partnership with Dale Carnegie Training, the program will be available to 25 FLN members who will receive a 50% discount (an $800 savings) on the original Dale Carnegie price ($1,600) and receive meals and housing for three days, if selected to attend.  

During the program, attendees will:   

  • Elevate their communication skills through interactive lessons.   
  • Take part in group exercises that will teach participants to communicate professionally and confidently in various business situations. 
  • Discover how to build relationships and deal with difficult people in multiple scenarios.  
  • Learn to gain cooperation and influence people, including direct reports, laterally and upward. 
  • Find out how to use emotional controls to sustain success.  
  • Learn how to navigate challenging situations through effective communication.  

"The Dale Carnegie program is world-renowned, and it helped me to refine my people and relationship skills," said Jonny Wood of Yamika Products, who participated in the 2023 program. "Only a few days after the program, I started to see the difference it has made in me and improving communication with my team." 

Unlike other professional development programs, the FLN PDP offers quality networking and conversations targeted to automotive aftermarket professionals. The program will bring together participants to share their unique experiences, connect with like-minded individuals and establish friendships with those who have similar passions and goals. 

Apply for the FLN Professional Development Program at sema.org/fln-pdp. 

Tue, 01/09/2024 - 12:45

By Drew Hardin

The first High Performance and Custom Trade Show in January 1967 was modest, but it was deemed a success by attendees on both sides of the pipe-and-drape booths, as well as by SEMA and Petersen Publishing, which put on the event. There was almost immediate talk of a second Show, but at a venue more accommodating than the Los Angeles Dodger Stadium's drafty pavilions.

According to Ray Brock's "Publisher's Report" in the May 1967 issue of Petersen's Hot Rod Industry News (HRIN), the new location chosen for the Show would be "the most modern of all" convention centers, the brand-new complex in Anaheim, California, where "facilities are second to none in the country." A 100,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall would hold the Show "in one huge rectangular area, so booths will be ideally arranged with wide, roomy aisles." HRIN reserved 500 rooms for attendees at the adjacent Disneyland Hotel.

An overhead shot of the 1969 SEMA Show

The SEMA Show floor at the Anaheim Convention Center, January 1969.

The Show would take place January 4-6, 1968. Initial response by manufacturers was "fantastic," Brock wrote, and SEMA and Petersen had already locked in dates at Anaheim out to 1972.

In these early days, the event was still officially called the High Performance and Custom Trade Show, but by HRIN's June 1967 issue the magazine admitted that it was "more commonly referred to as the SEMA Show." Show hours (1:00-6:00 p.m., Thursday and Saturday; 1:00-9:00 p.m. Friday) "were carefully selected to take advantage of optimum business hours while at the same time providing ample 'social hours.'" Planned activities outside the Show included cocktail parties, banquets, golf tournaments and business seminars. "The show will have a professional air without losing its intimate and warm atmosphere."

Accounts vary, but most reports say there were between 90–100 booths at the Dodger Stadium trade event. The first Anaheim Show doubled that number. Brock's post-Show reporting said "201 ten-by-ten booths" were set up by 140 exhibitors, while another 30 booths "were used to display show cars throughout the floor for 'dress-up' and to show actual use of special performance and custom accessories." Exhibitors "made their 1968 sales pitches to 3,800 distributors and dealers from all over this country, Mexico and Canada."

HRIN's coverage made note of several trends spotted at the Show, including the number of booths devoted to Volkswagen speed and custom equipment. "Looks as if dealers are finding out, as we reported better than a year ago, that the VW is another flathead," wrote Bob Leif. Off-roading equipment, including that on display by Pete Condos' Con-Ferr and Brian Chuchua's Four Wheel Drive Center, "is getting a good portion of dealer interest," as were high-performance-related jackets and T-shirts and "fiberglass items" from "hoods to body pieces." There were even a few displays paying attention to new emissions laws, including Jardine headers "with the air pump openings" and a "pair of engines that featured speed items such as manifolds and cam" displayed by the California Air Resources Board.

Two men at a podium at the 1969 SEMA Show

The SEMA Banquet was held on Wednesday evening at the 1970 SEMA Show. Astronaut Pete Conrad, commander of the Apollo 12 mission, was scheduled to be the guest speaker. A bad case of the flu kept him home, so SEMA President Roy Richter (right), read the commemorative plaque to him over the phone with help from Petersen Publishing Vice President Ray Brock.

Leif's story also reported on some of the Show's ancillary events, including several popular tours of nearby manufacturing facilities, hosted by "tour guide" and SEMA Show ramrod Alex Xydias, and "activities for the ladies" that included shopping and a luncheon on historic Olvera Street and a tour of the Queen Mary in Long Beach.

The Convention Center's management said the Show "was one of the finest staged to date in the Center," Brock said, giving credit to the exhibitors. "The interesting design provided by the performance and custom items and the displays used to show these lines added much to the overall appearance of the SEMA Show.

"And the professional composition of the booths, many of which were designed and built by the manufacturers, further emphasized how the industry has grown from a backyard hobby to a half-billion dollar giant in just those few years since the end of World War II," he added. "We have become big league, and now the whole automotive accessory and parts industry is either joining in the fascinating sport or taking a long, hard look at how they can join the team."

For 1969, the Show moved to January 15-17 and a Wednesday-Thursday-Friday schedule. Xydias (now the magazine's editor) said there were more than 330 booths sold, and the Show attracted "many of the large aftermarket companies who were beginning to make performance equipment," including Holley, TRW, Champion, Raybestos, Clevite and others. "Over 6,500 dealers, reps and buyers from companies
large and small were there," he wrote, adding that "the SEMA Dinner was so successful it had to be moved from the Disneyland Hotel Banquet Room to the Convention Center's beautiful Sports Arena," where more than 1,300 people were served.

The STP Booth at the 1969 SEMA Show

The STP booth at the 1969 SEMA Show. The addition of national aftermarket companies marked a milestone in the Show's growth.

Writing in the November 1969 HRIN, Xydias reported that the 1970 Show was "almost sold out now, months before the show opening." He expected the show's 450 booths would encompass the entire 100,000 sq. ft. of the Convention Center's space. The Show took place again in late January, with pre-Show activities that included the popular factory tours and a HRIN cocktail party. Holley sponsored the show's kick-off Awards Breakfast Wednesday morning, and the SEMA Banquet was held that evening. It turns out Xydias' pre-show booth count was a bit low, as 481 were sold. More than 7,100 people, plus 1,500 "VIP guests," attended the Show that year.

For 1971, the Show grew to four days, Tuesday-Friday, and "there were more booths sold (535) to more exhibitors (310) than ever before," said HRIN in its Show coverage. This also marked the first time the Show grew beyond the main Convention Center floor space and required 30,000 additional sq. ft. in adjoining facilities. Registration topped 10,000 for the first time, representing an increase of more than 30% over 1970.

The trend continued for 1972. The final tally was 550 booth spaces for 321 exhibitors, 12,000 registered attendees, and the Show "expanded beyond the 130,000 sq. ft. Anaheim Convention Center's main building, requiring an additional 50,000 sq. ft. in the main arena," reported HRIN. Demand for seminars, receptions and forums was high enough that they were scheduled for the entire week.

Carroll Shelby, Tom Binford and Wally Parks take a break at the 1972 SEMA Show.

From left: Carroll Shelby, Tom Binford and Wally Parks take a break at the 1972 SEMA Show.

Just after the close of the 1972 Show, SEMA announced the dates for the 1973 Show would move up from the traditional January timeframe to November 16-18, 1972. "The date's revision was brought about by the APAA's decision to locate their annual show in the Los Angeles Convention Center on November 13, 14 and 15," explained Els Lohn, SEMA Show committee chairman (and president of Eelco Manufacturing). By moving its dates, SEMA wanted to "ease the schedule of exhibitors and attendees alike."

"Literally two for the price of one," is how Xydias positioned the move in his February 1972 HRIN "Publisher's Report," which addressed some of the concerns voiced by industry members. "Two shows in the same week in the same area for the first time should attract a greater number of buyers than either could expect to do alone," he reasoned.

As for worries about duplication of products and exhibitors, Xydias said that "the overlap factor varies by year, but it averages between 10% and 15%." APAA "contains the latest automotive parts and accessories," while the SEMA Show was about "the latest high-performance and custom equipment." In fact, SEMA policy, he said, limited the merchandise displayed to performance or custom-oriented products "to help avoid any confusion.

"Let's keep moving ahead," he said at the Report's conclusion. "Controversy doesn't sell a damn thing."

The 1973 SEMA Show

The 1973 SEMA Show was the first to take place in November, and it commemorated SEMA's 10th anniversary.

And move ahead they did. HRIN's post-show report called it "the most successful SEMA Show in its history," with more than 13,000 registered attendees, including more than 6,000 buyers on opening day alone, both attendance records. By now, the Show had "grown well beyond the exhibition of new products," HRIN pointed out, as "SEMA Show week now includes almost every important function of the performance industry."

It wouldn't be long, though, before the product exhibition and those other important functions would tax the Anaheim facility to the point that a bigger venue was needed. The controversy Xydias addressed over moving the Show dates would pale in comparison to what happened when the new location—Las Vegas—was announced for the 1977 Show.

There were other clouds on the horizon, too. While the SEMA Show grew steadily in these early years, SEMA and its member companies faced new challenges dealing with "noise, safety and air pollution," wrote Xydias in early 1972. "It is a great opportunity for the high performance and custom industry to be a leader. Fortunately, we have the technical knowledge, the good old 'hot-rod' ingenuity, to be successful pioneers in the solution of these problems. We also have the organization through which we can work effectively, the Specialty Equipment Manufacturer's Association."
 

Tue, 01/09/2024 - 11:17

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In an update to the Moab, Utah motorized access closures, the U.S.Moab Utah Department of Interior's Board of Land Appeals (IBLA) has agreed to hear the Off-Road Business Association's (ORBA) appeal of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) decision to approve the Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan (TMP). If enacted, the TMP would significantly reduce motorized recreational access near Moab, Utah. 

The IBLA has denied the BLM's Motion to Dismiss ORBA's appeal of the Moab Field Office's September 2023 updated TMP that would close an estimated 317 miles of roads and trails to motorized recreationists at the Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Special Recreation Management Area. Below is the timeline that the IBLA laid out for ORBA's and another group's challenges to the BLM's Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges TMP: 

  • BLM must file and serve its administrative record on or before January 16, 2024; 
  • BLM must file its Answer or a Motion to Dismiss on or before April 15, 2024; 
  • The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA), which supports BLM's proposed closures, may file an Answer on or before May 13, 2024; and;  
  • ORBA may file one Reply to the Answers of BLM and SUWA on or before June 10, 2024. 

"The IBLA's decision to hear ORBA's appeal of the BLM's heavy-handed closure is an important step in protecting roads and trails near Moab," said Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs. "I'm proud to serve on ORBA's board of directors, as SEMA values its role in working with ORBA to help lead the fight to protect motorized recreational access."  

ORBA's appeal is supported by One Voice, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), United Four-Wheel Drive Association, USA (United Snowmobile Alliance), SEMA and the many off-road businesses that comprise ORBA's membership. The coalition is challenging the BLM's proposed closures along with the agency's process surrounding the decision on the grounds that there was inadequate review, incomplete and defective factual data, mapping errors, decisions made from unsupported data, and violations of settlement agreements.  

ORBA's November 2023 filing asked the IBLA to rescind the BLM's Travel Management Plan (TMP) and Environmental Assessment (EA), and it directed the BLM to: 

  • (i) revamp and redraft the TMP consistent with this Statement of Reasons,  
  • (ii) ensure the new TMP considers an adequate range of alternatives, including alternatives that contemplate the establishment of new routes and trails,  
  • (iii) initiate pre-NEPA outreach with Appellants and others as required by the SUWA Settlement Agreement, 
  • (iv) prepare an EIS, not EA, to address all impacts of the proposed TMP, including cumulative impacts on OHV recreation,  
  • (v) correct all mapping errors cited above and provide up-to-date, accurate information in the new TMP and EIS, and  
  • (vi) release the new TMP and EIS for a minimum 90-day review and comment period so that Appellants and other members of the public can confirm the accuracy of BLM's mapping and other supporting data. 

ORBA's appeal focuses on the BLM's road and trail closures at the Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Special Recreation Management Area for the following reasons: 

  • BLM provided an inadequate review period for public assessment of the proposed TMP and Environmental Assessment (EA), both of which were incomplete and factually defective when released to the public. 
  • Mapping errors persist and render BLM's decision to approve the TMP and EA arbitrary and capricious. 
  • BLM approved the TMP and EA in violation of the 2017 Settlement Agreement in Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance et al. v. U.S. Dept. of Interior. 
  • BLM improperly limited the scope of the TMP and alternatives, resulting in conflicts with the Applicable Resource Management Plan. 
  • The TMP and EA rely on visitation and resource capacity assumption that defy logic and are unsupported by evidence. 
  • The TMP and EA fail to account for or analyze the cumulative impact of past, present and reasonably foreseeable trail and route closures. 
  • The EA fails to base its analysis on high-quality data, resulting in a document that confuses rather than informs the public and decision-makers. 
  • The TMP and EA did not consider an adequate range of alternatives. 
  • The TMP and EA provide an inadequate and facially incorrect analysis of the plan's economic impacts. 
  • The TMP and EA draw conclusions regarding recreational visitor impacts that cannot be supported by the available data. 
  • The TMP and EA fail to acknowledge that routes designated under the National Trails System Act, including the Old Spanish Trail, remain multiple-use areas. 
  • The TMP and EA impermissibly rely on outdated and/or generalized technical reports. 
  • The TMP and EA fail to address data showing that closure of recreational areas often make user conflicts worse, not better. 

For additional information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org

Tue, 01/09/2024 - 11:17

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In an update to the Moab, Utah motorized access closures, the U.S.Moab Utah Department of Interior's Board of Land Appeals (IBLA) has agreed to hear the Off-Road Business Association's (ORBA) appeal of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) decision to approve the Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan (TMP). If enacted, the TMP would significantly reduce motorized recreational access near Moab, Utah. 

The IBLA has denied the BLM's Motion to Dismiss ORBA's appeal of the Moab Field Office's September 2023 updated TMP that would close an estimated 317 miles of roads and trails to motorized recreationists at the Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Special Recreation Management Area. Below is the timeline that the IBLA laid out for ORBA's and another group's challenges to the BLM's Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges TMP: 

  • BLM must file and serve its administrative record on or before January 16, 2024; 
  • BLM must file its Answer or a Motion to Dismiss on or before April 15, 2024; 
  • The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA), which supports BLM's proposed closures, may file an Answer on or before May 13, 2024; and;  
  • ORBA may file one Reply to the Answers of BLM and SUWA on or before June 10, 2024. 

"The IBLA's decision to hear ORBA's appeal of the BLM's heavy-handed closure is an important step in protecting roads and trails near Moab," said Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs. "I'm proud to serve on ORBA's board of directors, as SEMA values its role in working with ORBA to help lead the fight to protect motorized recreational access."  

ORBA's appeal is supported by One Voice, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), United Four-Wheel Drive Association, USA (United Snowmobile Alliance), SEMA and the many off-road businesses that comprise ORBA's membership. The coalition is challenging the BLM's proposed closures along with the agency's process surrounding the decision on the grounds that there was inadequate review, incomplete and defective factual data, mapping errors, decisions made from unsupported data, and violations of settlement agreements.  

ORBA's November 2023 filing asked the IBLA to rescind the BLM's Travel Management Plan (TMP) and Environmental Assessment (EA), and it directed the BLM to: 

  • (i) revamp and redraft the TMP consistent with this Statement of Reasons,  
  • (ii) ensure the new TMP considers an adequate range of alternatives, including alternatives that contemplate the establishment of new routes and trails,  
  • (iii) initiate pre-NEPA outreach with Appellants and others as required by the SUWA Settlement Agreement, 
  • (iv) prepare an EIS, not EA, to address all impacts of the proposed TMP, including cumulative impacts on OHV recreation,  
  • (v) correct all mapping errors cited above and provide up-to-date, accurate information in the new TMP and EIS, and  
  • (vi) release the new TMP and EIS for a minimum 90-day review and comment period so that Appellants and other members of the public can confirm the accuracy of BLM's mapping and other supporting data. 

ORBA's appeal focuses on the BLM's road and trail closures at the Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Special Recreation Management Area for the following reasons: 

  • BLM provided an inadequate review period for public assessment of the proposed TMP and Environmental Assessment (EA), both of which were incomplete and factually defective when released to the public. 
  • Mapping errors persist and render BLM's decision to approve the TMP and EA arbitrary and capricious. 
  • BLM approved the TMP and EA in violation of the 2017 Settlement Agreement in Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance et al. v. U.S. Dept. of Interior. 
  • BLM improperly limited the scope of the TMP and alternatives, resulting in conflicts with the Applicable Resource Management Plan. 
  • The TMP and EA rely on visitation and resource capacity assumption that defy logic and are unsupported by evidence. 
  • The TMP and EA fail to account for or analyze the cumulative impact of past, present and reasonably foreseeable trail and route closures. 
  • The EA fails to base its analysis on high-quality data, resulting in a document that confuses rather than informs the public and decision-makers. 
  • The TMP and EA did not consider an adequate range of alternatives. 
  • The TMP and EA provide an inadequate and facially incorrect analysis of the plan's economic impacts. 
  • The TMP and EA draw conclusions regarding recreational visitor impacts that cannot be supported by the available data. 
  • The TMP and EA fail to acknowledge that routes designated under the National Trails System Act, including the Old Spanish Trail, remain multiple-use areas. 
  • The TMP and EA impermissibly rely on outdated and/or generalized technical reports. 
  • The TMP and EA fail to address data showing that closure of recreational areas often make user conflicts worse, not better. 

For additional information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org

Tue, 01/09/2024 - 09:30

Building a High Performance TeamBy Ashley Reyes

Building a high-performance team is important to an organization's success. It helps build employee engagement, increases productivity and leads to a better company culture.

SEMA members in supervisor or managerial positions are invited to attend the upcoming session, "Building a High-Performance Team, presented by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)," on January 23, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. PST/3:00 p.m. EST to hear from industry experts as they share their top tips for improved performance.

Attendees will learn:

  • How to build a high-performance team.
  • How to recognize if your plan is working as designed.
  • The importance of aligning the team's values and vision with a common goal.
  • Benefits of having a system that works for your team.
  • How a high-performance team can improve communication, cooperation and culture experience.

The session will be moderated by Melissa Parker-Boudreaux (ORACLE Lighting) and feature panelists Matt Beenen (BuiltRight Industries), Colby McLaughlin (Trim Illusion) and Joanna Shere (Steele Rubber Products). Time will be allocated at the end of the session for a Q&A. Don’t miss out. Secure your seat.

Tue, 01/09/2024 - 09:21

Loan ForgivenessBy Ashley Reyes

SEMA member company employees have an exclusive opportunity to apply to reduce their student debt through the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program. Loan Forgiveness applications are open now and run through March 1 at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program issues awards up to $2,000 to individuals who are paying off a degree or certification from a college, university, or career tech school in the United States or Canada. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a passion for the automotive industry and have a minimum of $2,000 in student loans. 

"Receiving a SEMA loan forgiveness award presents a unique for our members to focus more on excelling in their careers, rather than be burdened by financial strain," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer. "It also helps to ease their stress, motivating them to pursue new goals and thrive in the automotive aftermarket industry." 

The Loan Forgiveness program is open exclusively to employees of SEMA member businesses as a benefit of membership. Review the eligibility requirements and submit your application at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness. Questions can be directed to Chris Standifer at Chriss@sema.org

Tue, 01/09/2024 - 08:42

By SEMA News Editors

zMAX CARS Tour Adds West Coast Schedule for 2024

zMAX CARS Tour will expand to the West Coast in 2024 in the form of the zMAX CARS Tour Pro Late Model Series West.

zMAX CARS Tour West Logo

The nine-race season will open on February 17 at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, California, and includes stops at Madera Speedway, Irwindale Speedway, The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and All American Speedway in Roseville, California.

For the full announcement, visit carsracingtour.com.

USAC Announces 2024 Rules Updates

The United States Auto Club (USAC) has announced multiple rules updates and enforcements to be implemented during the 2024 USAC Silver Crown National Championship, AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship and NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship seasons.

USAC competitors discussed and voted on the rules updates during the annual competition meetings held on December 5, 2023, at USAC headquarters in Speedway, Indiana.

For the full list of rules updates for the 2024 season, visit usacracing.com.


For additional racing news, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website

Tue, 01/09/2024 - 07:53

By SEMA News Editors

COBB Tuning Becomes Tread Lightly! Official Partner

Tread Lightly!, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation through stewardship and educational programs, has added COBB Tuning as its newest official partner.

COBB Tuning and Tread Lightly

COBB Tuning will support Tread Lightly!'s mission to protect off-road trail access and public lands.

As an official partner of Tread Lightly!, COBB Tuning will support Tread Lightly!'s mission to protect off-road trail access and public lands.

"Thank you to COBB Tuning for embracing Tread Lightly!'s mission through this partnership and in its company ethos," said Matt Caldwell, executive director of Tread Lightly! "It is support from companies like these that help us continue our work to protect the adventure."

For more information on COBB Tuning visit, www.cobbtuning.com. To learn more about Tread Lightly! visit www.treadlightly.org.

Hot Shot’s Secret Expands EDT+ Winter Defense Distribution

Hot Shot's Secret has expanded the distribution of its EDT+ Winter Defense anti-gel fuel booster for diesel-powered vehicles.

The 16-oz. bottle is now available at O'Reilly Auto Parts stores nationwide.

EDT+ Winter Defense adds anti-gel and anti-icing properties to Hot Shot's Secret's Everyday Diesel Treatment to keep diesel engines fully operational as low as -40°F. The additive also includes a cetane booster, lubricity additive, injector cleaner and fuel stabilizer chemicals.

For more information, visit hotshotsecret.com.

Kahn Media Launches Business Podcast

Kahn Media, a public relations and integrated marketing agency, has launched a new podcast featuring conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators on what it takes to survive in the current business environment.

Kahn Media Podcast Only the Strong Survive

The podcast will feature conversations with business leaders on what it takes to survive in the current business environment.

Hosted by Kahn Media President and CEO Dan Kahn, "Only the Strong Survive" will examine topics like navigating the constantly shifting media landscape, the role of private equity in small- and mid-size businesses, properly assessing risk, and more.

Available on Spotify, iTunes and otsspodcast.com, the show will debut biweekly. Four episodes of the show are currently available.

For more information, visit kahnmedia.com.

 

Tue, 01/09/2024 - 07:29

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

Youth Automotive Training Center

Executive Director in Deerfield Beach, Florida

The Youth Automotive Training Center (YATC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to training and educating at-risk youth in basic automotive and other skills, is seeking an executive director. The ideal candidate for the post has an automotive and training background, as well as experience working with populations who require guidance/support. The position oversees all aspects of the development, implementation and management of the YATC program, works with the board and staff to support the students, develops curriculum, oversees the staff, manages contracts and budgets, and coordinates and advocates for students and alumni.

Malco Automotive

Community Manager in Barberton, Ohio

The specialty chemical manufacturer is in search of a community manager to enhance Malco Automotive's brand presence, engagement and overall community experience. This position will be responsible for social-media management, event planning and execution, brand experience management, community engagement and advocacy, analytics and reporting and more.

Tue, 01/09/2024 - 06:43

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA has issued a call for speakers for its annual SEMA Show--taking place in Las Vegas in November 2024--and its year-round virtual education program. Innovative thinkers and dynamic presenters who can share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket are invited to apply at sema.org/speakers.

A speaker presenting during a SEMA Education seminar

Innovate thinkers and dynamic presenters are invited to submit speaker proposals for the 2024 SEMA Show by February 16.

Organizers are seeking experts who can facilitate new ideas, technologies and expertise at seminars that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level. Educational seminars make up one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals go to learn new business strategies. Likewise, SEMA's year-round virtual program provides relevant, engaging and inspiring information on the industry's complex issues and topics through online events and informational webinars.

Topics of focus for 2024 include:

  • Aftermarket updates and future trends
  • Legislative and regulatory
  • Sales and marketing
  • Small-business strategy
  • Vehicle technology and electric vehicles
  • Specific industry segments

Speaker proposals for the 2024 SEMA Show must be submitted by February 16. Virtual education proposals can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Submit proposals at sema.org/speakers. For more details, contact Gary Vigil, senior manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.