SEMA Membership Benefits

MEMBER BENEFIT HIGHLIGHTS

SEMA Membership Directory

Business Resources and Solutions

Don’t miss out on being included in what is often referred to as the industry’s “ultimate sourcebook.” Used by professionals to connect and network, the SEMA Membership Directory is where leading companies go to identify and establish partnerships with others in the industry. Easy-to-use cross-reference listings make it simple to identify manufacturers of specific products, members in particular categories or reps serving certain locations. A printed copy is sent to each member company annually, while an online version is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.sema.org.

SEMA Pay Per Buyer Program
SEMA Membership Directory
Freight Savings Plan (Siriani)
Property and Liability Insurance Savings Program (SEIA)
Manufacturer Credit Reporting Group (SCRG)
Mailing Labels for 7,000+ Companies
Industry Classified Ad Postings/Listings
Comprehensive Industry Calendar of Events
Retail Credit Card Program (CarCareONE)
Credit Reporting Group
Introduction to Quality Systems
Barcode Report
EDI Guidelines

Legislative Advocacy

Research

Be a part of the industry’s legislative force by joining SEMA. Led by an experienced professional staff in Washington, D.C., and supported by thousands of enthusiasts and related businesses through the SEMA Action Network (SAN), the legislative program proactively serves to support the specialty-equipment industry and grow the influence of the motor-vehicle hobby. The year-round legislative program includes congressional visits, grassroots lobbying efforts and advocacy at both the state and federal levels. As a SEMA member, you will receive instant notification regarding relevant legislative issues and guidance on how to effectively communicate with elected officials.

View Government Affairs Resources

Determine the size of a potential market, gain insight into your customers’ buying habits and find out who’s buying what and from where by accessing SEMA’s market research. Developed specifically for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, SEMA market research is used to make smarter business decisions—quickly, easily and affordably. New reports are introduced on a regular basis and available to members through an exclusive area of the SEMA website at www.sema.org/research. If you need data, just ask the SEMA Market Research Department. Make SEMA your first call for business information. For more information, call 909/396-0289 x118 or e-mail MeganM@sema.org.

View Market Research Resources

SEMA Education Institute (SEI)

Career Development and Training

SEMA recognizes how integral training is to its members’ success and has invested in the development of a world-class, web-based learning enterprise. That learning enterprise is the SEI, and its goal is to provide members with programs and information that will maximize business results. The SEI has partnered with software developers, subject-matter experts and professional educators to build the best learning program possible.

The four areas that the SEI will focus its efforts on are:
• Product training
• Personal development and professional-skills improvement plans
• Certification programs
• Outreach/partnership programs

View SEMA SEI Resources

Learn from world-renowned experts and speakers with real-world success by participating in the SEMA educational program. Whether through live seminars or web-based conferences, SEMA’s professional development program touches on hot topics specific to the automotive specialty-equipment industry. From online marketing and intellectual property rights (IPR) to working with WDs and advertising in automotive publications, the topics are uniquely SEMA.

Industry News

Employee Recruitment

Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the industry through SEMA’s publications. An unlimited number of free subscriptions are available for every employee working for a SEMA-member company. Through SEMA News, the industry’s monthly print magazine, you’ll find relevant business articles, new-product previews, insightful features on industry leaders and highlights of key programs and events. SEMA eNews, the weekly electronic newsletter delivered directly to your e-mail inbox, includes breaking news, timely reminders and information you need to know. It’s the single best way to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the industry—when it’s happening.

Let SEMA help you find qualified employees. Post a help-wanted ad on www.sema.org/classifieds, the industry’s online classified listings that attract thousands of individuals who are seeking jobs with a SEMA-member company. As a SEMA member, you can post an unlimited number of ads on the website at no cost. Members may also tap into the SEMA Show Student Program to find qualified employees. The Student Program is affiliated with the nation’s leading automotive educational programs and institutions, with the country’s best and brightest students participating.

Networking Events

Shipping and Mailing Discounts

Meet and develop new business contacts by attending one of the many SEMA events that are held throughout the year. With more than 7,000 of the industry’s leading companies as members, SEMA events are often attended by key players in the industry.

View all upcoming SEMA events.

Pay less on packages you send out as well as on those that you receive. The SEMA Freight-Savings Program uses the collective strength of the association’s membership to secure substantial discounts with a number of carriers on both inbound and outbound deliveries. Whether you ship freight on a regular basis or only have the occasional inbound package delivered to your store, SEMA members are able to save a significant amount of money on deliveries. For more information, visit www.siriani.com/semainfo.html.

Market Research

World-Class Trade Shows

24/7 Access to Industry-Specific reports
Annual Industry Market Studies
PADI: Industry Forecast Index
Light-Truck Market Reports
Compact-Performance Market Reports
Quarterly Trends and Forecast Reports
Alternative-Fuels Market Report
Motorsports and Performance Market Report
Hot-Rod Industry Report
Urban-Lifestyle Report
Industry-Specific and Country-Specific Market Reports
24/7 Access to Youth-oriented focus panels reports
24/7 Access to Online searchable databases
Vehicle Registration Data
OEM Licensing Contacts
Small-Business Resources
Vehicle Production Plans
OEM Suppliers Contacts
Motorsports Sanctioning Bodies
Race Tracks
Automotive Parts Retailing Chains Number of Licensed Drivers by State
Total Vehicle Registration by State
List of Online Automotive Forums

Visit SEMA Market Research Center

SEMA Show
International Shows
PAACE Automechanika
MPMC Media Trade Conference

OEM Relations and Programs

Hands-on Access to New Vehicles (Measuring Sessions)
OEM-Provided CAD/CAM Drawings (Technology Transfer)
Vehicle Briefing Seminars
OEM Project Vehicles
Dealer Relations
Installer Certification
Licensing
Warranty Program (ProPledge™)

Industry Communications

SEMA News
SEMA Member News
SEMA eNews
Driving Force
SEMA.org
EnjoyTheDrive.com
SEMAShow.com

SEMA Government Affairs

Councils and Committees

Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy at Federal and
State Levels
Lawmaker Support Through the Congressional
and State Automotive Caucuses
Grassroots Consumer Support Through the
SEMA Action Network (SAN)
Legislative Alerts and Comprehensive Website
SEMA Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC)

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Business Technology Committee (BTC)
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA)
Manufacturers’ Rep Council (MRC)
Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)
Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Street Performance Council (SPC)
Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)
Young Executives Network (YEN)
SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF)
SEMA Cares Committee

International Relations

Research and Development

International Trade Leads
Networking
International Market Reports
Legislative/Regulatory Oversight
International Buyers’ Guide Consumer Affairs and Public Relations
International Support at Domestic Shows

Measuring Sessions
Technology Transfer Program
OEM Tech Talks
Rapid Prototyping Service

MANUFACTURERS

SEMA was founded by manufacturers and continues to offer members in this important category exclusive benefits that help with the design and development of new products. In addition to general member benefits, such as research, education and legislative support, manufacturer members are given access to confidential files from several OEMs, hands-on previews of new vehicles, discounts on insurance services and more.

Technology Transfer

Measuring Sessions

Use confidential OEM files to obtain accurate measurements for hundreds of new cars and trucks—months before the vehicles are even made available to the public. Through a revolutionary partnership between SEMA and major OEMs, SEMA manufacturing members are given exclusive access to CAD files and 2-D drawings for various vehicles. This makes it possible to develop products more quickly, easily and accurately—without the need to reverse engineer! Discover how these OEM-provided CAD files can help you get to market faster and do it more cost-effectively.

Access Tech Transfer

Get hands-on access to new vehicles and talk directly to the automaker’s engineers and technical staff during a SEMA Measuring Session. Open only to SEMA manufacturers, SEMA Measuring Sessions are presented in conjunction with leading OEMs and give participating members the opportunity to get intimate, detailed information on today’s most popular cars and trucks.

Rapid Prototyping Service

Technical Briefing Seminars

SEMA now offers a rapid prototyping service. Go from concept to drawing to prototype in record time. The prototypes are produced in ABS plastic at a low cost. All that is required is an electronic drawing of the part in STL format. Some SEMA-member manufacturers go directly to tooling from these prototypes—saving even more time and cost.

Participate in Technology Briefing Seminars on current and future technologies given by product experts and subject matter experts in the fields of ECS, ESP, TPMS, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic systems integration, connected vehicles technologies and green performance.

Credit Reporting

Trade Shows

Determine your customer’s credit worthiness, increase receivables and decrease losses by utilizing credit reports designed for the automotive aftermarket. Administered by MEMA Financial Services Group, the monthly reports are developed specifically for the automotive aftermarket and include trade payment history and detailed analyses of the customer’s operations. Participation is available to SEMA members at a substantial discount.

Members exhibiting at any SEMA-sponsored trade show qualify for a significant discount on the cost of their booth space. In addition to the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, SEMA sponsors a number of regional trade shows in key markets throughout the world. SEMA members will also receive increased visibility at the event and in the directory, qualify to participate in select marketing programs and gain access to exclusive lounges and meeting rooms. In many cases, the financial discount that SEMA members receive on their booth space is greater than the cost of membership itself!

Niche Markets

Insurance Services

After joining SEMA, members in select markets have the added opportunity of participating in the SEMA council program. The program allows members in specific niches to effectively address problems, capitalize on opportunities and network with others in the market. Among the niches served through the SEMA council program are restoration, hot rod, motorsports, light truck, restyling, street performance and wheel and tires. SEMA members in these markets are invited to join a council.

Obtain preferred pricing on insurance needs through the Specialty Equipment Insurance Alliance (SEIA). In addition to the group buying power of more than 7,000 other SEMA-member companies, you will receive service from a provider who knows and understands the insurance needs of specialty-equipment manufacturers. From product and general liability, administrators of this SEMA program will help you determine how much coverage you really need and what options are available.

SEMA and Alliant have created the SEIA (Specialty Equipment Insurance Alliance) Program to provide assistance and direct support to SEMA members regarding Property and Casualty insurance as well as Employee Benefits Coverage. DAIS provides insurance program solutions for both private and public organizations throughout the United States.

Market Expansion

SEMA companies can capitalize on the growing demand for their products throughout the world. In addition to an international staff that has its fingers on the pulse of the industry worldwide, the SEMA international program includes hot trade leads; legislative advocacy; research studies; media lists; the latest statistics; tariff rates by country; and a comprehensive website, www.sema.org/international, with information and resources essential to expanding overseas business.

Reimbursements for Your Employees’ Student Loans

Continuing Education and SEMA Scholarships

Your membership in SEMA may just help your employees pay down their student loans. The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program provides student loan reimbursement to qualified employees in the amount of $1,000. To find out more about the program, please visit www.sema.org/scholarships.

You and your employees can receive financial assistance to help with the cost of attending a trade school or university. Through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, SEMA has awarded more than $1 million to more than 700 students since 1984. Whether you’re training for a technical position in the industry or pursuing a management position in the field, you may qualify for this valuable SEMA program. There is a definite advantage for SEMA members and those working for a SEMA company: A portion of the funds are reserved specifically for those working for a SEMA-member company or for the employee’s dependent. More information can be found at www.sema.org/scholarships.

RETAILERS/JOBBERS/INSTALLERS/RESTYLERS

Representing SEMA’s second-largest membership category, retailers (along with jobbers, installers and restylers) can increase business and save money by utilizing a number of SEMA benefits and services. Programs, such as CarCareONE and SEMA Installer Certification and the ProPledge™ warranty assurance program give members in this key category valuable credibility and marketing support. These services are, of course, in addition to dozens of other networking events, special promotions and shows that take place throughout the year.

Consumer Credit

Continuing Education and SEMA Scholarships

Increase sales and generate more repeat business by offering your customers the CarCareONE credit card. As a SEMA member, you can join the CarCareONE program at a special discounted rate. Studies show that customers using the CarCareONE credit card spend more than those using cash or other cards and are more likely to repeat business with the company that issued the card. For more information, visit www.gemoney.com/automotive.

You and your employees can receive financial assistance to help with the cost of attending a trade school or university. Through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, SEMA has awarded more than $1 million to more than 700 students since 1984. Whether you’re training for a technical position in the industry or pursuing a management position in the field, you may qualify for this valuable SEMA program. There is a definite advantage for SEMA members and those working for a SEMA company: A portion of the funds are reserved specifically for those working for a SEMA-member company or for the employee’s dependent. More information can be
found at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Reimbursements for Your Employees’ Student Loans

Industry News

You might not realize this, but your membership in SEMA may just help your employees pay down their student loans. The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program provides student loan reimbursement to qualified employees in the amount of $1,000. To find out more about the program, please visit www.sema.org/scholarships.

Get the latest news and information on the automotive specialty-equipment industry through SEMA News and SEMA eNews. SEMA members receive free subscriptions to both the printed monthly magazine and the weekly electronic newsletter. Filled with stories, features and announcements specific to the specialty-equipment market, the publications ensure that you’re well informed and aware of what’s happening in the industry.

Installer Certification

Niche Markets

Gain a competitive advantage, earn recognition and increase business by becoming a SEMA-certified accessory specialist, custom wheel and tire specialist, or a self-adhesive products specialist. SEMA Installer Certification exams are offered in six specific areas: Z1/Electrical Sunroofs, Z2/Truck Accessories/Body Exterior Components, Z3/Leather Interiors, Z4/Roof Treatments and Z5/Custom Wheels and Tires. The Z6 test, for installers of self-adhesive products, is the newest exam in the certification lineup. The program recognizes individual achievement and gives business owners a marketing advantage. SEMA members receive a substantial discount on SEMA test registration and test fees.

After joining SEMA, members in select markets have the added opportunity of participating in the SEMA council program. Members within specific niches are able to effectively address problems and concerns while identifying and capitalizing on shared opportunities.