By Bob Morreale (ETTN Chair) and Karen Salvaggio (Chair-Elect)
Following its recent Long Range Planning Meeting, SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) leadership is energized and aligned around a clear vision for the future.
Together, we focused on how ETTN can better serve its members—engineers, programmers, product developers, and technicians—by strengthening connections, delivering meaningful education, and creating opportunities to solve real-world challenges.
At the heart of our strategy is a simple but powerful goal: to deepen member engagement across every touchpoint. ETTN is not just a network; it’s a community. Over the next several years, we will prioritize creating spaces where members can connect with peers, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions to the technical challenges they face every day.
We are also committed to establishing ETTN as the go-to source for emerging vehicle technology and trends. This means expanding and refining our educational portfolio with more consistent, high-value content delivered through virtual education, Lunch & Learn sessions, and in-person events. We will focus not only on increasing the quantity of content, but also improving its relevance, accessibility, and real-world application.
Our signature programs will continue to play a critical role in this effort. The ETTN Career Fairs, both in Diamond Bar and Detroit, will be enhanced to create stronger connections between students and industry professionals, while also showcasing the innovation happening across the aftermarket. At the same time, we will invest in improving the quality and impact of our events, ensuring they deliver value for both attendees and participating companies.
Another key priority is growing and strengthening our membership base. Rather than focusing solely on numbers, we will measure success by engagement—how actively members participate, connect, and benefit from ETTN resources. This includes building stronger pathways for students to enter the industry and remain connected throughout their careers.
Finally, we recognize the importance of telling the ETTN story more effectively. Through consistent communication, expanded social content, and new approaches to content creation, we will increase visibility and showcase the value of this network.
As we move forward, our focus is clear: fewer, more impactful initiatives that deliver real value. We encourage each of you to get involved, share your expertise, and take full advantage of the opportunities ETTN provides.
Together, we are building a stronger, more connected future for our industry.