By Nick Cross, Smithers, WTSBC Education Committee Chair
The SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) Education Committee continues to prioritize meaningful, practical resources for members across the wheel, tire, suspension, and brake segments of the aftermarket. As vehicle technology evolves, the Committee has aligned around a clear and critical focus area for the coming year: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and their growing impact on the industry.
To support this effort, the Committee will partner with Luis Morales, director of vehicle technology and product development at the SEMA Garage, to develop a focused ADAS education series. These sessions will explore the legal and regulatory implications of ADAS, including FMVSS 127, and examine how ADAS uniquely affects each WTSBC member segment—from wheels and tires to suspension and braking systems. The goal is to provide members with practical insight into compliance, liability considerations, and operational impacts as ADAS-equipped vehicles become increasingly common.
Members are also encouraged to take advantage of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Virtual Education Series, which complements technical programming with professional and leadership development. Upcoming sessions will address topics such as AI fundamentals and practical applications, ethical and legal considerations, goal setting, time management, navigating leadership change, generational differences, and allyship in the workplace.
In addition to the AI sessions hosted by SBN, WTSBC will host a virtual Coffee & Conversation in May focused on AI and its potential impact on the aftermarket. This interactive discussion will supplement formal education by offering members a peer-driven forum to share perspectives, ask questions, and explore real-world implications of AI across manufacturing, retail, and service operations.
Together, these education efforts reflect WTSBC’s commitment to supporting both the technical evolution of the aftermarket and the people who drive it forward. By pairing structured learning with open dialogue, the Education Committee aims to deliver resources that help members stay informed, compliant, and prepared for the future.
More details on upcoming education will be shared soon.