By Brett Kinsfather, Shopmonkey
In January, the SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) Select Committee met to explore and decide exactly how to build our community while delivering greater value to our members. Those meetings resulted in a series of short-, mid-, and long-term priorities that will help guide our efforts throughout 2026 and beyond.
One of our immediate areas of focus is enhancing engagement with our members. Our popular Coffee and Conversation continues to be an important touchpoint for the WTSBC community, and the committee is exploring ways to enhance the value attendees gain from each session while expanding promotion and participation. We are also re-evaluating our Coffee and Conversation activation at the SEMA Show to provide members with a convenient way to connect and exchange ideas during the industry’s largest gathering.
Another priority is improving how we communicate with and showcase our members. The committee is working to increase social media activity by turning key takeaways from industry discussions into shareable content with a full calendar of Member Spotlights to highlight the people and companies shaping the wheel, tire, suspension, and brake segments of the aftermarket.
Education and industry awareness remain critical pillars for WTSBC. In addition to ongoing educational programming, the committee is developing a virtual student engagement initiative designed to introduce college and trade school students to career opportunities within the automotive aftermarket. The goal is to help address one of our industry’s biggest challenges: building awareness of the aftermarket as a viable and rewarding career path.
Our membership efforts are also gaining momentum. The committee is conducting outreach to current and prospective members while evaluating the value proposition for companies across the suspension and brake segments. These conversations help ensure WTSBC continues to represent the full spectrum of the aftermarket and remains a valuable resource for all member companies.
Finally, the committee is exploring several strategic initiatives, including enhancing the WTSBC experience at the SEMA Show, expanding networking opportunities such as Manufacturer Access events, and identifying new ways to recognize and reward member participation.
Our industry continues to evolve, and so must the way we connect, communicate, and support one another. I’m encouraged by the ideas and energy coming from our committee and look forward to the progress we will make together throughout the year.