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| Visit ARMO's website. | |
Learn and Lead Alongside Other Restoration Professionals at the SEMA Show
By Amanda Gubbins
Automotive restoration professionals will have many opportunities to connect with peers at the 2013 SEMA Show.
Networking and Industry Awards Reception
The Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) will lead off the week with its annual Industry Awards Reception, Tuesday, November 5. The event will take place in Ballrooms D and E of the Las Vegas Hotel from 5:15 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
“We intentionally keep the reception about networking,” said ARMO Chair Alex Tainsh. “We want to keep the program part short and allow attendees the chance to meet and greet with others in the industry.”
In addition to networking opportunities, the council will take time during the event to honor some of the individuals whose life and work have made a significant impact on the industry.
General Membership Meeting
ARMO will also conduct a general membership meeting in Conference Rooms 1–3 at the Las Vegas Hotel, Wednesday, November 6, from 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
“This is a great venue for newer members to find out what ARMO does—what it accomplishes for the marketplace and its members,” stated Chair-elect Dennis Roberts. “It’s also a good place for members to give input and voice their opinions.”
ARMO Roundtable
The Builder’s Roundtable offers an additional way for individuals to stay informed about issues facing the industry. This year’s event will be moderated by Tom Shay and will take place Thursday, November 7, at 9:30 a.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center, meeting room N262. Geared toward small businesses and shop owners, the event allows companies to exchange challenges, opportunities and solutions.
Each of these events is open to all restoration industry professionals. If you would like to learn more about the resources and opportunities available through ARMO membership, contact Council Director Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.
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| Visit ETTN's website |
For more information about ETTN, contact Bryan Harrison.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
Hot Rod Council to Present Education Day at 2014 Detroit Autorama 
HRIA Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.
The annual SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Day will be held, for the first time, in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama—the 60-year-old custom car show taking place in March 2014 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.
“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical, information about their products with their customers,” said Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils. “Holding the Education Day program at the Detroit Autorama will allow HRIA members to expand and reach a new audience.”
HRIA previously held its Education Day program at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The move to the Detroit Autorama will enable manufacturers to reach a new, expanded audience. Autorama, which is well known for having the world’s most coveted hot rods, prestigious awards competitions, as well as top celebrities and student programs, attracts more than 150,000 individuals annually. Education Day will take place Thursday, March 6, 2014 (the day before Autorama officially opens), and is open to all hot-rod shops and businesses, as well as to all Autorama attendees.
“As one the nation’s premier indoor custom car show, the Detroit Autorama attracts thousands of businesses and enthusiasts who are passionate and deeply vested in new hot-rod products,” said Peter A. Toundas, president of Championship Auto Shows Inc.—promoter of the event. “The HRIA Education Day program will add a valuable element to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers, which would be difficult for them to do on their own.”
The list of participating manufacturers and schedule for HRIA Education Day will be available in August. All sessions will be one hour long.
For more information about HRIA, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
For more information about TORA, contact Clayton Drescher.
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| Visit MPMC's website. |
Don’t Miss the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference 
The 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport South.
Exhibitor registration is now open for the 2014 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference and will continue through Friday, September 6, 2013. This unique event brings together editorial staff from all over the world with racing and high-performance parts manufacturers for three days of 30-minute meetings each January. Nowhere else does a motorsports parts manufacturer have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with as many as 42 automotive journalists.
Space is limited to 100 MPMC-member manufacturers. Those who submit an application but are not selected for the 2014 event are automatically guaranteed a spot in the 2015 event. Any MPMC-member company may submit marketing materials for distribution to media at the event. Media registration will open in October.
Register now. Not an MPMC member? Join today.
For more information, contact Council Director Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.
Date: January 21–23, 2014
Location: Embassy Suites Orange County Airport South
1325 East Dyer Road
Santa Ana, CA 92705
 PRI Show attendees will be able to have face-to-face interaction with MPMC manufacturers at the inaugural MPMC Education Day at the 2013 PRI Show in Indianapolis, Wednesday December 4, 2013. | |
MPMC to Present “MPMC Education Day” at 2013 PRI Show
MPMC and PRI will present “MPMC Education Day” at the 2013 PRI Show, Wednesday, December 4, 2013. The event takes place at the Indianapolis Convention Center the day before the PRI Trade Show floor opens.
Patterned after the already successful HRIA Education Day, 15 MPMC-member companies will present one-hour product training presentations to PRI Trade Show attendees. Three seminars will each run concurrently over five, one-hour time slots beginning at 9:00 a.m.
“The HRIA Education Day is wildly successful,” said MPMC Chairman Vic Wood of Hedman. “The PRI Show seemed a perfect venue to try the same template for MPMC companies. We originally were planning to implement it in 2014, but after presenting the idea to John Kilroy and his PRI team, the decision was made to go for it this year. We’ll start with just the 15 companies this year, and see how it goes. But I see no reason why this shouldn’t expand to 30 or 40 companies one day, as soon as attendees realize the opportunity it presents.”
To emphasize the popularity of this program, the 15 registrations were received within one hour of registration opening, and a total 27 registrations were received within two hours. Congratulations to the following MPMC companies who were selected via a first-come, first-served online registration April 30:
- COMP Cams
- Flaming River
- Flowmaster
- Hedman Hedders
- Jiffy-Tite
- Joe Gibbs Driven
- Lunati
- MAHLE
- MSD Performance
- Painless Performance Products
- Phoenix Race Tire
- Quarter Master
- Ron Francis Wiring
- Trend Performance/Diamond Racing
- Turbosmart USA
Session times and seminar titles will be presented in the coming weeks. For more information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.
MPMC Business Guidelines Manual
Written, produced and designed specifically for performance product manufacturers, the manual addresses the many challenges such companies face. Definitions, resources, options and examples also are included in the various sections of the manual. Each section is written in simple details, making it quick and easy to read. Sample documents and verbiage are also included to help members decide which practices will be best for their individual businesses.
Chapters and topics include:
- Bar codes
- Catalogs and price sheets
- Cooperative advertising programs
- Counterfeiting
- Debt collections
- Electronic Data Interchange
- Freight policies
- International business
- Manufacturer's reps
- Minimum Advertised Pricing (MAP)
- Packaging
- Insurance
- Terms and Conditions
Not yet an MPMC member? Download an application or contact Jim Skelly at JimSk@sema.org or 909-978-6690 for more information.
For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit MRN's website. |
Enhance Your Knowledge of SEMA Data Co-op's Product Data Management System
The Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) and the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) have announced the launch of a new certificate program exclusively for MRN members. Vic Bennett, an MRN Select Committee member, believes this is a valuable benefit for reps. “The SDC’s resources are critical because the goal is to make sure the user gets what they need. We can only do that with correct data,” he explains.
The web-based educational series will help manufacturer's representatives learn more about what the SDC offers through courses designed to build confidence in talking to customers about the SDC’s product data management system.
Those who successfully complete the series will be awarded a certificate of completion, custom lapel pin and be recognized by SEMA and the MRN as SDC ambassadors.
Part one—an overview of the SDC to provide the foundation for the following three courses—is now available to MRN members. This session covers the mission and goals of the SDC, along with key terms reps will need to know when discussing the SDC with customers.
All four courses are available to MRN members, and you can start at any time. In Bennett’s words, “This is your opportunity to be on the front end of something that will make a difference in the business of your suppliers and receivers.”
For questions about the certification program, please contact SDC Director of Membership Jim Graven at JimG@semadatacoop.org or 888-958-6698, ext. 4.
To learn more about the MRN, visit their website or contact Bryan Harrison, senior manager of councils, at BryanH@sema.org or 909-978-6691.
For information about MRN, contact Bryan Harrison.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
Learn to Maximize Profits at SEMA Show Auto Dealer Track 
The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) and the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will offer four free automotive dealer sessions at the 2013 SEMA Show.
By Zane Clark
The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) and the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) have joined forces to offer four free automotive dealer sessions at the 2013 SEMA Show focusing on creating dealership profit centers through accessorization.
Whether you sell new- or late-model vehicles, now is the time to discover ways to dramatically increase sales and profits. Participate in the SEMA Auto Dealer sessions and take the lead in your market.
Maximizing Dealership Profitability With Accessories, Powered by NIADA and PRO
Tuesday, November 5, 2013, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center N253
Ellen McKoy, Trucking Times magazine, and Ron Leslie, Katzkin, will join two franchised dealers.
Accessorizing is the cornerstone to building high-margin profit centers. Learn how your dealership can capture its share of the lucrative accessory business. Hear from the experts as they share insights on industry trends and provide proven strategies on how to implement a successful accessory program. A must-attend session for any franchised dealership principal or manager looking to accelerate sales and profits and outmaneuver the competition.
The New Car Dealer’s Opportunity in Automotive Accessories, Powered by NIADA and PRO
Wednesday, November 6, 2013, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center N256
Steve Bruyn, Foresight Research
When the dealer experience includes the retailing of automotive accessories, a new profit opportunity is the result. How big is that opportunity and what are the specifics about what customers expect? That is the subject of this SEMA education session. Learn what the most popular automotive accessories are by segment. It’s no longer just about pickups and SUVs. Women and Baby Boomers are spending big money on accessories, and they likely will continue on this path. Which vehicle brands are most often accessorized and how much do customers spend? Do buyers accessorize at the time of new-car delivery or later? Do accessories play a role in dealer selection? These are some of the questions that will be addressed.
Auto Dealers: Creating the Best Possible Sales Team, Powered by NIADA and PRO
Wednesday, November 6, 2013, from 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center N254
Maria Grande, Grande Consulting
We will reveal the top motivators for the four personality styles, helping you identify the strengths of your current sales team and showing you how to create better synergy. We will also help you appeal to the internal and external customer on a different level to build relationships and increase sales.
Used-Vehicle Accessorizing: The New Profit Center, Powered by NIADA and PRO
Thursday, November 7, 2013, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center N254
Ellen Mckoy, Trucking Times magazine; Dave Edmondson, Roadwire; Lou Tedeschi, president, A.S.P.I. Motor Cars; Fred Petrivelli, Keystone Automotive; Zane Clark, SEMA
Whether you’re an independent used-car dealer or manage the used-car department in a franchised dealership, this session is for you. Learn from a panel of experts how to use accessories to turn late-model cars and trucks into eye-catching profit generators. Discover new ways to speed inventory turns, drive up sales and profits and set your dealership apart from the competition.
For a complete list of educational sessions visit www.SEMAShow.com/Education. Auto Dealer Sessions are free with your SEMA Show registration.
For information about PRO, contact Clayton Drescher or call 909/978-6696.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
You’re Invited to Celebrate the Past, Present and Future of SBN
By Gigi Ho
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). To recognize this milestone and all the women who have contributed to the specialty-equipment industry over the past 20 years, SBN will host a gala at this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
The winners of this year’s Athena Awards will also be recognized: Mentor of the Year, Woman of the Year, and Champion, which honor the top individuals for their contributions to women in industry.
Join us for this special event of networking, awards and great food and drink!
SBN 20th Anniversary: Celebrating Past, Present and Future
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Oasis Lounge at Las Vegas Hotel
Gear-up Girl is designed to connect female students with industry-leading female professionals.
Gear-up Girl: Calling Female Professionals
By Zane ClarkThe SEMA Businesswoman’s Network (SBN) will again host the Gear-up Girl networking event at this year’s SEMA Show. Started in 2011, as part of SEMA Education Institute’s (SEI) student program, Gear-up Girl is designed to connect female students with industry-leading female professionals.
Taking place Monday, November 4, from 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the program supports SBN’s mission of “enhancing careers and positively impacting the growth of the entire automotive aftermarket” by providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring young women to interact with, learn from and network with influential women in the industry who have set a path through innovation, integrity and hard work.
"This event is a terrific way for women industry veterans to connect and mentor students interested in entering the automotive aftermarket," said SBN Chair Rose Kawasaki of Exports International LLC. "The female students will be able to walk away with contact information, a wealth of information and motivation toward their future path."
This year’s event will feature “round-robin” networking tables led by such notable female professionals as Marla Moore, Coker Tire (SEMA’s 2012 Person of the Year); JoAnn Bortles, Crazy Horse Painting; Camee Edelbrock, Shiefer Media; and Jennifer Lafever, Roush Yates Performance. Every 15 minutes, students will be given the opportunity to rotate to another table and interact with professionals in their field of interest.
Sign up today and be a part of this special opportunity to network with female professionals and share your experience with our industry’s next generation.
Gear-up Girl is free with your SEMA Show registration, but still requires separate registration.
Coffee and a Coveted Seat with Industry Pros! Sign Up Now for Café SEMA, Powered by SBN!
By Gigi Ho
Café SEMA is not a classroom lecture; it is a conversation between you and industry pros. In 60 minutes, you will get direct access to experts with answers to your questions on today’s most pressing topics. Make connections that will impact your business and bottom line. But sign up soon, because Café SEMA is limited to only 100 participants.
Buy your ticket today through your SEMA Show dashboard! Only $10 for SEMA members and $20 for non-members. Topics at this year’s Café SEMA will include:
Leadership
- Effective Female Leadership in a Male-Dominated Environment.
New Media
- Rock Bottom Basics of Social Media: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+ and forums—Determining what matters and how to participate.
- Website 101: How to go about planning and building a website or a Facebook page; determining what matters to you and your customers; contracting development services and tracking performance.
- Converging Media: Using earned (from social), owned (your website, Facebook page, sponsored media), PR and paid media (advertising) to reach customers with a consistent message.
Business Technology
- The process of finding, evaluating, costing and implementing technology solutions for your business.
Product Development
- Good OE Relations: Talking to and working with the OEs and the basics of presenting a product for consideration.
- Making the most of new-vehicle Measuring Sessions to support product development.
Business Development
- Take advantage of emerging markets and do business globally; successfully navigate international business regulations, duties and cultural waters.
- Successful Joint Promotions—Manufacturers, retailers and distributors collaborating to increase sales.
Details:
Café SEMA: In the Know With a Cup of Joe
Friday, November 8, 2013
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N243
 The Speed Networking Breakfast is the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects and vendor associates to expand your current network of contacts | |
By Bryan Harrison
The Speed Networking Breakfast, powered by the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is the annual premier event at the SEMA Show and has achieved sold-out status four years in a row. It is open to all SEMA members and is the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects and vendor associates to expand your current network of contacts, which could be instrumental in the growth of your business or career. Attendees will walk away with more than one dozen new contacts.
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts in short, four-minute intervals. Mark your calendar and purchase your tickets as attendance is limited to only 250 people.
Details: Thursday, November 7, from 7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hotel, Ballroom A
Price: SEMA Members: $35, Non-members: $45 until October 18. After October 18, pricing increases to $49 for SEMA members and $69 for non-members.
For information about SBN, contact Bryan Harrison.
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| Visit WTC's website |
For information about WTC and how to join, contact Clayton Drescher or call or 909/978-6696.
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| Visit YEN's website | |
The Young Professional's Guide to the SEMA Show 
The Student Welcome Lunch will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N242, Monday, November 4
, from 12:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Student Welcome Lunch
Network with students at the Student Program Welcome Lunch
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N242
Date: Monday, November 4
Time: 12:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
YEN Long-Range Planning Open Meeting
All YEN Members are welcome to join the open portion of the Long-Range Planning meeting to learn more amount the network and share your ideas and opinions.
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N241
Date: Monday, November 4
Time: 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
YEN-Sponsored SEMA Seminar: Industry Trends & Forecasts: Recruiting and Retaining Young Talent
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N253
Date: Wednesday, November 5
Time: 1:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
YEN Awards & Networking Reception
Join us for the largest automotive networking event for young professionals with a casino-themed event featuring gaming tables, a life-size Max Grundy art that you can paint by number, an awards ceremony and food and drink.
Location: Las Vegas Hotel (LVH), BR C
Date: Tuesday, November 5
Time: 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
YEN Networking Lunch Opportunity
Join other YEN members at the SEMA Members Lounge for some networking over lunch, which can be purchased in the lounge.
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, SEMA Members Lounge – Reserved YEN Table
Date: Tuesday, November 5–Friday November 8
Time: 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. each day
SEMA Launch Pad Presented by YEN
The field has been narrowed to the top five executives pitching their business in a live event to industry juggernauts (the judges) with a goal of being crowned the inaugural Launch Pad winner.
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center Grand Lobby – Vehicle Technology Center Stage
Date: Thursday, November 7
Time: 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
YEN-Sponsored SEMA Seminar: Getting to the Boardroom From the Dorm Room
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N253
Date: Thursday, November 7
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
YEN Networking Mixer at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet
For those young professionals attending the annual SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, be sure to join us for drinks in the special YEN designated area.
Location: Las Vegas Hotel (LVH)
Date: Thursday, November 7
Time: 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Questions? Please contact YEN’s liaison, Bryan Harrison, senior manager of networks, at BryanH@SEMA.org or 909-978-6691.
For information about YEN, contact Bryan Harrison.
Join the SEMA Council Family
SEMA hosts 10 distinct councils and committees that represent focused niches within the specialty-equipment industry. These groups are comprised of elected volunteers (Select Committee) who guide and direct council activities while representing the membership at large. Although each council acts independently and represents a different segment, they are all focused on the betterment of the industry as a whole.
The value councils provide SEMA and the industry is beyond refute. It is inspiring to witness a diverse collection of company representatives, many of which are direct competitors, come together and develop educational, training, youth awareness and networking events that are, at the core, designed to give back and promote business. An equally important council function is to ensure that SEMA sustains a pulse on the industry and maintains a presence with its members.
The question is often asked, “Why should my company join a council?” The answer is simple. SEMA councils open the doors and provide you exposure to industry leaders, decision makers, trendsetters and a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion and desire to see business succeed and prosper. Once the doors are open, it is your responsibility to take advantage of the benefits by becoming actively involved.
Learn more today.