Strengthen Your Company Through Community
No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.
 | |
| Visit SBN's website. |
Network with Fellow SBN Members
By Gigi Ho
Did you know that networking is one of the most powerful marketing tactics to accelerate and sustain success? Making connections and building enduring, mutually beneficial relationships can help in every aspect of work.The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is 533 strong, and has many ways to help members get connected. One of the best ways to start networking is to find others in your area for in-person connections. SBN’s Member Map is frequently updated to include new members, so check it out to start expanding your network today.
SBN members can also connect virtually through Facebook and LinkedIn. Read and share interests, projects and what's important to you.
SBN looks forward to connecting with you—virtually and in-person.
 | |
| Visit TORA's website. |
TORA to Host Media Preview at the 2014 SEMA Show
By SEMA EditorsTORA will host a Media Preview for a limited number of manufacturer members at the 2014 SEMA Show. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with a wide variety of truck and off-road editors and writers in a designated area, Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
These focused meetings ensure that editors and reporters can ask their most pressing questions and photograph new products while manufacturers give the full story.
By participating just before the start of the SEMA Show, media members gain an early scoop on the latest products, and manufacturers have quality time with editors and reporters without sacrificing valuable floor time with customers. Participating manufacturers will be provided with various media training resources through the SEMA Education Institute to help them prepare and maximize their meetings. To give manufacturers the best chance for success, participants will be asked to meet media kit production milestones.
To be considered for participation in the 2014 TORA Media Preview, your company’s application must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT), Friday, May 30, 2014. Review the rules and regulations and apply today.
Not yet an TORA member? Join today to become eligible for the 2014 Media Preview.
 | |
| Visit YEN's website |
Launch Pad Competition to Return for 2014 SEMA Show
By Bryan Harrison
After the success of last year’s Launch Pad competition, SEMA has announced that it will return for a second year.
This competition offers innovators under the age of 40 an industry platform to showcase their business for marketing a new automotive product or service.
Industrywide Awareness
The top 10 competitors will vie for the most votes on SEMA’s official Facebook/YouTube voting platform. The top five will receive an invitation to pitch their businesses in front of an industry-packed crowd during a live event at the SEMA Show.
Tools to Fuel Your Biz
The winner’s prize package will take their business to the next level, including a 10x10 booth at the 2015 SEMA Show, a one-page ad in SEMA News, an ad in Hot Rod magazine or 4-Wheel & Off Road magazine, a rep consultation with the Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN), public relations and social media consultation from Kahn Media, an event-level sponsorship package to either a Family Events truck and off-road group property or a Family Events performance car group property and much more.
Access to Decision Makers
This year’s event will feature another judging panel composed of industry experts who will offer coaching and advice to the contestants. Returning from the 2013 event will be Doug Evans, executive vice president and group publisher at Source Interlink Media, and SEMA’s chairman-elect of the Board, and Ron Coleman, president and CEO of COMP Performance Group. Joining them will be Tracie Nunez, president of the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA); Todd Ballard, director of sports marketing at GoPro; and Glenn Rogers, partner at Beyond Marketing.
Interested? It’s time to launch the next young automotive entrepreneur. For more information and to fill out an application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, please contact Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.