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.
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| Visit MPMC's website. |
Last Chance for Manufacturers to Register for the MPMC Media Trade Conference
The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference is a truly unique event that brings together editorial staff from all over the world with racing and high-performance parts manufacturers for three days of face-to-face, 30-minute meetings. Nowhere else does a manufacturer have the opportunity to meet with automotive editors in as many as 42 in-person meetings.
Exhibitor Registration for the 2015 MPMC Media Trade Conference is open now through September 5, 2014. Only 100 spots are available, and participants will be chosen using a random number lottery system. Manufacturers who submitted an application but were not selected for the 2014 event are automatically guaranteed a spot in the 2015 event if they submit a new application by the deadline of September 5, 2014. Exhibitor selection is available only for MPMC-member companies.
Media Registration will open in October 2014. For media inquiries, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org, 909-978-6723.
Not an MPMC member? Join today. MPMC members must manufacture parts used in sanctioned motorsports events, and all applications for membership are subject to review.
For general or exhibitor inquiries, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org, 909-978-6692.
Register now.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
TORA Member Spotlight – A.R.E. Accessories LLC
A.R.E. has been involved with the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) for 14 years. Todd Hoffman, who was recently named president and CEO, currently serves on the Select Committee and leads a task force focused on providing technical information to members. Director of Marketing Bryan Baker recently shared an overview of the company and its involvement in the council.
What does your company do?
We manufacture light-truck accessories, including fiberglass truck caps and tonneau covers and aluminum commercial truck caps.
How many years have you been in business?
45 years.
What is your company's history?
A.R.E. was founded in Mt. Eaton, Ohio, in 1969 and makes recreational aluminum truck caps and storage buildings. In 1979, A.R.E. began manufacturing commercial aluminum truck caps. In 1982, the company made its first fiberglass cap. It began manufacturing fiberglass tonneau covers in 1989. Over the years, A.R.E. has expanded in size to service the entire United States and most of Canada with three manufacturing facilities, and an additional distribution hub near Reno, Nevada.
How many employees work for your company?
700.
Why are you an TORA member?
TORA best represents our goals within the light-truck accessory industry as whole. As a team, this council works to supply important technical information, political support and best practices for our industry’s manufacturers and retailers.
Anything exciting you see happening in the truck market or in your company?
Truck sales have grown quite a bit over the past few years, creating definite opportunities for the accessory market.
 During the 2014 SEMA Show, TORA will display several vehicles in premier spots on the Promenade outside the South Hall Entrance of the Las Vegas Convention Center. | |
At this year’s SEMA Show, the TORA will display several vehicles in premier spots on the Promenade outside the South Hall Entrance of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Each day, attendees will be welcomed by this selection of impressive vehicles to promote the mission and membership benefits of the council. The vast majority of Show buyers and attendees come to the trucks, SUVs and off-road area through this entrance, giving the vehicles maximum exposure.
TORA members are invited to submit an application and photo or rendering of their vehicle for display consideration. The full criteria for the feature vehicles is outlined on the application. Applications will be accepted online through September 5, 2014, and applicants will be notified of their vehicle's status by September 19, 2014. Contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org for more information.
Save the Date for the TORA Industry Awards Reception
The TORA Industry Awards Reception will be held November 5, 2014, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. at the Westgate, Ballroom C, in Las Vegas. Open to all employees of TORA-member companies and prospective members, the TORA Industry Awards Reception will feature networking opportunities and three awards presentations—the TORA Hall of Fame, TORA Retailer of the Year and TORA Ron Webster Memorial Award for Engineering Excellence.
For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
Save the Date for the PRO Industry Awards Reception
The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will hold its annual Industry Awards Reception, November 4, 2014, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the Westgate, Ballrooms F and G in Las Vegas. The reception is open to all employees of PRO-member companies and others interested in learning more about the council. It will feature networking opportunities and award presentations to honor a few leaders in the restyling industry, as chosen by peers.
Register now. For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
 During the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, attendees can have quality conversations, exchange business cards with dozens of new contacts, network with industry leaders and ignite new business alliances in a matter of minutes. | |
By Jenna Jefferies
The annual Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), will take place Thursday, November 6, 2014, from 7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. at the Westgate, Ballroom A.
This event is the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects, vendor associates and valuable contacts in one setting. Meet more than one-dozen new contacts in a fast-paced environment that is structured to keep the introductions flowing.
While you enjoy a nice hot breakfast, the SBN award ceremony will take place, honoring this year’s Athena Champion, Athena Woman of the Year and Athena Rising Star. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts.
Until October 18, the cost for SEMA members is $35 and $45 for non-members. After October 18, $49 for SEMA members and $69 for non-members. Reserve your tickets today through your SEMA Show dashboard.
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| Visit WTC's website |
Save the Date for the WTC Industry Awards Reception
The Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will hold its annual Industry Awards Reception, November 4, 2014, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m at the Renaissance Hotel Pool in Las Vegas. The reception, open to all employees of WTC-member companies and prospective members, will feature networking opportunities and an award presentation for the WTC Hall of Fame.
For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
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| Visit YEN's website |
 Jonathan Mill, 2013 SEMA Launch Pad winner, pitches his business, E-Stopp, to the judging panel. | |
SEMA Launch Pad Competitors Announced
By Bryan Harrison
From a large pool of competitors, the top 10 young automotive entrepreneurs have been named in the second-annual SEMA Launch Pad Presented by YEN competition.
Representing new, innovative products and services in the specialty-automotive aftermarket, these next-gen automotive leaders are looking for a big break to launch their business to the next level.
In this next step of the competition, you can decide the fate of the top five competitors who will advance to a live competition at the SEMA Show. Watch their short business pitches on YouTube and vote today.
Your vote will decide the five competitors who will pitch their business to a celebrity judging panel at the SEMA Show, including automotive industry juggernauts Doug Evans, Ron Coleman, Jessi Combs, Mark Arcenal and Glenn Rogers. The winner will receive a grand prize to propel their venture forward.
Voting ends September 5, with the live on-stage competition occurring November 5, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in the SEMA Show Super Session Room N258 (second floor, North Hall). Lunch will be provided to the first 125 attendees.
Top 10 SEMA Launch Pad Competitors – Vote now!
| Name | Company | Product/Service | ||
| Samuel Giles | Intellectual Capital Consulting Ltd. | Blackhawk RES | ||
| Kirk Lucas | LumaIII | Aurora, LED Attachment For Spray Guns | ||
| Roger Peterson | MG Research LLC | The Enthusiast App | ||
| Ian Lehn | BOOSTane | BOOSTane, Octane Engineering | ||
| Joe Gomez | GZC Wheels | Mobile Rim Finder | ||
| Jeffrey Lee | Hammerhead Housings LLC | HammerHead IRS | ||
| D.J. Potter | Rocky Mountain Tonneau LLC | Wasatch Tonneau | ||
| Shawn Chartier | Custom Offsets LLC | Online Custom Wheel Fitment System | ||
| Sarah Park | The Hybrid Haven | The Hybrid Haven Franchise System | ||
| Jack Zampolin | RightPSI Inc. | RightPSI |