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 market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
 Café SEMA is a one-hour roundtable discussion that allows members to take a deeper dive into pressing topics. | |
Café SEMA—In the Know With a Cup of Joe is a one-hour roundtable discussion that allows members to take a deeper dive into pressing topics. The event will be held November 7, from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N243. Each presenter comes prepared to share their expertise and answer questions during this interactive event. The cost is $10 for SEMA members, $20 for non-members. Register today through your SEMA Show dashboard.
The 2014 speakers and topics are:
- “How Much Information Are You Willing to Share to Promote Sales? Developing a strategy and process for sharing business information, from application information to stock on hand and production schedules.” – S. Kellie Colf, Colf Creative Resources
- “Integrated Marketing for Innovative Products and Services: Using editorial, Google remarketing, social media and paid advertising to promote innovative and technical products and services, and anything that needs an explanation.” – Christina Kwan, Kwan International Media & Marketing, and Kathryn Reinhardt, Magnaflow
- “Managing Your Business’ Reputation in a Digital Age: Tools for monitoring your reputation and strategies for responding to issues.” – Tracy Teuscher, The Buzz Maker! Public Relations and Holly Krozel, Martin and Co.
- “Recruiting and Sustaining Top Talent in Your Organization – Making Interns Part of Your Plan: Internships that serve the host organization and the students.” – Julia Johnson, Skyline College, and Rose Kawasaki, Exports International
- “Actually Working Together: Effective communications between engineers, developers, creative and business managers inside the organization.” – Jennifer LaFever, Roush Yates Racing Engines, JoAnn Bortles, Crazy Horse Paint, and Melanie White, Hellwig Products
- “Doing Business Globally: Taking advantage of emerging markets, duties, regulations.” – Elizabeth Couch, U.S. Department of Commerce, and Linda Spencer, SEMA
- “Standardized Product Information: How to collect, standardize and share product information; Developing the standard to include CARB information” – Luanne Brown, eTool Developers
- “Making Your Pitch for an OE Dollar Car: Required information, correct format and how to turn an OE head” – Sherry Kollien, Ford Motor Co., and Theresa Contreras, LGE-CTS Motorsports
Gear Up Girl
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) will once again collaborate with SEMA Education to host Gear Up Girl on Monday, November 3, from 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N263 C. This unique networking event connects female students with established leaders in the industry. SBN members have the chance to help students gain a broad understanding of career paths in the specialty-equipment market and develop networking skills. The event is free, but participants are required to register through their SEMA Show dashboards.SBN General Membership Meeting
The SBN will hold a general membership meeting, Monday, November 3, from 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N242. Join SBN leadership and members to celebrate the year's accomplishments, look forward to future goals and discuss topics of interest to females in the automotive industry. This is a chance for current members to get plugged in, or prospective members to learn more about joining. Following the discussion, attendees are invited to stay and network over refreshments. Register for this event on Facebook.
Discussion topics will include:
- SBN Reception
- Speed Networking Breakfast
- Café SEMA
- Gear-Up Girl Networking Event
- Hot Rodders of Tomorrow
- Member Resource Pool
- Industry Challenges and Opportunities
 During the SBN 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, from 7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Westgate (formerly the LVH), Ballroom A.
This event is the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects, vendor associates and valuable contacts in one setting. Make more than a dozen new contacts in a fast-paced environment structured to keep the introductions flowing.
While you enjoy a 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 ARMO's website. | |
Save the Date for ARMO Awards Reception
The annual awards reception for the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) will be held Tuesday, November 4, in ballrooms D and E of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly the LVH). Members and individuals interested in learning more about the council are invited to register and attend the event, which will run from 5:15 p.m.–7:30 p.m. The evening will feature opportunities to catch up with old friends and make new connections, and honor a few of the industry’s influential restoration professionals during the awards presentations.
General Membership Meeting
ARMO will hold a general membership meeting, Wednesday, November 5, from 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in conference rooms 4–6 of the Westgate (formerly the LVH). The group will discuss current initiatives and plans for the future over pastries and coffee. This event is a great introduction to the council for new and prospective members, and a chance to share challenges and ideas. Register today to save your seat.
Builder’s Roundtable
The ARMO roundtable provides an opportunity each year for members to discuss issues facing the industry. Geared toward small businesses and shop owners, the event provides a forum for companies to exchange information about challenges, solutions and opportunities in a casual, small-group setting. This year’s event will take place Thursday, November 6, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N236. Register today.
For more information about ARMO’s SEMA Show events, contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, jimsk@sema.org.
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| Visit ETTN's website |
The Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will host a joint networking reception with the Young Executives Network (YEN) on Tuesday, November 4, from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., in ballroom C of the Westgate (formerly LVH). All ETTN members, YEN members and other professionals interested in exploring the groups are invited. The event will feature casino tables, specific areas showcasing emerging technologies, an awards ceremony and refreshments. Register for this event on Facebook.
For more information, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691, bryanh@sema.org.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will hold its annual awards reception, Wednesday, November 5, from 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m., in ballrooms A and B of the Westgate (formerly LVH). The event provides a community-building opportunity for members and a chance for prospective members to learn more about the group’s focus. The evening’s festivities will include awards presentations and a Pinewood Builder's Challenge auction to raise money for the charities supported by SEMA Cares. Register for the event today.
For more information, contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, jimsk@sema.org.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
Save the Date for the TORA Reception
The TORA Industry Awards Reception will be held November 5, 2014, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Westgate (formerly the LVH), Ballroom C. Open to all employees of TORA-member companies and prospective members, the reception will feature networking opportunities and three award presentations—the TORA Hall of Fame, TORA Retailer of the Year and TORA Ron Webster Memorial Award for Engineering Excellence.
The TORA is also looking for volunteers for the annual TORA Industry Awards Reception and Fall Nationals Pinewood Drags.
Register now! For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
TORA Booth Happy Hour
Are you a buyer interested in meeting exhibitors in the truck and off-road industries? Are you a manufacturer hoping to build leads in a casual environment on the Show floor? Truck and off-road buyers and exhibitors are invited to the TORA Happy Hour at the TORA booth (#34183) in upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Tuesday, November 4, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Wrap up the first day of the 2014 SEMA Show by mingling with motivated buyers and exhibitors and learning about the council over a drink. Register today, or volunteer to help staff the booth.
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| Visit MRN's website. |
Discussion Topics Announced for SEMA Show Rep Roundtable
The Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN) will host a collection of business-critical discussions for reps, November 2, 3:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m., in Ballrooms D&E of the Westgate (formerly the LVH). Through roundtable discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive practical solutions that address real issues. The event will also include a group discussion on trending topics. The cost is $25 for SEMA-member reps, $35 for others.
2014 Discussion topics will include:
- "How to Recruit Next-Gen Talent in the Rep Industry" – Amy Hirsh Robinson, principal, Interchange Consulting Group
- "Future Automotive Trends Affecting Reps: OE, Manufacturers, WDs" – Gavin Knapp, senior market research manager, SEMA
- "Trends in Healthcare: How Rep Agencies Navigate Obamacare" – Gladys Zolna Esq., partner, Freeborn & Peters LLP
- "How MRERF Can Help Reps Conduct Business" – Karen Jefferson, CSP, CMPR, executive director, MRERF
- "Business Apps for Reps" – Tyler Tanaka, president, Cie Studios
- "Reps as SDC Receivers—Value Add Proposition" – Jon Wyly, president and CEO, SEMA Data Co-op
To reserve your seat, register today through your SEMA Show dashboard. For more information, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691, bryanh@sema.org.
MRN Rep Center
MRN members will have exclusive access to a number of resources in the Rep Lounge at the 2014 SEMA Show. The lounge, located inside the Members Lounge (Las Vegas Convention Center, room N251), will be open Monday, November 3–Friday, November 7, from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Inside the lounge, printers and a charging station will be available. A private room is also open for client meetings and can be booked on site. Reps also have the opportunity to connect with manufacturers through a rep matching service—a book of information about interested exhibitors will be in the lounge for reps to review during the week. Exhibitors seeking representation for their product lines should submit the online form prior to the Show for inclusion.
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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, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., at the Westgate (formerly the LVH), 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 leaders in the restyling industry, as chosen by peers.
Register now. For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
PRO Booth Happy Hour
Visit PRO in the North Hall at Booth #12561 during Show hours to learn more about what the council has to offer, the group's long-term goals or just to meet the leadership face to face. Be sure to take a mid-week break by mingling with motivated restyling buyers and exhibitors over drinks at the PRO Happy Hour on Wednesday, November 5, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Register for the Happy Hour, or volunteer to help staff the booth today.
PRO General Membership Meeting
PRO members and others who would like to learn more about the council are invited to attend a general membership meeting, Thursday, November 6, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N234. The meeting will provide a chance to learn more about the group’s focus and connect with other restylers over breakfast. Register today.
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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, 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.
Register now! For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
WTC General Membership Meeting
The WTC general membership meeting will take place Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center, rooms N219-N220. The meeting will provide a valuable opportunity for members to network and learn from each other. This is also a great venue to learn how to get involved, share feedback or voice concerns and opportunities. In particular, members will learn more about a new resource to aid in selecting the correct wheel and tire fit for trucks—WTC’s Ride Guide—and a vehicle data-sharing program. Register today.
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| Visit YEN's website |
YEN General Membership Meeting
The Young Executives Network (YEN) will hold a general membership meeting on Monday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N242. Join the leadership and other members as they celebrate the year's accomplishments, look forward to future goals and discuss topics of interest to young professionals in the automotive industry. This is a chance for current members to get plugged in, or prospective members to learn more about joining. Following the discussion, attendees are invited to stay and network over refreshments. Register for this event on Facebook.
Discussion topics will include:
- YEN Annual Reception
- SEMA Launch Pad
- YEN Power Tour
- YEN Networking Events
- YEN Member Activation Program (MAP)
- Member Resource Pool
- Industry Challenges and Opportunities
For more information, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691, bryanh@sema.org.