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 ARMO's website. |
 An unveiling of the newest project from Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop will take place at the corner of Hot Rod Alley & Restoration Marketplace at ARMO Booth #23395, Tuesday, November 3, at 11:30 a.m. | |
Resto Mod Unveiling at the ARMO Booth
Don’t miss the unveiling of the newest project from Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop! This is one of the most anticipated hot rods of the SEMA Show. The unveiling will take place at the corner of Hot Rod Alley & Restoration Marketplace at ARMO Booth #23395, Tuesday, November 3, at 11:30 a.m.The Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) will once again share a booth with the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) at the 2015 SEMA Show. Six cars will be on display at the booth. Three will represent the restoration market, with three others from the hot-rod segment. The cars were selected to showcase different trends and styles in each segment, up-and-coming builders and the “best of the best.”
For more information, contact SEMA’s Director of Councils, Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.
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| Visit ETTN's website |
The Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) invites you to unwind and network with a community of like-minded engineers, product developers and industrial designers at their annual Networking Event taking place at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
The event will be held in the New Products Showcase stage amongst top industry innovations and will feature guest speaker John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. Members of the SEMA Garage will be on hand to discuss the latest trends and technology affecting the industry. Enjoy ice-cold beverages, food and door prizes and learn how you can advance in the marketplace.
ETTN Networking Event Details
When: November 5, 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: LVCC, New Products Showcase
Join the ETTN.
For more information on this event, contact SEMA’s Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
 The latest creation from the team at Goolsby Customs is set to be revealed at the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) booth #23395, Tuesday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. | |
Hot-Rod Unveiling at the HRIA Booth
Bring your cameras. The latest creation from the team at Goolsby Customs is set to be revealed at the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) booth #23395, Tuesday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m.
The shared HRIA and Automotive Restoration Market Association (ARMO) booth at the SEMA Show is sometimes referred to as “Central Park” because it’s a gathering point, but it also serves to showcase the entries in the annual HRIA Builders Challenge. Hot-rod builders (and now manufacturers) spend hours creating Pinewood cars that are raced, then auctioned off Wednesday night, November 4, at the HRIA reception benefitting the SEMA Cares Children’s Charities.
If you have any questions, contact SEMA’s Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6990 or jimsk@sema.org.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
TORA Booth at the 2015 SEMA Show
The Light Truck Accessory Association (TORA) booth at the 2015 SEMA Show will be centrally located in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth #34169. Stop by to learn more about the council and its initiatives, meet the leadership and discuss how you can volunteer and contribute! Two hand-picked member vehicles will be displayed in the booth, and are a must see! The booth provides a welcoming environment with benches to sit on and relax. Make the TORA booth a regular meeting place with customers and friends as you explore the South Hall.
Cap off your Show day Tuesday by grabbing a complimentary drink and networking at the TORA booth hosted by the TORA and ORBA. The booth is the perfect environment to evoke discussions on the latest trends in the light-truck accessory industry. Happy Hour begins at 4:00 p.m. and goes until 5:30 p.m.
If you have questions about the TORA, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.
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| Visit MRN's website. |
MRN Rep Round Table Featured Topics
The Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN) will host its MRN Rep Roundtable at the 2015 SEMA Show featuring six industry expert speakers discussing important topics facing manufacturer representatives today, and offering solutions for tomorrow. Below are three featured topics and speakers:
How to Handle Private-Equity Acquisitions and Management
Speaker: Mitch Williams, President & CEO at Restoration Parts Unlimited Inc.
Synopsis: What actions should a rep take when a private-equity firm is acquiring one of his manufacturers? What should he do if he is terminated after a private-equity acquisition? How can he protect himself in the future?
Three Biggest Challenges Facing Reps Today and Tomorrow
Speaker: Clay Taylor, The Law Office of D. Clay Taylor
Synopsis: What are the challenges facing reps today and in the future? How can a rep strategically plan to face these challenges?
How to Be a Great Rep in the E-Commerce Market
Speaker: Bernard Bolisig, Principal at UPSHIFT Marketing
Synopsis: Five things a rep can do to increase his value to the e-commerce customer. How a rep can help non-e-commerce customers enter e-commerce. Future trends in the e-commerce market that a rep should know to increase sales.
Take Advantage of the MRN Rep Room during the SEMA Show
As a benefit to all MRN members during Show hours, the MRN Rep Room will be located inside the SEMA Members Lounge on the upper floor of the central hall in room N251. The MRN Rep Room will offer a quiet place where reps can catch up on phone calls or emails. Access will be through the SEMA Members Lounge.
For more information, contact SEMA’s Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
PRO General Membership Meeting
Discover how participating in the Professional Restyler’s Organization (PRO) benefits your company and the industry. Attend the PRO General Membership Meeting taking place at the 2015 SEMA Show. The meeting is open to PRO members and aspiring members. Get the inside scoop on SEMA initiatives—measuring sessions, the SEMA Garage and other member programs during a special presentation by SEMA’s OEM team.
Network with restylers from across the country while enjoying a hot breakfast and hear from council leadership on PRO initiatives. Learn how you can become more involved through volunteer opportunities.
The meeting will take place Thursday, November 5, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., located in the Las Vegas Convention Center room N234.
Register today!
For more information on PRO and the general membership meeting, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
 Eysabel Sanchez | |
SBN Member of the Month- Eysabel Sanchez, AWDsome Lifestyles
Eysabel Sanchez is a producer for AWDsome Lifestyles in Anaheim, California.
What does AWDsome Lifestyles do?
We are a marketing company here to captivate our young niche audience of auto enthusiasts and build brand relationships.
Tell us about your position.
As a producer, I wear many hats, from budgeting, developing copy and brainstorming events and branding strategy. I essentially create the identity of the campaign and give the creative process a sequence to give it life.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
When you step back and you see your audience see your vision through branding.
How long have you been with the aftermarket industry?
Two years.
What brought you to the industry?
My husband’s passion for Subaru and his vision for the car demographic, and I wanted to share that vision with him to make it a reality.
Any major professional accomplishments?
Making AWDsome Lifestyles even more AWDsome.
Do you have membership in other organizations?
SEMA’s Emerging Trends and Technologies Network (ETTN) and Young Executives Network (YEN).
Who is your industry mentor?
My husband—he taught me how to adapt to this industry and how we can benefit each other.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
You reap what you sow.
What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?
I actually enjoy what I do!
What is your dream car?
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia two-door coupe, any year.
What is your favorite pastime?
I love singing and discovering new music. It’s always been a passion. And in my position, I can always be behind the scenes and see where the talent is and where everything shines the brightest.
SBN Reception
Three good reasons why you should attend the SBN Reception happening at the 2015 SEMA Show:
1. The SBN Reception is the networking event of the year for women of the automotive aftermarket industry.
2. Enjoy a sommelier presenting wines with unique pairings.
3. Recognize leading women in the industry.
SBN Reception Details
When: Wednesday, November 4, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Where: Westgate: Paradise Center, North
Pre-registered guests will also be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card. Three winners will be announced. Attendees must register by 12:00 a.m., October 28, and must be present to win.
Mix, mingle, eat and drink with your colleagues from the wheel and tire industry, and recognize the achievements of one very special professional who will receive the WTC Hall of Fame award that night.
WTC Reception Details
When: Tuesday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Where: Renaissance Hotel Pool
For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
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| Visit YEN's website | |
The 2015 SEMA Show is right around the corner, and with it comes numerous industry events. The Young Executives Network (YEN) reception is the networking event of the year for automotive aftermarket professionals under the age of 40. The reception is being held Tuesday, November 3, at 5:00 p.m., in the Westgate Paradise Center: South.
The YEN reception is known as being one of the most highly attended after-hours functions every year, and this year will be no different. Don’t be fooled by the name as SEMA members of all ages are welcome to attend. Industry veterans are encouraged to stop by and mingle with the up and comers of the industry. It is all about networking after all!
This year’s theme is “Build Your Network,” which creates a platform that will help attendees “break the ice” with topics, such as length of time in the industry and what region of the country they are from. As always, there will be food and beverage stations set up where you can grab a quick bite and a drink after a long day at the Show. Be sure to ask the bartender for the YEN signature cocktail that will be available only at the reception. While engaging the youth of the industry is the primary purpose of the reception, it also gives YEN an opportunity to honor individuals with their two annual awards—YEN Member of the Year and the YEN Vanguard Award.
Pre-registered attendees will have their own “fast-pass” line at the event check-in, and three lucky pre-registered guests will walk away from the reception with a $50 Visa gift card! Attendees must register by 12:00 a.m., October 28, and must be present to win.