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SEMA Council & Network News: Upcoming Industry Events

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.


ARMO Logo
Visit ARMO's website.

Industry Reception

In addition to honoring some of the individuals whose life and work have made a significant impact on the restoration industry, the reception is a wonderful opportunity to network and catch up with industry friends, old and new.

ARMO Reception Details
When: Tuesday, November 3, from 5:15 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Where: Westgate Conference Rooms 7–14
Pre-register today.

Roundtable

This year’s roundtable discussion is entitled, “Restoration and Car Building,” and features a group of industry veterans engaged in a discussion about challenges, opportunities and what might lie ahead in the business of restoration and car building. This is a chance for members to hear from those who have made successful careers in the industry and to share their own experiences.

Roundtable Details
When: Thursday, November 5, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Where: LVCC N236

Pre-register today through your SEMA Show dashboard.

General Membership Meeting

This is the best opportunity to interact with your select committee. If you are wondering how to gain the most from your membership, join us to learn more about the programs and benefits available to you. It’s an early call—we’ll have plenty of coffee and danishes to start your day.

When: Wednesday, November 4, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Where: Westgate Conference Rooms 4-6

Pre-register today.

ARMO Booth

The Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) will once again share a booth with the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA). Six cars will be on display in the booth that were selected to showcase different trends and styles in each segment and the up-and-coming builders. Don’t miss the unveiling of the newest project from Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop happening Tuesday, November 3, at 11:30 a.m. See you at booth #23395, located in Central Hall!

If you have any questions regarding ARMO of any of these events, contact SEMA Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

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ettn 
Visit ETTN's website 

ETTN Networking Event

Pre-register now!

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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HRIA Logo 
Visit HRIA's website

 

Industry Reception

Join us to network, honor members of the industry during the awards presentations and raise money for SEMA Cares during the Pinewood Builders Challenge auction. Six actual hot rods will also be on display during the reception, to highlight the work of established and up-and-coming builders.

When: Wednesday, November 4, 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Where: Westgate Paradise Center: South
Pre-register today.

HRIA Booth

The shared Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) and Automotive Restoration Market Organization (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. Don’t miss the unveiling of the latest creation from the team at Goolsby Customs, Tuesday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. See you at booth #23395, located in the Central Hall.

If you have questions about HRIA or these events, contact SEMA Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

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TORA Logo 
Visit TORA's website. 

Industry Reception

There is no better opportunity to connect than at the annual Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Industry Awards Reception at the SEMA Show. The evening will include great food, networking and tributes to some of the most influential professionals and companies in the industry. Arrive early to rent a pinewood racer in exchange for a $20 donation to SEMA Cares, and then compete for the title of Fall Nationals Top Eliminator.

Reception Details
When: Wednesday, November 4, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Where: LVCC Room N262/N264
Pre-register today.

TORA Booth & TORA/ORBA Happy Hour

Truck and off-road buyers and exhibitors are invited to the TORA Happy Hour at the TORA booth (#34169) in upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Tuesday, November 3, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Wrap up the first day of the 2015 SEMA Show by mingling with motivated buyers and exhibitors and learning about the council over a drink.

Register here!

If you have questions about the TORA or these events, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

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mrn 
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:

Wealth Management for Reps
Speaker: Andrew D. Horowitz, vice president/financial advisor at Morgan Stanley
Synopsis: How should a rep without access to company investment plans prepare financially for the future? Discover investment tools a rep can use and how to find a wealth-management professional.

Tools and Trends for a Mobile Workforce
Speaker: Tyler Tanaka, president at CIE Digital Labs
Synopsis: Learn about mobile apps for better communication and digital business trends that manufacturers’ reps should stay on top of, including mobile apps for travel and for better organization.

Team Development on the Go
Speaker: Nikki Weiss, president at Sa1esWise
Synopsis: Find out how to keep your rep firm relevant through team development on the go, the importance of team and "how culture eats strategy for lunch."

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 North 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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PRO Logo 
Visit PRO's website.

Pool Party Industry Reception

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will hold its annual industry networking and awards reception, this year dubbed the PRO Pool Party, on the pool deck of the Westgate Hotel. 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.

PRO Pool Party Industry Reception
When: Tuesday, November 3, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Where: Westgate Hotel Pool Deck (3rd floor)
Pre-register today.

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, Wednesday, November 4, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Register today.

General Membership Meeting

For members who have joined the council recently, or who just want to stay in the know, a general membership meeting is a great opportunity to connect over breakfast and hear from the council leadership about the group’s focus for the next year and beyond.

General Membership Meeting Details
When: Thursday, November 5, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Where: LVCC Room N234

Register today.

Restyler Education

Want to get your foot in the door of any auto dealership? We’ll show you how. Learn essential elements of a sales strategy. Understand the inner workings of a new-vehicle dealership. Discover how to overcome dealer objections. Listen and learn as a panel of experts share tips and tactics on how to achieve positive results. TORA/PRO-member restylers and retailers who attend this interactive session will receive a complimentary electronic copy of the “PRO Sales-Training Manual: A Restyler’s Guide to Selling Dealer Direct,” a $149 value. The session takes place November 5, at 2:00 p.m. in the LVCC room N256.

Register today through your SEMA Show dashboard.

If you have any questions regarding PRO or any of these events, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

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SBN Logo 
Visit SBN's website. 

 

2015 SEMA Show SBN Key Events

The SEMA Business Women’s Network (SBN) is hosting a multitude of great events and seminars again this year geared toward both men and women of the automotive industry. Please see details below for information on these beneficial events.

Gear-Up Girl Networking Event

Pre-register today through your SEMA Show dashboard.

For the fifth year running, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network will host the Gear-Up Girl Networking event. This important event connects the present with the future by partnering female students of the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) with industry-leading female professionals. This is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of SEMA innovators!

Details: Monday, November 2, 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, Room N264

SBN Networking & Wine Tasting

Pre-register today.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network welcomes professionals for a night of networking and wine tasting, Wednesday November 4. Learn about wine from our on-site sommelier and sway to the smooth music from our jazz trio while you take advantage of this opportunity to mingle and meet like-minded professionals. Take advantage of pre-registration for this event. 

Pre-registered attendees will have their own “fast-pass” line at the event check-in, and three lucky pre-registered members will win a $50 VISA debit gift card. Keep in mind you must be present to win. 

Details: Wednesday, November 4, 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., Westgate, Paradise Center: North

Leveraging Differences to Drive Success: 5 Best Practices for Building a Diverse Workforce

Pre-register today through your SEMA Show dashboard.

If companies only employ those who identify with a small portion of the market, they may be leaving opportunity on the table. The SBN wants to make sure you have access to the insights, experiences and worldviews of the full marketplace by providing this informative seminar on the five best practices for building a diverse workforce.

Details: Tuesday, November 3, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, Room N256

Women in Business—Shattering the Glass Ceiling

Pre-register today through your SEMA Show dashboard.

This women-only event is powered by the SBN and TIA to help women gain insight on what it takes to excel in business. Hear from and participate in an open dialogue discussion with a panel of successful women in the automotive industry.
Details: Wednesday, November 4, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, Room N262

If you have questions about the SBN or any of these events, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.

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Industry Reception
 
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 be receiving the WTC Hall of Fame award that night.
 
Reception Details

When: Tuesday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Where: Renaissance Hotel Pool
Pre-register today.

Customer Service & Sales: Aftermarket Wheels and Tires-Right Sale, Right Fit powered by WTC/TIA

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) and the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) are offering new and updated resources to support you in making the sale and completing the install. Equip your sales staff with the data-driven knowledge they need to educate your customers on the effects of various plus-sizing decisions on vehicle dynamics and provide your techs with the resources they need to correctly and quickly install aftermarket wheel and tire packages while maintaining TPMS integrity and accuracy.

Register today through your SEMA Show dashboard.

If you have any questions regarding WTC or these events, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

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YEN Logo
Visit YEN's website  

YEN Launch Pad Competition

Register today!

With the 2015 SEMA Show around the corner and ready to bring to the world the hottest and latest products to the automotive aftermarket, why not see where the innovation is going to be taking place? Generation X is upon us, and they are here to stake their claim in the aftermarket industry with SEMA’s Young Executive Network (YEN) Launch Pad competition.  

Launch Pad narrows down a nationwide list of applicants to a pool of five finalists with a combination of a YEN task force and peer voting. 

Focused around innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and leadership, these five are then brought to Vegas to compete in the final round.

Taking place on Wednesday of the SEMA Show at 11:00 a.m., these five aspiring young innovators pitch their products/services to a panel of judges made up of industry leaders. After a panel of questions, constructive criticism and deliberation, a victor is crowned. Taking home a prize package consisting of marketing and networking tools, such as a free booth at the following SEMA Show, publications, TV spots and more, the winner is given a platform to propel his or her idea to the next level. Launch Pad gives young entrepreneurs the opportunity to take their dream from a simple idea to the biggest stage in the Automotive Aftermarket world. 

Whether you are an innovator under 40 looking to bring your idea to the table, or curious to see what the future holds for our market, make sure you come out to the YEN Launchpad Competition; it never ceases to inspire.

Let’s Meet Our Finalists

  • Aleksandr Basalilov, co-founder and COO, Parts Detect
  • Jeff Lee, vice president marketing/co-founder, HammerHead IRS
  • Roger Peterson, founder and CEO, MG Research LLC
  • Todd Purcell, co-president, Superior Industrial Threads
  • Robert Vogt, CTO, VOYO

Read more about the 2015 Launch Pad finalists.

If you have any questions regarding YEN or Launch Pad, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.

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