By Katie Carson
 SEMA Show attendees had the opportunity to participate in as many as 20 council- and network-hosted events open to the general membership and aspiring members. |
SEMA councils and networks welcome the companies and individuals who became council and network members during the 2015 SEMA Show. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in as many as 20 council- and network-hosted events open to the general membership and aspiring members. The nature of these events varied from educational seminars, roundtable discussions, general membership meetings to discuss council initiatives and networking opportunities. The events drew record-breaking attendance and resulted in the addition of many new members.
SEMA councils and networks are designed for the betterment of the industry. Regardless of your company’s niche, there is a council or professional network for you! 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. Each council and network have a select committee made up of the industry’s top talent and leadership. These individuals are nominated and elected by peers. Although these individuals have received the honor of council leadership, general membership is equally important. Meetings and teleconferences are regularly held to give leadership an opportunity to hear from the general membership, and for members to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Multiple opportunities are available throughout the year to volunteer for your council or network. You may be asked to author an article on your field of expertise, serve on a task force for a project or event or even be nominated to serve on the select committee. By volunteering, you can gain leadership experience, increase your industry knowledge, receive personal and company recognition and increase your contact list.
Membership dues are annual and vary based on the council and your SEMA membership category. Council dues range from $50 to a $150 per year. There is no cost to join the Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN), Manufacturers' Representative Network (MRN), SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) or Young Executives Network (YEN). See individual council and network pages for membership eligibility. To get started, identify which council or network best fits your business or your personal goals and join!
For questions regarding the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) or Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690.
For questions regarding the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) or Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696.
For questions regarding ETTN, MRN, SBN or YEN, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691.
For questions regarding SEMA membership, contact Gary Vigil at 909-978-6738.