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 HRIA's website |
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HRIA Education Day Sessions Revealed
The HRIA will host its Education Day sessions at the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. Twelve manufacturers will give hour-long presentations on their product lines and also tips and tricks for restoration projects. The Education Day will take place Thursday, August 4, with sessions beginning at 9:00 a.m. and the last session concluding at 4:15 p.m., with two simultaneous presentations per hour. The sessions will be set up classroom style with some manufacturers having panel discussions while others will be true presentation style. These valuable sessions are open to all NSRA Nationals attendees. This is a popular event and seats are limited.
Register today to reserve your spot in the sessions.
Here is a sneak peak at the manufacturers and the discussion topics for the 2016 event:
American Autowire – “Wiring Solutions”
Discussions on determining the correct product line for your project, new product overviews and technical resources the company offers.
Borgeson – “Steering Design”
Explanations of methods you can benefit from by modernizing your steering system, associated linkages and safety concerns.
Classic Instruments – “Your Instruments”
Tips for proper installation and choices you need to make when equipping your car with modern instruments.
COMP Cams/FAST – “About EFI”
How to plan your aftermarket EFI system and selecting the right system for your project, plus a list of do’s and don’ts.
Edelbrock – “Power Packages”
Open discussion on choosing the right combination of street cylinder heads, intake manifolds and carburetors.
Fat Man Fab – “Chassis Design”
Bring your questions to this Q&A session covering different chassis situations.
Flaming River – “Steering Systems and Solutions”
Coverage of products to improve the steering and electrical systems in classic vehicles.
ididit – “Steering Systems”
Learn the history of the company, its products, where they are headed and how they can be integrated into your latest project.
Lokar – “Pass the NSRA Safety 23”
Learn tips and tricks to be compliant with a variety of NSRA Safety 23 inspection items.
Painless Performance – “Electrical Basics Plus”
Get educated on best practices of installing electrical systems and dive into discussions.
RideTech – “Suspension Evaluation”
Bringing their outdoor evaluation center indoors, attendees will learn tips and tricks from RideTech staff.
Vintage Air – “Basics of Air Conditioning”
Learn the different components of an HVAC system and how they all work together to perform at an optimum level.
For questions, contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.
HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge
If you are attending the NSRA Nationals, you do not want to miss the HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge taking place Friday and Saturday (August 5–6) of the nationals on the show floor. The annual HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge is an opportunity to showcase the skills of nationally known hot-rod builders while raising money for SEMA Cares charities benefiting Childhelp and Victory Junction facilities.
Cheer on the builders as they race their one-of-a-kind, small-scale pinewood cars for recognition and a good cause. After the races, the pinewoods are placed on display in the HRIA booth and auctioned off during the HRIA Industry Awards Reception at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
HRIA General Membership Meeting
The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is hosting a general membership meeting at the NSRA Nationals on August 3—one day before the event opens. General membership meetings are great opportunities to learn more about the council and the resources available exclusively to HRIA members. Attendees will hear the latest updates from the select committee and enjoy an open discussion on the hot-rod industry.
With the SEMA Show just around the corner, the select committee will announce opportunities to volunteer at the Show and other opportunities to become more involved in council activities. Come and enjoy refreshments while connecting with other hot-rod professionals.
The meeting will take place Wednesday, August 3, 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m., in the Saddle and Sirloin Club, Freedom Hall.
Registration is open now.
If you have questions regarding any of these events, contact SEMA Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.
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| Visit YEN's website |
Live Chat with Todd Ryden Recap
The Young Executives Network (YEN) hosted a live chat with Todd Ryden, president of InGear Media, where he shared his thoughts on best practices on automotive marketing and content development. YEN members were able to log on to the YEN Facebook page and get their questions answered live. In case you missed the live chat, a recap of the Q&A is below:
Question: What is the best social media outlet for content distribution (other than Facebook)?
Ryden: Instagram certainly seems to be growing in use and popularity for short, brand-oriented items.
Question: What rights do we have as builders and manufacturers to use photos of vehicles featuring other companies’ products as well as our own? Legally must all parties sign releases, including the manufacturer of the vehicle?
Ryden: It’s going to come down to where and how the image is used. If your company pays contingency, you can write it into the agreement that you have the right to use the winning car in advertising and promotion.
Question: What if the vehicle is in a public place?
Ryden: I’d say that would be a gray area. I would feel uncomfortable shooting a random car in a parking lot and using it in advertising or a catalog. Again, depends on the use. Small and in a catalog, background or something I can see, but as a lead shot in an ad, I think that may turn sour.
Question: I see where the live screaming videos are becoming more and more present at drag-race events. Do you see any opportunity in using this same platform for car shows and cruise nights?
Ryden: I think it will certainly grow in car shows and cruises, but there needs to really be something special going on to discuss, such as the Street Rod of the Year, special awards, long distances and simply fun stories to share about the event or cruise.
Question: What has your experience with Periscope been?
Ryden: I've followed events and trips with Periscope, but do not have much first-hand use. However, with more video supports on media outlets, it’s getting easier to post a file. Still though, the live experience carries a certain unique flavor to it.
Question: Do you see drone coverage at events becoming more prominent as technology moves forward, or more of a liability for insurance reasons?
Ryden: I really do like to watch event coverage from drones, but you also have to wonder about the liability. The footage is great to view, but I worry about the repercussions of one of those banging into a hood or causing some sort of damage.
Question: What are the best ways you have found to get your new shop’s name around, other than social media and referrals?
Ryden: Get involved! Events, shows, cars, builds and promotion. Get a booth at a regional event, or even take a ride there to show for display. Hang out in the hotel parking lot after hours, help people out...it comes back down to being involved.
Question: When shooting events where multiple media outlets are present, how do you make your coverage stand out from the rest?
Ryden: Better reporting, style, voice and photography. Maybe not even “better,” but certainly unique, more fun, personal and possibly interactive.
Question: What are some good sources you might recommend for analytics with Instagram?
Ryden: Here is a good article.
Question: What are your thoughts on “How-to” automotive television as a medium for advertising?
Ryden: TV advertising is still a useful way to get your product in front of millions of enthusiasts; we’re talking when they’re used within the show. The nice thing today is the ability to share that footage on your company’s website and marketing. You get more mileage out of the content today than a few years ago. That said, I think it is important to integrate the products or technology into the show without it seeming like a blatant plug/promotion (even though that’s what you’re paying for).