By Katie Carson
All SEMA council and network members and industry professionals are encouraged to attend the following events to network, advance their industry knowledge and learn about the latest initiatives:
 |
Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Restoration Builders Panel: Powered by ARMO
In this education seminar, to be held Wednesday, November 1, from 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., in LVCC room N258, restoration builders will discuss best business practices and how they have made careers out of their passion. Restoration builders, professionals, shop owners and enthusiasts are encouraged to attend this interactive discussion. Bring questions or challenges that your business is currently facing. Register now.
Meet the builders:
- EJ Fitzgerald, Cool Hand Customs
- Tim Strange, Strange Motion
- Frank Arone, Arone Restoration
- Chris Ryan, Ryan’s Rods & Custom
- Lenny Schaeffer, Redemption Rod & Custom
 |
Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)
Vehicle Technology Education, presented by ETTN:
Advanced Driver Assist Systems: Customizing with Confidence, Presented by ETTN
Monday, October 30, 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., LVCC N258
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are a mix of active and passive safety technologies developed to automate vehicle systems for safer driving. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was one of the first ADAS technologies deployed and regulated. Leading SEMA companies customize with confidence and ensure compliance by knowing how ADAS and advanced vehicle technologies impact their products, installations and businesses. Register now.
Racing and Performance Forum: Golden Age of New Performance, Presented by ETTN
Tuesday, October 31, 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., LVCC N258
Members attending this forum will hear directly from a full grid of frontline leaders and experts on the latest technologies and innovations used in racing and adapted to production, as well as the direction, relevance and importance of motorsports and technology to the future of the performance industry. Register now.
Performance Branding and Design Forum: Cars and Car Culture, Presented by ETTN
Wednesday, November 1, 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., LVCC N258
This forum will bring together brand leaders and design experts from both inside and outside the specialty-equipment industry to offer valuable insights, ideas and examples to help members create their own successful branding and design strategies. Register now.
Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: Smart, Cool and Connected, Presented by ETTN
Thursday, November 2, 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., LVCC N258
Attendees will learn from automotive leaders and technology experts how to compete in today’s rapidly evolving automotive industry and leverage new growth opportunities and technological advancements in connected cars, autonomous vehicles and new mobility solutions. Register now.
 |
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
Hot Rod Builders Panel, Powered by HRIA
On Thursday, November 2, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in LVCC N258, join in on an interactive panel discussion with well-established hot-rod builders and shop owners. Led by Rick Love of Vintage Air, the builders will go through their best practices in customer-relations, business operations and building tips, tricks and stories. Register now.
Meet the builders:
- Bobby Alloway, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop
- Troy Trepanier, Rad Rides by Troy
- Mike and Jim Ring, Ringbrothers
 |
Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
Truck Market Happy Hour, presented by TORA
Join council members, select committee members and SEMA staff for a happy hour on the Show floor, Tuesday, October 31, from 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m., in the TORA booth #34177. Surrounded by the hottest truck builds in the world, attendees will enjoy free beverages and conversation with fellow truck and off-road industry associates. There is so much excitement and buzz surrounding the SEMA Show; what better way to wind down from the first day than swapping stories with industry friends and making new connections? Register now.
 |
Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN)
Manufacturers Rep Roundup and Awards Program
Manufacturers’ reps are invited to attend a networking event, Thursday, November 2, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in SEMA Central, located in the Grand Lobby of the LVCC. This event is a great opportunity to network and learn more about the industry while enjoying appetizers and beverages. Vic Bennett, MRN chair, will provide an update on the network’s latest initiatives and discuss the state of the industry. The MRN will also recognize and celebrate leading professionals and companies during the awards portion of the event. MRN members, select committee members and SEMA staff will be onsite to discuss membership and the resources and benefits available through the MRN. Register now.
 |
Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
PRO Happy Hour
PRO will host a happy hour in its booth, #12579, Wednesday, November 1, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Join PRO members and fellow restylers to wind down from a long day on the Show floor with free beverages and engaging conversation. Learn more about the benefits of a PRO membership and connect with select committee members who can help you get plugged in. The council offers many volunteer opportunities that lend a way to give back to the industry. Register now.
 |
SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)
Gear-Up Girl, Powered by SBN
Entering its sixth year, Gear-Up Girl, powered by the SBN, to be held Monday, October 30, from 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m., in LVCC N264, is designed to connect women currently working in the industry with female students who aspire to become automotive aftermarket professionals. The event serves not only as a networking opportunity for professionals, but also as an opportunity to give back and to see the excited interest in today’s female youth. Share your story. Something you say might inspire the next automotive company female CEO. An awards ceremony also takes place during the event to highlight leading women. Register now.
 |
Coffee and Conversation, Presented by WTC
Come out and enjoy bagels and coffee with the WTC, Thursday, November 2, at 8:00 a.m., outside of the Global Tire Expo, located in the Lower South Hall. Get your day started with energy and engaging conversations on the latest wheel and tire trends. Learn about updates to council initiatives and resources that are available to member companies. Select committee members and SEMA staff will be on hand to discuss how individuals can become more involved in the industry through WTC. Register now.
 |
Young Executives Network (YEN)
YEN Reception
YEN is hosting its annual reception, Tuesday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., in the Westgate Paradise Event Center. This dynamic event is a great networking opportunity and is highly anticipated among the industry’s young professionals. YEN Select Committee members will be on hand to discuss opportunities to get more involved in the network’s initiatives, and the event will honor top young professionals for their outstanding accomplishments within the industry. The network names one leading professional as Young Executive of the Year and celebrates an individual who actively supports young people in the industry by presenting them with the YEN Vanguard Award. Register now.
YEN General Membership Meeting and Mixer
YEN is holding a general membership meeting and networking opportunity, Monday, October 30, from 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., in LVCC N242. This is great opportunity to catch up with fellow YENsters and hear updates on the latest network initiatives from the select committee. If you are not a member, this event serves as the perfect opportunity to meet fellow young professionals, mingle with network leadership, learn about the benefits of a YEN membership and join at no cost. Register now.
SEMA Launch Pad—the Next Great Business: Entrepreneurs Pitch Their Ideas
The SEMA Launch Pad program is moving dates and locations this year, and is expected to triple in attendance. The event will be held Monday, October 30, from 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Theater. Attendees will witness the premier automotive aftermarket business competition for young entrepreneurs. After more than 100 qualified applicants, the contest has been narrowed down to the top 10 contestants who will participate in this live event. Each contestant has a new automotive product or service that they will pitch to a panel of iconic industry judges, who will decide the ultimate winner for the 2017 program. Designed to take their business and product to the next level, the grand prize includes opportunities for marketing and exposure through industry media outlets, a turnkey SEMA Show booth for 2018, access to business tools and resources and so much more. Register now to attend the live competition.
Creating Profitable Content, Presented by YEN
Whether you are a creative in the marketing department, a business owner or just interested in where digital advertising dollars go, this is the seminar for you. Moderated by last year’s SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year Jonathan Mill, along with a panel of industry experts, this seminar will delve into the creation of digital content, how to effectively market it and how to quantify the profitability. This session will take place Tuesday, October 31, from 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., in LVCC N256. Register now.