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:
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Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
ARMO/HRIA Booth Unveilings
ARMO and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) have a shared booth at the SEMA Show, located in Hot Rod Alley in the Central Hall. The latest builds from BBT Fabrications and Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop will be unveiled in the booth, #23395, Tuesday, October 31, at 11:00 a.m. Don’t miss out on being one of the first to see these awesome vehicles.
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Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)
Join ETTN for Lunch, Followed by a Presentation on Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
ETTN is hosting an event entitled ETTN TecHub, geared toward engineering and technical professionals. Attendees will discuss the latest advancements in vehicle technology while enjoying lunch with industry peers. This is an opportunity to get involved with the network that is at the forefront of automotive technical advancements. Immediately following ETTN TecHub, John Waraniak will present on connected and autonomous vehicles. RSVP for the ETTN TecHub.
Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: Smart, Cool and Connected, Presented by ETTN
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. This session will take place Thursday, November 2, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC N258. Register now.
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Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
HRIA Reception
Join the HRIA as it gathers for an evening of networking, appetizers, beverages and celebrating individuals and companies that have led and continue to lead the hot-rod industry. The much-anticipated event kicks off after the close of the SEMA Show, Wednesday, November 1, from 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m., located in the Westgate Paradise Center. Mix and mingle with industry friends in a relaxed environment off the Show floor. Grab a drink, a plate of snacks and settle in at a table to watch the show. Rick Love of Vintage Air will emcee the event as industry leaders are awarded and recognized for their outstanding achievements.
Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind hot rod from the HRIA builders challenge. Visit the silent auction table during the event or get competitive during the live auction later in the evening. All proceeds will go toward SEMA Cares children’s charities.
Companies may purchase reserved tables for the best seats in the house by contacting Jim Skelly. All proceeds from table reservations benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Act fast; these tables sell out quickly. Register now.
ARMO/HRIA Booth #23395
Catch HRIA members and select committee members in the HRIA booth located in Hot Rod Alley in Central Hall, booth #23395. HRIA and the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) have historically shared one large booth space allowing cross collaboration between the two councils. The booth is commonly referred to as “Central Park” because it is always buzzing and has nice sitting areas for meeting other industry and council members. Within the booth are six display vehicles, three from the restoration segment and three from the hot-rod segment. Two of the booth display vehicles will start the Show until the reveal Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.
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.
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Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
Media Preview Exclusive, presented by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance
Media Center LVCC, Room S220
Monday, October 30, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Members of the media—get a sneak peek at products and news from nearly two-dozen exhibiting truck and off-road manufacturers the day before the SEMA Show opens. Representatives from each exhibiting company will be available for interviews and to provide details on their latest products hitting the market. Not only will attendees get a head start on their SEMA Show coverage, but this is also a great opportunity for networking.
The following companies will exhibit at this event:
- Air Design USA
- BOLT Locks
- CURT Group
- Dana Inc.
- Dee Zee Inc.
- Diode Dynamics
- Edelbrock, LLC
- Eibach
- Elongater Tailgates
- Fab Fours Inc.
- Hellwig Products
- Hypertech
- Injen Technology
- Lund International
- MagnaFlow
- Pinnacle Products
- Rolling Big Power
- Rostra Accessories
- Skyjacker Suspensions
- Strike Force Zebra
- Tuffy Security Products
- ZROADZ
The event will briefly pause for a research and awards presentation. SEMA market research will present on the findings of their recent study of the truck and off-road market. The TORA Best New Product Under $500 and Over $500 will be announced, and one member of the media will be named 2017 Influencer of the Year.
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Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN)
Manufacturers Rep Roundup and Awards Program
SEMA Show 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.
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Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Education for Restylers, Powered by PRO
PRO is powering education sessions featuring a variety of topics valuable for anyone in the restyling business. These sessions are free to attend and double as great networking opportunities. Learn about these exciting sessions below:
Vehicle Accessorization: Uncover the Secrets of Sales Success, Powered by PRO
Knowing how to market your shop’s products and services with confidence is vital to sales success. Discover the essential elements of a sales strategy as industry experts reveal tactics to grow your customer base. Gain valuable insider tips on selling and restyling trends, plus innovative ideas on developing profit-generating accessory programs. Up your game: learn how to earn a sales professional certificate. Whether you run a restyling center or a truck-accessory outfit and sell to retail or car-dealer clientele, this session delivers practical information to navigate the sales process and position your company as a market leader. This session will take place Wednesday, November 1, from 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., in LVCC N253. Register now.
Industry Trends: Planning for the Future—New Vehicle Technologies, Powered by PRO
Connected and automated vehicle technologies, advanced driver-assist systems and other mobility options will significantly improve safety. The aftermarket industry is playing an increasingly important role in retrofitting and installing many of these systems and technologies on the 250 million vehicles already on U.S. roads. Listen and learn as a panel of experts discusses how advanced vehicle technology is transforming the automotive and aftermarket industries and specialists explore the challenges and opportunities posed by evolving vehicle technologies and mobility options. This session will take place Wednesday, November 1, from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m., in LVCC N252. Register now.
Five Key Trends to Boost a Restyling Shop’s Business, Powered by PRO
Get dialed in to the latest restyling trends. Understand how to transform trends into exciting, profit-boosting accessory packages. Listen and learn as experienced top-tier restylers share effective marketing strategies in this fast-paced, information-packed session, to be held Thursday, November 2, from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m., in LVCC N253. Register now.
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SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)
Women in Leadership Roundtable, Powered by SBN
There are plenty of statistics tracking the percentage of women in the workforce, their qualifications and their salaries. But the data doesn’t show us the whole picture. It doesn’t assess how women feel, how they fare in their day-to-day businesses or the challenges they encounter. Join a diverse panel of expert women professionals for a candid conversation on the workplace. This session will take place Wednesday, November 1, from 2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m., in LVCC N262. Register now.
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WTC Reception
Join the WTC and hundreds of wheel and tire industry members, Tuesday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., for an evening of celebration and networking in a relaxed atmosphere by the Renaissance Hotel pool. Enjoy connecting with industry professionals and catching up with friends over food and beverages. Discuss all that is happening in the wheel and tire industry and exchange special moments and must-see attractions from the 2017 SEMA Show. During an awards presentation, a wheel and tire industry pioneer will be inducted into the WTC Hall of Fame. 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.
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Young Executives Network (YEN)
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.