By Ashley Reyes
In partnership with Dale Carnegie, the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) will host its Professional Development Program in May 2026 to help aftermarket professionals advance their communication skills. The program is open to all SEMA members.
Happening May 14-15 at the SEMA Garage Detroit, the FLN Professional Development Program (PDP) will focus on Individual Communication, sharpening attendees' ability to connect, influence and lead effectively within the automotive aftermarket. Interactive lessons will provide a framework for addressing real-world communication barriers, while workshops and breakouts will encourage critical thinking, public speaking and effective decision making.
"When teams communicate effectively, they achieve more together," said FLN Council Director Denise Waddingham. "This program gives participants a platform where they can share their unique communication challenges and develop solutions that work in real-world situations."
After the course, attendees will know how to:
- Communicate professionally and confidently in business situations.
- Engage others by building rapport, asking pertinent questions and listening.
- Build relationships and deal effectively with people in a multitude of scenarios.
- Gain cooperation and influence people, including direct reports, laterally and upward.
- Use emotional controls to sustain success.
In today's workplace, where diverse personalities, power dynamics and competing priorities are common, the FLN Professional Development Program provides tools to lead with clarity and confidence. Past participants have ranged from marketing leaders and business owners to product specialists and managers, all with varying goals for elevating their professional presence.
Connect With Your Community
Beyond the learning module, the FLN Professional Development Program offers an environment where SEMA members can network with peers who share the same passion. Unlike other professional development programs that cater to all industries, the PDP puts automotive professionals together to learn from each other, engage in knowledge-sharing and create lasting industry relationships.
Registration Now Open
Registration is now open at $960 per person for FLN Members and $1,060 for SEMA Members (non-FLN). The program includes the full training curriculum, a certificate of completion, three nights of hotel accommodations (May 13–15) and food and beverage during training.
If you're ready to invest in your career and accelerate your leadership, the FLN Professional Development Program offers the best opportunity to learn, connect, and grow within the industry.
