By Ashley Reyes
The 2026 SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Women's Leadership Forum, happening March 3-5, in San Diego, California, is slated to be one of the most impactful events for females in the automotive aftermarket.
Centered around the theme, "From Insight to Impact," the Forum will feature all-new education courses, workshops, breakouts and networking opportunities designed to strengthen skills in high-performance leadership. Built for women in the industry by women in the industry, the Forum will deliver the skills to influence teams, improve workplace dynamics and strengthen leadership presence in the traditionally male-dominated aftermarket industry.
Educational Opportunities
The education program kicks off on Wednesday, March 4, with an inspiring keynote on how resilience and collaboration fuel authentic leadership, empowering women to rise together and drive meaningful change in the industry. Education courses to follow will help attendees define influence in the modern era and lead boldly, while workshops will delve into emotional intelligence, vulnerability, accelerating with AI and trusting the unknown.
The momentum continues Thursday, March 5, with keynotes on leading with authenticity and purpose and boundary setting as an essential leadership skill. Supporting the day's program are fireside chats on what it takes to lead at the highest level, and workshops centered on effective communication, the power of empathy, turning discomfort into dialogue and the power of active listening.
Expert Speakers
Speakers and panelists include accomplished automotive aftermarket leaders, business owners and C-suite executives who will share their best-kept leadership insights. Drawing from diverse backgrounds and years of experience, they will share actionable strategies designed to help attendees elevate their organizational value.
Speakers and panelists include Katherine Abraham, director of marketing at Ironman 4x4; Jaclyn Bradham, chief revenue officer at Oracle Lighting; Lisa Bartley, leadership expert, consultant and executive coach; Tara Demuth, manager at R&S Truck Caps & Auto Accessories; Tiffanie Hartenstein, CEO and co-founder of Oracle Lighting Technologies; Cora Jokinen, president of Torq-Master Industries; Kristy Lake, vice president of human resources at SEMA; Emily Miller, founder of Rebelle Rally; Kannan Parekh, chief architect at Allion Technologies; Kathryn Reinhardt, president at Kreative Marketing; Dr. Kelleigh Shankel, founder of Limelight Technologies; Melanie White, CEO of Hellwig Products; and Denise Ypina, master trainer at Dale Carnegie.
Community Building
A speed networking event, along with breakfasts and lunches, are scheduled throughout the week to help attendees strengthen their industry connections. In an industry that is fueled by passion and community, these experiences will provide opportunities to exchange insights, seek advice and build meaningful relationships with supportive, like-minded women.
Laurel Brown, who attended the 2025 Forum, said "As I work with mostly men, I appreciate the opportunity to network with other women in the same position I am and be able to learn from their successes as well."
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Early registration for the SBN Women's Leadership Forum is just $799 for SBN members through February 1. After that, pricing increases to $899 up until the day of the conference. Explore the full program and register now at www.sema.org/sbn-wlf.
