By Ashley Reyes
Aspiring leaders in the automotive aftermarket industry who want to elevate their personal and professional development have limited time left to apply for the 2026 SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Professional Development Program (PDP). Applications will close next month, so act soon.
Taking place May 14-15 at the SEMA Garage facility in Detroit, this isn't your average corporate seminar. It is a high-impact, two-day intensive tailored specifically for the challenges of the automotive industry.
"The Professional Development Program allowed me to self-assess my communication, leadership and presentation skills," said PDP participant Cameron Foremaster of QA1/Speedtech Performance. "It brought up areas that I thought I excelled at, but clearly needed more attention. This training benefits anyone looking to better their interpersonal relationships."
Why the 2026 FLN PDP Program Is Different
Unlike generic training, the SEMA FLN PDP utilizes the world-renowned Dale Carnegie curriculum--including principles from the "How to Win Friends and Influence People" novel--and applies them to real-world automotive scenarios.
What You'll Gain in Just 48 Hours With the 2026 FLN PDP:
- Active listening: Move beyond hearing to truly understanding your team.
- Public speaking: Gain the confidence to pitch ideas effectively to leadership.
- Conflict resolution: Learn actionable strategies to overcome communication hurdles across departments.
- Networking: Build lasting relationships with the next generation of industry icons.
"The Professional Development Program really helped me to understand that genuine conversations and reactions start with a good attitude and purpose from within," said PDP participant Aly Oakley of BrakeQuip. "Be a good listener, watch your tone of voice and be confident."
What Your Registration Covers
New for 2026: The FLN Professional Development Program is available to all SEMA members. At $960 for FLN members and $1,060 for SEMA members, participants receive two full days of training, a certificate of completion, three nights' hotel accommodation (May 13–15), and food and beverage during the program.
Don't Wait: Only 25 Seats Available for 2026 Event
To ensure an intimate, high-value learning environment, the cohort is strictly limited to 25 students. Apply by Monday, April 13, to secure your spot and bring greater value to your company. Register below or visit sema.org/fln-pdp
2025 SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Professional Development Program (PDP) graduating class.
