By Ashley Reyes
SEMA is accepting nominations for its 2026 Channel Partner of the Year Award, which honors an industry channel partner that has made outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry. Nominations are open now at www.sema.org/awards.
Channel partners are essential to the industry's ability to move products efficiently from manufacturers to retailers, wholesalers and consumers. Through distribution, logistics, inventory management, sales support, digital commerce and customer service, they help brands expand their reach and strengthen the marketplace.
"Channel partners do more than just move products through the supply chain; they help brands grow, support customers and strengthen the industry through service and strategic collaboration," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar. "We encourage members to nominate an outstanding Industry Channel Partner whose work deserves industrywide recognition."
To be considered, the nominee's achievements must fall within the date range of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
Criteria for a SEMA Channel Partner of the Year Award nomination include, but are not limited to:
- SEMA Involvement (i.e., member, ambassador, participation on committees, task forces, councils, board, etc.).
- Maintains proper inventories to service their respective channel effectively.
- Provides the suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed.
- Keeps employees updated on new products, promotions and trends through rep, factory and/or industry training.
- Presents products and promotions through their respective channel in a professional manner.
For the full award criteria, click here.
SEMA is also accepting nominations for other industry awards, including Content Creator of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, and the Visionary 8.
2026 SEMA Show to Celebrate the Industry's Best
The SEMA Show festivities shift into gear on Tuesday, November 3, with the Kickoff Breakfast, where 15 products will be recognized with New Product Awards alongside top honors for Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year.
On Thursday, November 5, the highly anticipated Visionary 8 and SEMA's Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year winner will be announced live at SEMA Central. The momentum will continue during the SEMA Industry Honors, celebrated at the iconic Fontainebleau. This red-carpet-style gathering brings together the industry's biggest names to spotlight standout achievements, including Content Creator of the Year and Person of the Year.
Entries for Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year––a SEMA Industry Award that recognizes exceptional quality of engineering on a vehicle build––will open in August. Learn more at www.sema.org/awards.
