SEMA Member News—October 2021
By Ellen McKoy
On the Show Circuit With HRIA
For months, the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) relied on virtual forums to connect with members. As industry events reopened, HRIA hit the road. Pit stops included a networking mixer at the Minnesota Street Rod Association (MSRA) Back to The Fifties show in Minneapolis, Goodguys Rod & Custom Show in Des Moines, Iowa, site of a general membership meeting, and another networking mixer at a Goodguys show in Columbus, Ohio. At the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, HRIA held another general membership meeting and presented its Education Days program.
Next stop: the SEMA Show.
“There’s been a lot of interest in the council over the past months,” noted Danny Agosta, council chair. “Doing these events created opportunities for people to meet in person and learn about HRIA. Our select committee is excited to get back to the SEMA Show and carry the momentum forward.”
Catch the Action
Hot Rod Alley and the adjacent space shared with the Automotive Restoration Market Organization in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) are magnets for street-rod aficionados. Situated in booth #23295, the display this year will feature three standout rods.
The exhibit helps to promote awareness of the hobby and highlights member exhibitors whose products are featured on the vehicles. It’s also a gathering spot for council members to mingle and meet with builders and select committee members who will be on hand throughout the Show.
Salute the Industry
The HRIA Awards Reception is set for Wednesday, November 3, at the Westgate Paradise Center. The annual event benefits the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund through the sale of sponsored tables.
High points include an honor guard, the national anthem and a display of hot rods. Guests enjoy refreshments,
beverages and an awards ceremony emceed by hot-rod builder Tim Strange, during which HRIA will present four awards. Goodguys, NSRA and Championship Auto Shows will each present one award.
“We’re excited to celebrate in person and highlight the individuals and companies who have made a difference in our industry,” said Agosta.
Learn From the Pros
Want to know what drives the passion for street rods and why the future looks bright? Join leading street-rod builders as they share their knowledge and insights during “Hot Rod Builders Drive the Vintage Segment,” a panel discussion powered by HRIA to be held Thursday, November 4, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., LVCC Room N258.
Gear up for 2022
In January at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California, HRIA will present a panel discussion featuring top street-rod builders, with a focus on youth engagement.
Next up is the Deuce’s Wild Competition Car Show in Atlantic City, New Jersey in February. An all-new Hot Rod Alley will highlight 10 member companies whose participation fees will be used to sponsor an award.
“The thought behind our events is to offer more education, have more opportunities to engage with different people at different events, and give people a better understanding of HRIA,” Agosta said.
