SEMA Member News—October 2021
By Ellen McKoy
TORA Celebrates a Vibrant Industry
SEMA’s Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is planning for a dynamic week at the SEMA Show, beginning with a new location and culminating in the TORA Awards Reception.
“The SEMA Show is the grandfather of industry shows,” said council Chair Troy Wirtz. “We’re excited to return to Las Vegas and for members to experience what TORA has to offer.”
Showgoers used to trek to the South Hall to view truck and off-road products. No longer. The sections for Truck, SUV & Off-Road and Powersports & Utility Vehicles are now in the West Hall, alongside Restyling & Car Care.
Wirtz hailed the move.
“Like-minded customers in restyling and truck accessories have been crisscrossing the convention center,” he said. “With customers spending less time in each hall, their visits with exhibitors were brief. Being in the same hall creates new opportunities for truck accessories and restyling. I’m really excited about it.”
Welcome to Happy Hour
Want to quench your thirst after a day on the Show floor? Connect with the TORA select committee and members for a beverage and shoptalk during Happy Hour, to be held Tuesday, November 2, 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m., in LVCC West Hall booth #56155.
Cheer along as TORA presents two awards: Best New Product in the truck category and Best New Product in the off-road category. Check out a modified side-by-side as well as other TORA feature vehicles that will be prominently displayed outside the hall.
Sharpen Skill Sets
TORA is primed to power a builders’ panel moderated by journalist Sean P. Holman. “Why Truck and Off-Road Builders Are Thriving” is on tap for Wednesday, November 3, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in room W235.
Truck and off-road accessories are hot categories and are gaining momentum. Vintage trucks, SUVs and modern truck performance are driving a banner year. Learn what builders consider to be some of the best aftermarket business
opportunities.
Toast Trailblazers, Support SEMA Cares
Experience TORA hospitality at its annual awards reception, to be held Wednesday, November 3, 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., on the third floor deck of the LVCC West Hall. The always-packed networking event celebrates the union of two vibrant market segments—truck and off-road—and recognizes industry achievements. As guests savor appetizers and drinks, emcee Rick Hermann will engage in a spirited spiel on the Pinewood Derby to help raise funds benefitting SEMA Cares.
“The reception is a favorite, and doing it in a new venue in the West Hall is a game changer,” Wirtz said. “I love doing the Pinewood Derby and generating funds for SEMA Cares. It’s a great atmosphere and a great way to celebrate our industry.”
