SEMA Member News—November/December 2013
The WTC’s Guide to the 2013 SEMA Show
It’s that time again! The 2013 SEMA Show is nearly upon us, and you can almost hear the hustle and bustle of the South Hall beginning to rev up as exhibitors, buyers and media prepare for what is anticipated to be a fantastic Show. A few of the must-attend events for the wheel and tire segment of the specialty-equipment industry are hosted by the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and include a general membership meeting and a networking and awards reception. Do not miss these opportunities to get involved, influence change and better position your business.
WTC General Membership Meeting
| |
|
Open meetings provide a valuable opportunity for WTC members to come together, network and share ideas.
The WTC leadership hosts this meeting in order to provide updates on council activities and initiatives, and it is also a great venue for members to learn how to get more involved, give feedback, voice concerns and share opportunities. As WTC moves forward and strategically maps out its direction, it is more important than ever to hear directly from the industry and cultivate an active membership.
John Waraniak, SEMA’s vice president of vehicle technology, will present an educational segment at this year’s meeting about the collaboration between WTC and Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) on a research project. He will also give an update about the progress of J3010 certification.
Wayne Williams, president of Exsell Marketing, will provide a presentation about the importance of customer engagement. In our media-saturated world, consumers have plenty of information but not always the right information. Williams will discuss and demonstrate proper engagement techniques, which lead to more customers and, ultimately, more sales.
Following the meeting, council members are invited to attend a workshop in the Vehicle Technology Center in the Grand Lobby, where Chair Joe Schaefer will report on the progress of the joint WTC and CU-ICAR research project on the effect of wheel and tire variation on the vehicle dynamics of the ’13 Ford F-150.
WTC Industry Reception
WTC members are invited to the WTC industry reception at the Renaissance Hotel Pool on Tuesday, November 5, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Mix, mingle, eat and drink with your colleagues from the wheel and tire industry and recognize the achievements of one very special professional who will be receiving the WTC Hall of Fame award that night.
The SEMA WTC Hall of Fame was founded to honor and recognize those outstanding individuals in the wheel and tire industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the status of the industry while significantly contributing to its growth. In 2012, the council honored Joe Findeis (now the WTC chair-elect) with the award.
Networking and good business go hand in hand.
Apart from honoring the hall of fame award recipient, the WTC reception provides a relaxed atmosphere in which attendees can catch up with old friends, explore new opportunities and strengthen existing partnerships. Students, faculty and administrators from CU-ICAR will be the council’s special guests at this year’s reception, so be sure to attend!