By Ashley Reyes

Volunteers are essential to SEMA and the industry throughout the year, assisting SEMA staff with many of the member benefits that the association offers. From planning and executing programs to developing solutions to market-specific challenges, volunteers work diligently to benefit the automotive aftermarket community.

In celebration of National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 21-27), SEMA is proud to honor its volunteers who give so much to the industry. It's through their time, passion and knowledge that SEMA, as a trade association, can fulfill its mission to help its business members succeed and prosper. 

"Many of the programs that SEMA offers would not exist without our volunteers," said Zane Clark, SEMA vice president of membership, education, research and councils. "We are extremely grateful for their contributions, whether that be through one of our nine council and network communities, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, our charity arm SEMA Cares or being involved in our legislative efforts."  

Key programs led by volunteers that have flourished in the past year include the Future Leaders Network (FLN) Professional Development Program for aspiring aftermarket leaders held in partnership with Dale Carnegie Training, the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Cup Challenge competition at the SEMA Show for automotive restylers, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Women's Leadership Forum and the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)/Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Career Fair for students pursuing careers in the automotive field. These events not only raised awareness of the various industry segments and career opportunities available but also helped industry members elevate their careers and businesses.   

SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) and Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) volunteers promoted the hot-rod and automotive restoration markets at consumer-driven events. HRIA volunteers organized the HRIA Education Days program that educates aftermarket consumers about hot-rod manufacturers' products through educational seminars at the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals. ARMO volunteers hosted their ARMO Hot Products Showcase at Spring Carlisle, raising awareness of 81 products from ARMO member companies in a high-traffic area of the event. Both of these programs allowed manufacturers the opportunity to gain exposure of their brand and educate the industry about their product offerings. 

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) volunteers are expanding the diversity of East Coast media and manufacturers who attend the MPMC Media Trade Conference, announcing that the event is relocating from Los Angeles, California, to Orlando, Florida, in 2025. The conference is a staple program that makes it easy for motorsports manufacturers to share detailed information about their products with journalists, editors, writers, podcasters, content creators and social-media influencers.

Volunteers of the newly rebranded Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC)--previously the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)--hosted monthly Coffee & Conversation events over the past year, offering industry members a convenient, online platform to discuss industry opportunities and expand their professional network. Volunteers led discussions on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), legislative changes, new vehicle technology and more. "The discussion is short and packed with nuggets to help most anyone connected in the business," said Kelly Austin of 9six9 Wheels. 

Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) volunteers showcased the diverse truck and off-road industry landscape through its TORA feature vehicle program at the 2023 SEMA Show. The program highlighted 10 vehicle builds from TORA member companies in a premier Show location, highlighting the unique ways that aftermarket products and technologies can be used.  

SEMA Cares volunteers continue to make a positive impact beyond the automotive community, raising $138,064.33 in 2023 to benefit its partnering children's charities: Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer; Childhelp for the prevention and treatment of child abuse; and Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions and illnesses. By incorporating the joy of automotive into fun activities and fundraising, SEMA Cares volunteers are able to give young minds a very important relief from hard circumstances, even if only for a brief moment.

During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, SEMA extends its gratitude to all volunteers who continue to make a difference in the industry and the lives of others. For information on how to volunteer for SEMA councils and networks, fill out the council inquiry form. To learn more about volunteering for SEMA Cares, visit sema.org/sema-cares. 

By SEMA News Editors

Hotel reservations are open online here for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas, available at the lowest possible nightly rates through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak. 

Stay at the Golden Nugget for an average of just $150 per night. Or, book rooms at several additional properties around Vegas offering SEMA Showgoers the best possible rates through onPeak.

SEMA Show and onPeak offer attendees and exhibitors the best rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas.

Booking a 2024 SEMA Show hotel provides unparalleled benefits, including the ability to:  

• Guaranteed Lowest Rates: Booking through the SEMA block guarantees our Showgoers the lowest rates in Las Vegas during the SEMA Show.
• Earn Hotel Rewards Points: We know how important and valuable your hotel rewards points can be and how quickly they can add up when you travel to events and trade shows. That's why your reservation at an official hotel counts towards your hotel loyalty program. Simply enter your rewards number when securing your reservation, and you're all set. The benefits are endless when you book in the SEMA Show block!
• Access Fully Flexible Booking: We know plans change, so that's why there are no change fees and no full pre-payment required at the time of booking, unlike most other booking channels. You can make changes or cancel your reservation without penalty until October 10, 2024. There's no downside to booking today!
• Access Easy Group Bookings: Book your entire group--large or small--in real-time with immediate confirmations. Nab the rooms you need now and log in later to assign specific guests. Rooms can be selected based on your team's specific nights and stay patterns, and you can manage payment for your whole block or guarantee each room with separate credit cards--it's that easy. 
• Source A Sustainable Hotel Stay: onPeak is available to help you feel confident about living a sustainable lifestyle. View Las Vegas hotel's sustainability plans on the onPeak website at onpeak.com/sustainability and read up on a few helpful travel tips at blog.onpeak.com. 

Securing housing is just one of the first steps on the road to the 2024 SEMA Show. Attendee and media registration opens on Monday, April 29, and the SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual and additional exhibitor resources will also go live on Monday, April 29.  

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show and SEMA Fest. 

By SEMA News Editors

Registration is open for this year's SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, July 24-25, Las Vegas, West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The valuable event is organized by SEMA Show management for exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas. Registration is available for up to two company representatives who want to take advantage of this complimentary program, and SEMA will provide housing and several meals during the event.

While undoubtedly valuable for first-time exhibitors, the Summit is also geared toward returning and long-time exhibitors of the SEMA Show. If you think you "know it all" about the Show, you'd be surprised by how much relevant business-boosting information is distributed during the program. Just take it from the industry staple Caliber Products, which manufactures precision-engineered trailer accessories and exhibits in the Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road category at the SEMA Show.

"Attending the SEMA Exhibitors Summit has been a game-changer for us. The networking opportunities are unmatched, allowing us to forge valuable partnerships and secure media coverage for our new products. The Summit's emphasis on showcasing innovation has helped our brand stand out, even leading to recognition with a prestigious SEMA New Product Award," said Zach Eyman of Caliber. "Plus, the educational sessions have empowered Caliber to navigate the industry landscape with confidence. If you're serious about launching new products and maximizing your brand's visibility, the SEMA Exhibitors Summit is a must-attend event."

Indeed, the road to the SEMA Show begins with the Exhibitor Summit, the education-packed program featuring everything a company needs to deliver the best ROI from its SEMA Show experience. 

This year's Summit, now in the Las Vegas Convention Center's West Hall, will feature new-for-2024 information straight from the people responsible for the industry-topping automotive specialty-equipment trade show.

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is the best way to learn how to:

• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Use proven strategies to attract buyers to your booth.
• Save money and resources on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses.
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize your ROI.
• Learn to plan appropriately and budget expenses.
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships and other methods.

Register for the 2024 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit here. For more information, visit semashow.com/exhibitor-summit. Note: You are officially registered once you receive a confirmation email from the SEMA Show staff.

2024 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit
(Complimentary for all 2024 exhibitors; hotel and several meals provided by SEMA.)
July 24-25, 2024
West Hall Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Register here.

Exhibitors: Submit your ESRA application online today (more exhibitor resources here). And, hotel reservations for the 2024 SEMA Show are open online here. Attendee and media registration opens on Monday, April 29.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show.

By SEMA News Editors

The Society for the Advancement of Material & Process Engineering (SAMPE) is offering SEMA members an exclusive 10% discount to attend the annual Expo and Conference, May 20-23, in Long Beach, California.

Join thousands of industry partners at SAMPE's premier event, where new and innovative materials and business solutions take center stage. Engage directly with domestic and international buyers, manufacturers and suppliers across diverse sectors such as aerospace/aircraft, automotive, marine, energy and more.

SAMPE's conference is the ultimate showroom for advanced materials and processes, bringing together gearheads, technicians, executives, engineers, scientists, students and professionals shaping the future of materials innovation. 

Why Attend SAMPE?

• Keynote Speaker: Stephen Heinz of Syensqo Composite Materials Division.
• Hydrogen Workshop: Co-sponsored with the Dept. of Energy, this workshop will inform attendees about using fiber-reinforced composites in hydrogen applications, including use in fuel-cell technologies, hydrogen storage tanks and much more.
• Additive Manufacturing Track: Buckle up for a full day of education sessions devoted to additive manufacturing.
• Technical Presentation Tracks: SEMA members will find many topics to fuel their thirst for knowledge.  

Interested? Go here to learn more and register. Take advantage of the 10% discount by using code "SEMA" when registering, and the discount will be applied to your payment.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Board of Directors Member and CEO of Quadratec Ted Wentz will join the SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension and Brake Council (WTSBC) as a guest speaker for the council's upcoming Coffee and Conversation event on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. (PDT).

WTSBC Coffee and Conversations are monthly networking events held online that bring together industry professionals to discuss business opportunities in the wheel, tire, suspension and brake segments. During this session, participants will have an opportunity to engage with Wentz on his expertise on the council's four markets and the Board's strategic initiatives as they relate to the WTSB segment of the industry.

"As the CEO of a well-known off-road parts and accessory retailer and distributor, Wentz understands first-hand many of the issues that aftermarket companies face," said WTSBC Council Director Nicole Bradle. "The knowledge that he shares will be a great benefit to our members and we are excited to welcome him for what will be an engaging conversation."

While the discussion will focus on Wentz's expertise, attendees will still have an opportunity to converse with other members, making it the ideal time to grow one's professional network and exchange ideas for business growth. Join the conversation by registering here. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence through the exclusive Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program, which is now open at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list is designed for builders looking to collaborate and seek product offers straight from confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors.

Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly with the provided contact information. All product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder, with each project vehicle on display at the SEMA Show required to be supported by a current 2024 SEMA Show exhibitor.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

Builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2024 Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, as it is updated when submissions come in.

Note: Submissions appear on a first-come, first-served basis. For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2024 SEMA Show. For more information, contact Laura Pitts at projectvehicles@sema.org or call 949-373-9210. 

By SEMA News Editors

Goodyear Names Ryan Waldron Americas Business President

The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company announced that Ryan Waldron has been named president of the company's Americas business unit, reporting to CEO and President Mark Stewart. He succeeds Steven R. McClellan, who retired on April 1.

Waldron joined Goodyear in 2003 and served in leadership roles in finance and supply chain for multiple North America business areas. In 2012, he was named vice president, supply chain, logistics and procurement, then served as vice president, sales operations and strategy; vice president, business and process integration; and vice president, global off-highway businesses and chemical operations. Most recently, Waldron served as president of Goodyear's North America consumer business.

For more information, visit goodyear.com.

Tim Erdmann Named NHRA Vice President of Finance

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has named Tim Erdmann as its new vice president of finance.

Erdmann is based out of NHRA's San Dimas, California, office and has been the NHRA senior director of finance since 2020. He was hired by NHRA in 2019, first serving as an NHRA business manager.

As NHRA’s vice president of finance, Erdmann will oversee the organization's payroll, accounting, and finance departments.

For more information, visit nhra.com.

Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are a few of the latest postings.

EGR USA

Product Development Manager in Ontario, California.

EGR USA is looking for a product development manager to join its global product development department to lead the U.S. team. This role will have responsibility for project managing new products from conception to production, working with product development team members across our global locations, and overseeing the entire product development lifecycle, from concept to production and sustained launch.

Oracle Lighting

Brand Strategist in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The aftermarket lighting manufacturer is seeking a brand manager/brand strategist to manage its social-media networks. The duties include creating and updating social-media schedules, replying to comments from subscribers or liking tagged photos and collaborating with other team members to determine how to market the brand and products by using social-media platforms. The brand strategist will also manage the ambassador and sponsorship program.

ARB

Northwest Sales Manager in Seattle, Washington, or Remote.

The northwest sales manager will play a key role in the success of ARB's North American business development strategy. This position is responsible for identifying, pursuing and securing new sales opportunities within the Northwest territory and advancing the annual sales goals of established dealer accounts. This position is eligible for remote work in either Washington or Oregon and will manage sales in Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Western Canada.

By SEMA News Editors

IROC Plans Return at Lime Rock Park

IROC Holdings, the rights holder to the International Race of Champions (IROC) brand, will hold the first IROC event in nearly 20 years as part of the SpeedTour All-Star Race weekend at Lime Rock Park on July 19-20.

IROC (International Race of Champions) is a series that held races from 1973 to 2006, which brought together drivers from all forms of motorsport to race identical cars on historic tracks. NASCAR Hall-of-Famer Ray Evernham and former NASCAR Cup Series team owner and venture capitalist Rob Kauffman founded IROC Holdings and acquired the rights to the IROC brand earlier this year.

The IROC event at Lime Rock Park will feature original IROC race cars on track and on display throughout the weekend, including nearly every generation of IROC race cars, with many being driven by former IROC drivers. The IROC paddock will feature appearances by some of the original IROC racers, Q&A sessions, and IROC-branded merchandise.

IROC has also opened entry applications for anyone who owns IROC race cars and would like to display or drive in the event.

For more information, visit iroc-racing.com.

NASCAR Sets Format for All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway

NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports have announced details for the 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race to be held on Sunday, May 19, at the newly paved North Wilkesboro Speedway.

The event will include two heat races to set the All-Star Race starting lineup, a 100-lap All-Star Open, and a 200-lap main event, which will debut several new features including a tire strategy element, a new Qualifying/Pit Crew Challenge format and pitting requirements.

The primary new element in the format centers around tire type and allotment. Potentially, three different tires will be utilized throughout the event weekend: a "prime tire" (the baseline tire), an "option tire" (slick tires, but made with the same rubber as the wet weather tire, making it a softer tire with more grip and faster wear) and "wet weather" (the wet weather tire only used if the track is wet). The 'Goodyear Eagle' lettering will be yellow on the prime tires, red on the option tires, and white on the wet-weather tires.

For more details, read the full announcement here.

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com.

By SEMA News Editors

With fresh activations and increased participation, the 2024 SEMA Show is slated to be one of the most productive to date.

"The SEMA Show is a great place to be because of the exposure that a brand gets worldwide. SEMA is an international show, and its audience reach is significant," said Edwin Pereza, sales manager Spyder Automotive. "It's not just the typical buyer at the SEMA Show; it's also the influencers, the media, the professionals, and the other vendors and exhibitors that are exhibiting as well. Working with everyone, coordinating cross-promotion will maximize a brand's exposure." 

SEMA Show's Central Hall, which houses the Racing & Performance product categories, is an attendee-favorite of the event, this year November 5-8, Las Vegas. As motorsports and high-performance applications often dictate the future of the automotive aftermarket, SEMA News sat down with key players in this space to find out just exactly what Showgoers can expect at this year's SEMA Show. 

Toyota told SEMA News the OEM would showcase its well-known, racing-inspired GR line vehicles at this year's SEMA Show. Seen here is the GR Cup Series GR86 seen at the 2023 event.

Toyota, one of several OEMs exhibiting at the SEMA Show, revealed plans to highlight the racing market with its own racing-inspired vehicles, the GR line. Consisting of the GR Supra, GR86 and GR Corolla, the GR badge emphasizes on-track performance and demonstrates the brand's recent focus on turbocharging, made possible through innovations in compressor wheels, electronic boost control and direct-injection systems, according to Toyota Vice President of Vehicle Marketing and Communications Jeff Buchanan. 

The GR line will be on display in the Toyota booth this year alongside the new Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Trailhunter overlanding brand and the new Associated Accessory Products (AAP) line of parts--all of which aim to provide the industry with a glimpse of the inspired creations and spark conversation, both at the SEMA Show and beyond.  

"The SEMA Show is a chance to show off our imagination," said Buchanan. "It's the place we can really color outside the lines and go places no one ever thought possible.  

"There's certainly a lot that happens live at SEMA for the people who attend, but we always see a great bounce for those tuning in from afar," he continued. "It's our goal at Toyota to have our SEMA Show display vibrate beyond the four walls of Central Hall."

In addition, the racing and performance markets will have plenty of new and returning products, vehicles and innovations to showcase at this year's SEMA Show. One exhibitor, BluePrint Engines, hopes to make a splash with several new initiatives for 2024 and some old favorites.  

According to Jason Bruce, wholesale sales manager for BluePrint, the company plans to have its new LS and Gen-III HEMI lines on display, as well as its popular 383 Small-Block Chevy and 347 Small-Block Ford engines.  

The new product lines, as well as the continued popularity of BluePrint's well-established slate of products, are made possible in part by the continued development of the industry around it, Bruce said. 

"The beautiful thing about the racing and performance markets is innovation is always occurring," he said. "We are seeing excellent innovation in electronic fuel injection, which has helped drive engine sales and fine-tune our customer's engines for their particular vehicle and performance needs." 

MagnaFlow Group plans to showcase its new suspension components at the SEMA Show through its Camburg brand.

MagnaFlow Group, another industry pillar slated to exhibit in Central Hall, is also planning to introduce a variety of new products across multiple segments, including new suspension components from its Camburg brand, acquired by MagnaFlow Group in 2022.  

The new product lines signal an expansion into uncharted territory for the company, according to Richard Waitas, senior manager and spokesperson for the group, but stays true to its expertise, history, and most importantly, its customers.  

"We feel that, as industry leaders, [we have] a responsibility to our consumers and fans to look beyond the product lines we have brought to market and seek out new opportunities, even looking into products outside our existing scope, but still inside of our race and performance lifestyle," Waitas said. "Within the MagnaFlow exhaust world, we've brought race-proven design to xMOD and combined it with 'No Drone Technology' so our customers could truly have the best of both worlds with race performance [and] daily-driver comfort." 

Spyder's Pereza told SEMA News that he can't fully divulge what will be in the brand's SEMA Show booth this year, but was able to tease some interesting new features that will be added to its LED headlights. 

"We're still working behind the scenes, but our LED headlights will have an aesthetic upgrade to what we have previously shown. We're also going to display our new designs so that customers can expect some nice upgrades in our booth," Pereza said. 

But the SEMA Show isn't just an opportunity to introduce new products; it also serves as a launching pad for new services, programs and initiatives, as well as an opportunity to grow brand awareness, network with dealers and examine how the market is evolving.  

CTEK, a provider of battery management solutions, is rolling out a new dealer program in 2024 and will have the SEMA Show platform to highlight its benefits alongside its solutions-based products. The program, called CTEK Ready, will see dealers fit each vehicle with a CTEK CONNECT EYELET accessory and accompanying sticker, enabling the salesperson to engage the customer in a conversation about the need for charging. 

CTEK President DuMelle sees the Show as more than just a venue to get the word out on the company's latest program. The annual gathering is also an unparalleled opportunity for exhibitors to learn from customers, clients and competitors. 

"The SEMA Show is a must-attend Show for CTEK," Bobbie DuMelle, president of CTEK said. "It is the biggest and best focus-group intel we can get, not to mention all of the networking opportunities and brand awareness." 

Borla Performance Industries aims to showcase not only its latest technologies but also its progress in the ever-changing racing and performance market it serves.  

"SEMA has evolved to become something more important for Borla than a platform to showcase our parts," said David Borla, chief marketing officer of Borla Performance Industries. "We're grateful to be a part of an industry that has such a rich history with such a bright future, and the SEMA Show is the center point of this beautiful and ongoing story. At our booth, buyers, media members and industry pros can expect to witness Borla's evolving role in this adventure series we call 'the aftermarket.'" 

That evolving role includes following a shift in the market, which Borla sees as a bigger distinction between the racing and performance segments. The change, he says, provide an opportunity to innovate.  

"Racing products can unapologetically be a lot more aggressive now, and enthusiasts are realizing there are no rules when it comes to cars not built to be driven on public roads. As a result, racing has now become an emerging market with a potential for huge growth," Borla said. "On the street performance side, 1,000-plus-hp cars are everywhere, and that dynamic has shifted the market to become less about power and more about aspects of car culture as a whole. Going fast in a straight line isn't as important to the performance enthusiast as it once was. You have to bring more than just power if you want to build something meaningful in street performance." 

On the racing side, Borla sees purpose-built race versions of production vehicles as one of the more important and exciting innovations as of late.

Indeed, the SEMA Show is a must-attend event for anyone interested in racing and performance, but there's much more to SEMA than just this product category. Keep an eye on SEMA News for previews of Central Hall's Hot Rod Alley and Restoration Marketplace, plus the other Halls that will be teeming with the latest products, services, innovations and collaborations.

Success in the automotive aftermarket starts with the SEMA Show. Reserve your booth here. For more information on exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit semashow.com/exhibitor. 

On Monday, April 29, attendee and media registration opens, and the SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual and additional exhibitor resources will go live online. 

SEMA Show organizers will conduct the booth plotting process from April 29 through May 15, after which the first iteration of the 2024 SEMA Show floorplan will be released.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show.