By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has issued a call for speakers for the 2026 SEMA Show, taking place in Las Vegas, November 3-6, 2026. Organizers are seeking experts who can facilitate new ideas, technologies and expertise at sessions that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level.

Innovative thought leaders and dynamic presenters who can share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket are invited to apply at semashow.com/speakers.

The educational sessions are one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals gather to learn new business strategies and best practices. The SEMA Show education program provides relevant, engaging and inspiring information on the industry's complex issues and topics.

Topics of focus for 2026 include:

• Aftermarket updates and future trends
• Emerging and executive leadership
• Legislative and regulatory
• Sales and marketing
• Small-business strategy
• Talent management
• Vehicle technology
• Industry segment-specific topics

Speaker proposals for the 2026 SEMA Show must be submitted by February 13, 2026, at semashow.com/speakers.

For more details, contact SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration opens in Spring 2026; to sign up for notifications, visit here. For more information, visit semashow.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The 2026 SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Women's Leadership Forum, happening March 3-5, in San Diego, California, is slated to be one of the most impactful events for females in the automotive aftermarket. 

Centered around the theme, "From Insight to Impact," the Forum will feature all-new education courses, workshops, breakouts and networking opportunities designed to strengthen skills in high-performance leadership. Built for women in the industry by women in the industry, the Forum will deliver the skills to influence teams, improve workplace dynamics and strengthen leadership presence in the traditionally male-dominated aftermarket industry.  

Educational Opportunities  

The education program kicks off on Wednesday, March 4, with an inspiring keynote on how resilience and collaboration fuel authentic leadership, empowering women to rise together and drive meaningful change in the industry. Education courses to follow will help attendees define influence in the modern era and lead boldly, while workshops will delve into emotional intelligence, vulnerability, accelerating with AI and trusting the unknown.  

The momentum continues Thursday, March 5, with keynotes on leading with authenticity and purpose and boundary setting as an essential leadership skill. Supporting the day's program are fireside chats on what it takes to lead at the highest level, and workshops centered on effective communication, the power of empathy, turning discomfort into dialogue and the power of active listening.   

Expert Speakers 

Speakers and panelists include accomplished automotive aftermarket leaders, business owners and C-suite executives who will share their best-kept leadership insights. Drawing from diverse backgrounds and years of experience, they will share actionable strategies designed to help attendees elevate their organizational value.  

Speakers and panelists include Katherine Abraham, director of marketing at Ironman 4x4; Jaclyn Bradham, chief revenue officer at Oracle Lighting; Lisa Bartley, leadership expert, consultant and executive coach; Tara Demuth, manager at R&S Truck Caps & Auto Accessories; Tiffanie Hartenstein, CEO and co-founder of Oracle Lighting Technologies; Cora Jokinen, president of Torq-Master Industries; Kristy Lake, vice president of human resources at SEMA; Emily Miller, founder of Rebelle Rally; Kannan Parekh, chief architect at Allion Technologies; Kathryn Reinhardt, president at Kreative Marketing; Dr. Kelleigh Shankel, founder of Limelight Technologies; Melanie White, CEO of Hellwig Products; and Denise Ypina, master trainer at Dale Carnegie. 

Community Building  

A speed networking event, along with breakfasts and lunches, are scheduled throughout the week to help attendees strengthen their industry connections. In an industry that is fueled by passion and community, these experiences will provide opportunities to exchange insights, seek advice and build meaningful relationships with supportive, like-minded women.   

Laurel Brown, who attended the 2025 Forum, said "As I work with mostly men, I appreciate the opportunity to network with other women in the same position I am and be able to learn from their successes as well."  

____________________________________________________________________________ 

Early registration for the SBN Women's Leadership Forum is just $799 for SBN members through February 1. After that, pricing increases to $899 up until the day of the conference. Explore the full program and register now at www.sema.org/sbn-wlf. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In January, SEMA mapped its advocacy agenda for 2025, and our advocates showed up in force as we elevated to heights previously unseen by the automotive aftermarket.

Here's your 2026 SEMA/PRI advocacy wrap-up:

• More than 125,000 letters to Congress
• More than 3,000,000 voters reached
• Two pro-race track victories (North Carolina and Iowa)
• Two anti-race track bills defeated (Arkansas and Oregon)
• 330,000 jobs protected from electric vehicle (EV) mandates
• Biggest-ever increase of SEMA & PRI PAC Red Line Keyholder donors

Preserving Vehicle Choice

SEMA was at the White House when President Trump signed into law a Congressional Review Act resolution that revoked California's a 2024 waiver that allowed the state to ban the sale of new internal-combustion-engine vehicles, not only in California but in 12 other states. SEMA's successful campaign even won international accolades, with the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) presenting SEMA with its first President's Award for Excellence in Communication for our unyielding efforts to mobilize the automotive community against EV mandates.

Ensuring Your Right to Modify

In a watershed moment for American car culture, SEMA secured the introduction of the "ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act" (HR 6688) in the U.S. House of Representatives, marking the first time that Congress has introduced legislation to protect vehicle owners' right to modify. If passed, this bipartisan bill would ensure that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) after vehicles are modified, which is critical to being able to safely modify new vehicles, including common modifications like installing bike racks; wrapping a vehicle; installing larger wheels and tires; or installing a winch, bull bar or an aftermarket bumper.

Protecting the Right to Race

SEMA and PRI took the checkered flag in a handful of efforts to protect race tracks nationwide. SEMA halted legislation in Oregon and Arkansas that would have shut down important local tracks, and in North Carolina and Iowa, helped establish new protections that will enable race tracks to stay open and fight back against nuisance complaints. SEMA and PRI also laid the groundwork for forthcoming action to secure a more sustainable economic landscape for race tracks across the nation via the bipartisan Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act (HR 2231/S 2462).

Maintaining Access to Public Lands

SEMA kicked off 2025 with a win for the off-road community, as President Biden signed into law the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act), which improves the permitting process for motorized recreation events on federal lands. And the California Supreme Court ruled to uphold a SEMA-supported effort to preserve motorized access to Oceano Dunes, the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach for off-roading, camping and exploring. 

Telling Your Story About Tariffs

SEMA has used its platform to share with the Trump Administration and lawmakers how tariffs are impacting your business. SEMA met with the Department of Commerce to discuss survey data collected from our member businesses on tariff impacts and continues to communicate how the automotive aftermarket is impacted by these policies.

Helping Small Businesses Thrive

SEMA helped secure passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which provides tax certainty to American small businesses and will help the aftermarket thrive. The law includes several key provisions that benefit SEMA member companies, including reduced tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses, the 199a deduction made permanent, Section 179 expensing cap increased, full expensing for research and development and capital investments, expanded business interest deductions and 100% immediate deductibility of certain investments in new factories and improvements.

Defense of Classic Vehicles and Collector Rights

SEMA made significant gains in the fight to modernize California's smog-check laws to help collectors of classic vehicles. This effort, dubbed Leno's Law, earned bipartisan support and represents the most significant progress we've made in California on this sort of bill in decades.

Protection of Small Businesses from Regulatory Overreach

SEMA backed a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to overturn the 2009 "endangerment" finding on greenhouse gases and repeal the greenhouse gas standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles. Our improved relationship with the EPA was never more evident than when EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin visited with SEMA leaders at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Want to learn more? Keep an eye out for the forthcoming 2026 Advocacy Agenda, visit sema.org/advocacy for the latest news and resources, and give a follow to SEMA Action on Instagram to be a part of our growing community of advocates.

Image courtesy of Tupungato, Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In January, SEMA mapped its advocacy agenda for 2025, and our advocates showed up in force as we elevated to heights previously unseen by the automotive aftermarket.

Here's your 2026 SEMA/PRI advocacy wrap-up:

• More than 125,000 letters to Congress
• More than 3,000,000 voters reached
• Two pro-race track victories (North Carolina and Iowa)
• Two anti-race track bills defeated (Arkansas and Oregon)
• 330,000 jobs protected from electric vehicle (EV) mandates
• Biggest-ever increase of SEMA & PRI PAC Red Line Keyholder donors

Preserving Vehicle Choice

SEMA was at the White House when President Trump signed into law a Congressional Review Act resolution that revoked California's a 2024 waiver that allowed the state to ban the sale of new internal-combustion-engine vehicles, not only in California but in 12 other states. SEMA's successful campaign even won international accolades, with the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) presenting SEMA with its first President's Award for Excellence in Communication for our unyielding efforts to mobilize the automotive community against EV mandates.

Ensuring Your Right to Modify

In a watershed moment for American car culture, SEMA secured the introduction of the "ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act" (HR 6688) in the U.S. House of Representatives, marking the first time that Congress has introduced legislation to protect vehicle owners' right to modify. If passed, this bipartisan bill would ensure that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) after vehicles are modified, which is critical to being able to safely modify new vehicles, including common modifications like installing bike racks; wrapping a vehicle; installing larger wheels and tires; or installing a winch, bull bar or an aftermarket bumper.

Protecting the Right to Race

SEMA and PRI took the checkered flag in a handful of efforts to protect race tracks nationwide. SEMA halted legislation in Oregon and Arkansas that would have shut down important local tracks, and in North Carolina and Iowa, helped establish new protections that will enable race tracks to stay open and fight back against nuisance complaints. SEMA and PRI also laid the groundwork for forthcoming action to secure a more sustainable economic landscape for race tracks across the nation via the bipartisan Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act (HR 2231/S 2462).

Maintaining Access to Public Lands

SEMA kicked off 2025 with a win for the off-road community, as President Biden signed into law the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act), which improves the permitting process for motorized recreation events on federal lands. And the California Supreme Court ruled to uphold a SEMA-supported effort to preserve motorized access to Oceano Dunes, the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach for off-roading, camping and exploring. 

Telling Your Story About Tariffs

SEMA has used its platform to share with the Trump Administration and lawmakers how tariffs are impacting your business. SEMA met with the Department of Commerce to discuss survey data collected from our member businesses on tariff impacts and continues to communicate how the automotive aftermarket is impacted by these policies.

Helping Small Businesses Thrive

SEMA helped secure passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which provides tax certainty to American small businesses and will help the aftermarket thrive. The law includes several key provisions that benefit SEMA member companies, including reduced tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses, the 199a deduction made permanent, Section 179 expensing cap increased, full expensing for research and development and capital investments, expanded business interest deductions and 100% immediate deductibility of certain investments in new factories and improvements.

Defense of Classic Vehicles and Collector Rights

SEMA made significant gains in the fight to modernize California's smog-check laws to help collectors of classic vehicles. This effort, dubbed Leno's Law, earned bipartisan support and represents the most significant progress we've made in California on this sort of bill in decades.

Protection of Small Businesses from Regulatory Overreach

SEMA backed a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to overturn the 2009 "endangerment" finding on greenhouse gases and repeal the greenhouse gas standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles. Our improved relationship with the EPA was never more evident than when EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin visited with SEMA leaders at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Want to learn more? Keep an eye out for the forthcoming 2026 Advocacy Agenda, visit sema.org/advocacy for the latest news and resources, and give a follow to SEMA Action on Instagram to be a part of our growing community of advocates.

Image courtesy of Tupungato, Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In January, SEMA mapped its advocacy agenda for 2025, and our advocates showed up in force as we elevated to heights previously unseen by the automotive aftermarket.

Here's your 2026 SEMA/PRI advocacy wrap-up:

• More than 125,000 letters to Congress
• More than 3,000,000 voters reached
• Two pro-race track victories (North Carolina and Iowa)
• Two anti-race track bills defeated (Arkansas and Oregon)
• 330,000 jobs protected from electric vehicle (EV) mandates
• Biggest-ever increase of SEMA & PRI PAC Red Line Keyholder donors

Preserving Vehicle Choice

SEMA was at the White House when President Trump signed into law a Congressional Review Act resolution that revoked California's a 2024 waiver that allowed the state to ban the sale of new internal-combustion-engine vehicles, not only in California but in 12 other states. SEMA's successful campaign even won international accolades, with the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) presenting SEMA with its first President's Award for Excellence in Communication for our unyielding efforts to mobilize the automotive community against EV mandates.

Ensuring Your Right to Modify

In a watershed moment for American car culture, SEMA secured the introduction of the "ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act" (HR 6688) in the U.S. House of Representatives, marking the first time that Congress has introduced legislation to protect vehicle owners' right to modify. If passed, this bipartisan bill would ensure that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) after vehicles are modified, which is critical to being able to safely modify new vehicles, including common modifications like installing bike racks; wrapping a vehicle; installing larger wheels and tires; or installing a winch, bull bar or an aftermarket bumper.

Protecting the Right to Race

SEMA and PRI took the checkered flag in a handful of efforts to protect race tracks nationwide. SEMA halted legislation in Oregon and Arkansas that would have shut down important local tracks, and in North Carolina and Iowa, helped establish new protections that will enable race tracks to stay open and fight back against nuisance complaints. SEMA and PRI also laid the groundwork for forthcoming action to secure a more sustainable economic landscape for race tracks across the nation via the bipartisan Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act (HR 2231/S 2462).

Maintaining Access to Public Lands

SEMA kicked off 2025 with a win for the off-road community, as President Biden signed into law the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act), which improves the permitting process for motorized recreation events on federal lands. And the California Supreme Court ruled to uphold a SEMA-supported effort to preserve motorized access to Oceano Dunes, the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach for off-roading, camping and exploring. 

Telling Your Story About Tariffs

SEMA has used its platform to share with the Trump Administration and lawmakers how tariffs are impacting your business. SEMA met with the Department of Commerce to discuss survey data collected from our member businesses on tariff impacts and continues to communicate how the automotive aftermarket is impacted by these policies.

Helping Small Businesses Thrive

SEMA helped secure passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which provides tax certainty to American small businesses and will help the aftermarket thrive. The law includes several key provisions that benefit SEMA member companies, including reduced tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses, the 199a deduction made permanent, Section 179 expensing cap increased, full expensing for research and development and capital investments, expanded business interest deductions and 100% immediate deductibility of certain investments in new factories and improvements.

Defense of Classic Vehicles and Collector Rights

SEMA made significant gains in the fight to modernize California's smog-check laws to help collectors of classic vehicles. This effort, dubbed Leno's Law, earned bipartisan support and represents the most significant progress we've made in California on this sort of bill in decades.

Protection of Small Businesses from Regulatory Overreach

SEMA backed a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to overturn the 2009 "endangerment" finding on greenhouse gases and repeal the greenhouse gas standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles. Our improved relationship with the EPA was never more evident than when EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin visited with SEMA leaders at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Want to learn more? Keep an eye out for the forthcoming 2026 Advocacy Agenda, visit sema.org/advocacy for the latest news and resources, and give a follow to SEMA Action on Instagram to be a part of our growing community of advocates.

Image courtesy of Tupungato, Shutterstock

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA is mourning the passing of Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a former senator and United States representative from Colorado, as well as a SEMA Hall of Fame member. He was 92.

Campbell represented the state of Colorado in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 1993 and in the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 2005. During those terms, he not only raised the automotive specialty-equipment industry’s visibility and worked to protect its businesses and employees but also helped found the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, serving as its first chairman.

Campbell's work on issues of vital importance to the automotive world and the specialty-equipment industry earned Campbell a place in the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2008.

In one of his most visible efforts, Campbell authored an amendment to eliminate funding for scrappage programs from the Energy Policy Act of 2002 that was passed by unanimous consent, preventing severe impact to the collector-car industry. Campbell often advised SEMA on critical issues and helped create more effective strategies and arguments that supported the association’s issues.

For more on Campbell's work supporting SEMA and the specialty-equipment industry, click here.

By SEMA News Editors

EarthCruiser Building Dealer Network Around Small Manufacturers

EarthCruiser, the Bend, Oregon-based producer of overland campers and rigs, is expanding its dealer network by partnering with small manufacturers and specialized overland installers.

"Rather than pursuing scale through large, generalized retail chains, EarthCruiser has chosen to work with experienced builders and installers who live and breathe overland travel," company representatives said in a statement announcing the expansion. "These small businesses are where deep technical knowledge is developed, where craftsmanship still matters and where products are built, installed, tested, broken, repaired and improved through real-world use."

Founder Lance Gillies cited the manufacturing knowledge learned on the show floor as reasoning for the strategy.

"Practical 'how-it-is-made' manufacturing knowledge isn't learned in a showroom," said Gillies. "It's learned on the shop floor, on the trail and through years of experience building and installing, using what one has made."

EarthCruiser's dealer partners often work closely with schools and technical programs, giving students and young tradespeople hands-on exposure to design, fabrication, electrical systems, composites and mechanical problem-solving. These environments pass on lifelong skills that cannot be replaced by mass production.

"Our dealer network is intentional," added Gillies. "By supporting small manufacturers and expert installers, we're supporting the people who keep knowledge alive, build better products and ensure our customers are properly equipped for serious remote travel."

For more information, visit earthcruiser.com.

Hot Rods and Heroes Announces Return to Huntington Beach, Title Sponsor

The 42 Foundation and QruisinPCH have announced the return of the Hot Rods and Heroes event to Huntington Beach, California, in 2026.

Scheduled for March 28-29 in Huntington Beach, the event will again benefit the organizations dedicated to strengthening support for law enforcement officers and first responders, and their families.

In addition to the oceanfront car show, Hot Rods and Heroes will also include live music, food vendors and a wide range of activities benefiting the 42 Foundation.

Encore Gas & Supply is a privately owned industrial supply distributor based in Long Beach with additional showrooms in Ontario and Valencia. The company provides mission-critical gases, welding and industrial equipment, safety gear and automation tools to industries across Southern California. The company will serve as the title sponsor of Hot Rods and Heroes in 2026.

The Hot Rods and Heroes weekend begins with the official Pre-Party on Saturday, March 28, followed by a car show on Sunday, March 29, on the Huntington Beach coastline featuring hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars and customs. In addition, displays and vehicles representing law enforcement, first responders and military branches will be prominently showcased during the event.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA is mourning the passing of Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-California, a lifelong automotive enthusiast and champion of the aftermarket industry and the millions of Americans who love to modify and customize their vehicles. As co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, Rep. LaMalfa fought on behalf of those who rely on their cars as a means for personal liberty, prosperity and economic freedom. 

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, Rep. Doug LaMalfa," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "His boundless enthusiasm for American car culture was matched only by his deep desire to ensure the prosperity of the people whose work fuels the automotive aftermarket. We will miss hearing about his latest missions to procure hard-to-source parts for one of his restoration projects, and future SEMA Shows won't be the same without him walking the floors and talking with excitement about the builds he witnessed." 

Rep. LaMalfa was always there to help address the challenges facing the American car community and was a leading voice in Congress to preserve vehicle choice in the U.S., as well as Americans' right to modify their vehicles and access public lands for motorized recreational use. He will forever be remembered by SEMA and its members for his public service, passion for his cars and devotion to his constituents. 

For more information, visit sema.org. 

Images courtesy of Doug LaMalfa/Facebook

By Ashley Reyes 

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Dharma Sheelan Thiruman Krishnan, graduate research assistant at Kettering University, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

Get to know Thiruman Krishnan in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Dharma Sheelan Thiruman Krishnan: Work like hell. This advice fuels my perseverance and drive. Whether it's building an electrified prototype or solving a last-minute testing issue, this mindset pushes me to go beyond the expected and deliver real results. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

Krishnan: The thrill of turning bold ideas into real machines that move the world keeps my fire alive every day. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

Krishnan: Tuning my mind and body--either at the gym, under the hood or sketching the next big idea. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

Krishnan: I map out key objectives, review background data, anticipate challenges and prepare solutions. I also rehearse my points to stay concise and clear. 

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be? 

Krishnan: Elon Musk. His audacity to challenge conventions and engineer the impossible inspires me to dream bigger and execute bolder every single day. 

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

Manufacturers and content creators attending the 2026 SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference are invited to an upcoming virtual event focused on maximizing reach, authenticity and ROI through stronger collaboration.  

Happening Thursday, January 15, at 10:00 a.m., "MPMC Lunch and Learn: Aligning Creators and Manufacturers" will explore the latest trends, expectations and strategies for building long-term value. The session features speakers Lisa Cabalqunito, director of creative services at DriveShop, and Derek Drake, DriveShop CEO, who will offer practical guidance on how brands and creators can collaborate more effectively.

Key takeaways include:  

• Authenticity vs. Control: How to balance brand messaging with creator freedom to keep content engaging and trustworthy.
• Contracts and Compensation Trends: What's shifting in rates, crediting and non-exclusive usage agreements across motorsports media.
• Metrics That Matter: Beyond likes and follows, which KPIs brands should track to evaluate campaign success with creators.

Tailored to manufacturer marketing teams, PR professionals, brand representatives and independent content creators, this session will equip attendees with the knowledge to build stronger, more productive industry relationships.

Register here.

Media Registration is now open for the 2026 MPMC Media Trade Conference, taking place January 27-29, 2026, in Anaheim, California. For more information or to sign up, click here.