By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Know where the candidates stand and what's at stake by watching SEMA's series of election guide videos, in which the organization's Washington, D.C.-based experts break down the race for president, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Watch our four-video series here:

And if you're headed to the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, plan to vote before you depart. Learn more at sema.org/vote.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Know where the candidates stand and what's at stake by watching SEMA's series of election guide videos, in which the organization's Washington, D.C.-based experts break down the race for president, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Watch our four-video series here:

And if you're headed to the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, plan to vote before you depart. Learn more at sema.org/vote.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA has launched Drive The Vote, a campaign to mobilize voters among its 7,000 member companies and the millions of American automotive enthusiasts, with resources to enable their participation in the 2024 general election. 

SEMA is providing vetted links to important voter information, questions to ask candidates during campaign events and social-media assets and sample messages to encourage their employees, customers and community members to register to vote. Industry members planning to attend the 2024 SEMA Show, which begins on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, are encouraged to vote early using the resources provided through Drive The Vote.

"Voting is an essential activity for our nation and for ensuring the automotive aftermarket industry has a say in the business undertaken by our lawmakers at the state and federal levels," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "SEMA's Drive The Vote campaign empowers our members and those around them with the information they need to vote in their community for the candidates who best speak for their values. And, because the 2024 SEMA Show starts on Election Day, we're encouraging those traveling to Las Vegas to review these resources, so they know how to vote early."

For more information, visit sema.org/vote.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA has launched Drive The Vote, a campaign to mobilize voters among its 7,000 member companies and the millions of American automotive enthusiasts, with resources to enable their participation in the 2024 general election. 

SEMA is providing vetted links to important voter information, questions to ask candidates during campaign events and social-media assets and sample messages to encourage their employees, customers and community members to register to vote. Industry members planning to attend the 2024 SEMA Show, which begins on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, are encouraged to vote early using the resources provided through Drive The Vote.

"Voting is an essential activity for our nation and for ensuring the automotive aftermarket industry has a say in the business undertaken by our lawmakers at the state and federal levels," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "SEMA's Drive The Vote campaign empowers our members and those around them with the information they need to vote in their community for the candidates who best speak for their values. And, because the 2024 SEMA Show starts on Election Day, we're encouraging those traveling to Las Vegas to review these resources, so they know how to vote early."

For more information, visit sema.org/vote.

By SEMA News Editors

As part of its long-term partnership with the SEMA Show, Mothers Polish has announced the return of its vehicle wipe-down program at the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas Convention Center. Booth vehicles, sponsored vehicles and featured vehicles are all eligible and will be cleaned each morning by the Mothers Polish detailing team using some of their finest car care offerings.

If you (or your organization) have a vehicle that will be displayed at the 2024 SEMA Show, and you'd like to be included in the complimentary Mothers Polish wipe-down service, apply online here. Entries will be limited to 200 vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis.

All participants in the program will receive a Mothers Polish decal. It must be displayed in a highly visible area on the car for the duration of the Show.

The program is in addition to Mothers' support of the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish (BOTB).

Now in its 11th year, the Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish is the industry's leading vehicle competition, providing an international platform for SEMA Show builders to showcase their ingenuity. 

With support from Mothers Polish, the 2024 SEMA BOTB will recognize class champions as the best in four categories:

• Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck
• 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road
• Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic
• Young Guns

One finalist in one of these four categories will be crowned the overall BOTB champion during this year's SEMA Show.

The SEMA Show, taking place November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry. It is the place to discover new products and trends, make new business connections, strengthen existing ones, and help professionals take their careers and their businesses from good to great.

For more information on the Mothers Polish wipe-down program, click here. For details regarding the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish competition, visit semabotb.com.  To learn more or to register to attend the 2024 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Business members attending the 2024 SEMA Show can enhance their experience and enjoy a range of exclusive perks by visiting the SEMA Business Member Lounge centrally located between the North and Central Halls.  

The member lounge, situated in the North Hall (Room N251), is designed to provide SEMA business members with a go-to stop for convenience and connection during the bustling SEMA Show. 

Here's why the lounge is a must-visit for member attendees: 

1. Networking Hub: SEMA business members can host important meetings with industry leaders and business partners in the comfort of this exclusive lounge. It's the ideal setting for meaningful connections and discussions. 
2. Tech and Connectivity: Need to stay connected? The lounge offers internet and printer services, ensuring that you're always equipped with the tools to stay productive during the event. 
3. Charging Stations: Don't let your devices run out of juice while capturing all of the jaw-dropping automotive moments at the show. Charging stations are available to keep your gadgets powered up. 
4. Complimentary Coffee: Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee to recharge yourself while exploring the SEMA Show. 
5. On-Site Grab 'N' Go: Say goodbye to hunger pit-stops. The lounges offer delicious food options for purchase, allowing you to refuel before hitting the Show floor again. 

The member lounge is the perfect place to unwind, connect with industry peers and make the most of your SEMA Show experience.

If you're interested in securing a meeting room within the lounge, visit this link.

For questions about SEMA membership, contact the SEMA membership team at 909-610-2030 or at members@sema.org. 

Note: Non-exhibiting manufacturers and members otherwise eligible to exhibit are not permitted to use the meeting rooms.

By SEMA News Editors

The 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8 in Las Vegas, is less than two weeks away! Showgoers can unlock the full potential of their upcoming SEMA experience by creating a My Show Planner account. (Looking for the SEMA Show app? More details on this below). The My Show Planner is a personalized tool that maximizes engagement and ensures a seamless event experience, November 5-8 in Las Vegas.

With a My Show Planner account, SEMA Showgoers can:

• Make a list of "must-connect" exhibitors and communicate with company contacts.
• Explore scheduled events and participate in select online education sessions. Save sessions and appointments to your calendar.
• Explore resources like exhibitor press releases, brochures, product details and videos.
• Plan your route around the Las Vegas Convention Center with the interactive floorplan, including exhibitor booth locations.

How to create a My Show Planner account for the SEMA Show:

Watch the video or follow the steps below!

• On the My Show Planner homepage, click "Create Your My Show Account." Refer to your SEMA Show registration email for a direct link to set up your planner or visit semashow.com to get started.
• Add your badge number, if available, and complete the necessary fields to enhance your profile with additional details to better connect with exhibitors who align with your interests.
• If you'd like to maximize your Show efforts, be sure to opt to share your information with the exhibitors by selecting "Yes" from the dropdown menu.
• Click "Create Your Free Account" to complete your My Show Planner setup.
• Once your account is created and you're signed in, you may access your SEMA Show planner anytime by clicking the "My Show Planner" link in the top navigation menu.

How to plan your SEMA Show:

While exploring the online floorplan, it's easy to add exhibitors, events, activations, products, collateral like press releases, contact information and recommendations to your list. Simply find the plus sign to add items to your Show planner!

• Exhibitors: Keep all your exhibitor interactions in one place by saving the ones you want to connect with. During the event, you can use My Show Planner to mark exhibitors you've already spoken to, add photos and take notes to prepare you for a successful year ahead. Browse SEMA Show exhibitors here.
• My Events: Similarly, the "My Events" tab keeps Showgoers organized by saving scheduled events like networking sessions, training, guest speakers, and more to your "My Events" calendar for easy tracking. Browse SEMA Show events here.
• Products: Explore the latest product features on an exhibitor's online listing. Add them to your planner for quick access, and conveniently find them categorized in your "Products" section. Browse SEMA Show products here.
• Collateral: Save press releases, white papers, brochures, case studies and related uploads from exhibitors to keep track of relevant announcements. Documents can also be downloaded and saved to your device. View SEMA Show collateral here.
• Online Contacts: Access and save exhibitor contact details, and easily reach out to contacts via email directly through your My Show Planner account. Save time and effort—no need for business cards here!

As you navigate the SEMA Show directory, be on the lookout for a notification in the top right corner of your screen. Clicking on it will lead you to Map Your Show recommendations, which are generated based on your activity. This AI-powered tool suggests opportunities aligned with your interests, helping you make the most of your SEMA Show.

The SEMA Show App

My Show Planner for the SEMA Show coexists with the SEMA Show app, meaning your SEMA Show plan is accessible across all platforms—desktop and mobile. To download the SEMA Show app, which includes all the features from My Show Planner plus turn-by-turn, real-time directions while on the SEMA Show campus, visit semashow.com/app.

By SEMA News Editors

In addition to the thousands of brand booths teeming with new innovations and trends on the Show floor, the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8 in Las Vegas, will once again feature a comprehensive education program designed to upskill and elevate the industry's workforce. (View the program online here).

Bear Grylls to Be Joined By Rutledge Wood on SEMA Main Stage

Thursday, November 7, 2:00 p.m. PST
SEMA Show Main Stage, West Hall
+ Add to Show Planner

Bear Grylls, host of "Man vs. Wild," "Running Wild With Bear Grylls," and "You vs. Wild," will host a keynote named "The Power of Resilience—Never Give Up, Featuring Bear Grylls" as part of SEMA Show's professional development experience. And now, SEMA has confirmed Grylls will be joined by Rutledge Wood, auto racing analyst and TV host, to reflect on Grylls' experiences and lessons learned.

"I'm looking forward to guiding the audience through a journey to understand how to overcome hurdles and adversity and to learn from failures," said Grylls. "I hope my stories of resilience will inspire, uplift and empower SEMA Show attendees to face their own challenges."

Connecting Women, Empowering Futures With This Full-Day Program

Wednesday, November 6, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. PST
West Hall, Room W326
+ Add to Show Planner

Tailored exclusively for women in the industry is the SEMA Women's Leadership Symposium: Connecting Women, Empowering Futures, Powered by SBN, a dynamic gathering uniting trailblazing women from all corners of the automotive industry. This empowering event serves as a platform for women leaders to convene, collaborate and catalyze change in their respective fields and communities. Participants will engage in thought-provoking keynotes, interactive skill-building workshops, fireside chats, the "Circle of Women" networking luncheon and the popular C-suite Insights panel discussion covering a wide range of topics in leadership development. This year, there will be a celebration of the exceptional achievements and contributions of women in the automotive sector, with the first annual "Shining the Spotlight on Women." This prestigious event recognizes the trailblazing women who have made significant strides in various facets of the automotive industry, from engineering and design to leadership and innovation. Whether you're a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, an entrepreneur, or a changemaker, the SEMA Women's Leadership Symposium provides invaluable resources and support to help you thrive professionally and personally with actionable learning that you will leverage all year long.

There is a $199 fee to attend this event.

Discover Management Essentials for Leaders, Presented by Dale Carnegie

Tuesday, November 5
9:00 a.m. PT - 3:00 p.m. PT
+ Add to SEMA Show Planner

Wednesday, November 6
9:00 a.m. PT - 3:00 p.m. PT
+ Add to SEMA Show Planner

Bright minds from Dale Carnegie tailor-made a program exclusively for SEMA Show attendees with one six-hour class encompassing three sessions. The skill-building class blends three interactive workshops with a range of presentations from multiple industry decision-makers to hone a professional's abilities to lead with assurance, empower their teams and achieve tangible results.  

Participants will also develop the confidence, communication prowess and strategic mindset necessary to excel in leadership roles within the automotive sector. Whether aiming to lead a dealership, manage a manufacturing plant, or spearhead marketing initiatives, this program is designed to equip individuals with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of automotive leadership.

There is a $225 fee to attend this event.

Several Dedicated Collision-Repair Education Sessions Await SEMA Showgoers

Industry professionals have the opportunity to participate in and learn from a collision-repaired-focused education series—plus events specifically created for the collision-repair industry—thanks to dedicated programs by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS).

Repairer-Driven Education at the SEMA Show: SCRS Set to Present an Exciting Mix of Seminars

+View SCRS sessions on Show planner

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will once again wow attendees with a total of 20 seminars, including the highly anticipated OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit. Scheduled for Thursday, November 7, the OEM Summit will consist of three distinct sessions featuring companies and individuals with rich histories of producing sophisticated advancements in the automotive and collision-repair fields.

The event will highlight architectural and technological developments in modern vehicles, with a focus on emerging trends that influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

Session I: The Value of OEM Repair Information
+Add to Show planner

Session II: How Telematics Technologies Are Evolving the Customer Experience
+Add to Show planner

Session III: Laser Welding in Automotive and Aerospace Manufacturing, and Developing Technologies for Repair Solutions
+Add to Show planner

I-CAR Gears Up for SEMA 2024: A Commitment to Collision Repair Excellence

+View I-CAR sessions on Show planner.

At the 2024 SEMA Show, I-CAR will present a series of specialized courses designed to advance professional skills and knowledge. These in-person learning opportunities include: 

• "MIG Welding Technology & Applications": This course explores advanced MIG welding techniques and applications, covering the latest advancements in welding technology and their effective use in collision repair. 
• "Electric Vehicle (EV) Overview & Considerations": Participants will gain a thorough understanding of EV technology, including unique repair considerations and best practices for handling these increasingly common vehicles. 
• "Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Overview & Considerations": This session provides an in-depth look at ADAS technology, focusing on repair and calibration techniques necessary for accurate and safe vehicle repairs. 

Learn Dealer 'Secrets' and More During Tire Education by TIA

+View TIA sessions on Show planner.

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) will present several sessions at this year's SEMA Show, including topics covering automotive tire service training, truck tire inflation safety, tire dealer "secrets," tire pressure monitoring systems (TMPS), retail tire risk management and more.

Empower Your Brand With Small Business Strategy Sessions

+View Small Business Strategy sessions on Show planner.

Small-business owners and professionals will find value in the 16 sessions geared toward small-business strategy and covering topics, including networking tips, strategies to grow your business, expanding diversity, attracting talent, economy updates and more.

To view the full 2024 SEMA Show Education Program, which includes 80 seminars across seven learning tracks, visit semashow.com/education. Still need a 2024 SEMA Show badge? Attendee, buyer and media registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is open at semashow.com/register.

By SEMA News Editors

The 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8 in Las Vegas, stands as the premier event in the automotive industry with unparalleled access to cutting-edge products, innovations and networking opportunities. But beyond the SEMA Show floor, SEMA Week provides countless opportunities to engage with industry leaders and professionals through official events and exciting after-hours gatherings. Explore the complete list of SEMA Week events and after-parties below to make the most of your SEMA experience this year!

Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring The Goo Goo Dolls

Tuesday, November 5, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. PST

• SEMA Show campus outside of the Lower South Hall
• General admission tickets start at $49! (before fees)
• Purchase Industry Night @ SEMA tickets here.

Jumpstart your 2024 SEMA Week at the Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring The Goo Goo Dolls, an exclusive celebration of car culture, community and collaboration featuring tire-smoking drift demos from OPTIMA and live performances of chart-topping music from The Goo Goo Dolls, as well as O.A.R. and Reignwolf.

Tickets are still available starting at just $49, and they might sell out, so don't wait!

The Tuesday night event will provide Showgoers with yet another opportunity to come together, celebrate the aftermarket and forge relationships that will drive the industry forward, all following a successful first day of the 2024 SEMA Show.

Check out VIP ticket options for premium viewing areas, VIP bars and washrooms, separate entrances and complimentary charging stations.

SEMA Industry Awards Banquet

Thursday, November 7, 6:00 p.m. Reception, 7:00 p.m. Banquet

• Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino - Paradise Event Center (View on Google Maps)
• Tickets or host tables are required.
• Purchase SEMA Industry Awards Banquet tickets here.

Fasten your seatbelts. The aftermarket's night of the year returns on Thursday, November 7, for the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet. Join the celebration that's complete with great friends, food, entertainment and maybe even a few surprises. The extravaganza also reveals the winner of several prestigious awards, including Content Creator of the Year, the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award and the SEMA Person of the Year. You won't want to miss this one!

Tickets for the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet are $99 each. Purchase tickets here. Host tables are also available for $2,000, providing VIP seating and a 30-second commercial spot played during the program. Contact Courtney Wright at courtneyw@sema.org to learn more and get involved.

T-Pain at Zouk Nightclub (Offical SEMA Afterparty)

Thursday, November 7, 10:30 p.m. PST - 4:00 a.m. PST

• Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas (View on Google Maps)
• Tickets required. Purchase here.

End your Thursday with T-Pain at Zouk Nightclub. Make it a night to remember and book tickets at zouk.group/sema.

SEMA Fest

Friday, November 8 (Doors open 3:00 p.m., last concert ends 10:00 p.m. PST).

• SEMA Show campus outside of the Lower South Hall
• General admission tickets start at $69! (before fees)
• Purchase SEMA Fest tickets here.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with high-octane excitement, incredible music and everything you love about car culture on Friday, November 8, on the SEMA Show campus. Don't miss out—grab your tickets now before they sell out and be part of this incredible celebration.

Note: VIP SEMA Fest passes are almost sold out! Buy your tickets today for access to premium viewing areas, VIP bars and washrooms, separate entrances and complimentary charging stations during the event.

• Epic Performances: Live music from Cage the Elephant, SUBLIME, Fitz And The Tantrums, and Petey will keep the energy high and the crowd buzzing. 
• Thrilling Events: From the heart-pounding OPTIMA Unleashed, Nitro Circus, Shell Unbound and more outdoor activations and immersive experiences, SEMA Fest has something for everyone. 

Ludacris at Zouk Nightclub (Official SEMA Afterparty)

Friday, November 8, 10:30 p.m. PST - 4:00 a.m. PST

• Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas (View on Google Maps)
• Tickets required. Purchase here.

Zouk Nightclub with Ludacris headliner is the only place to be after the SEMA Show and SEMA Fest! Book tickets at zouk.group/sema.

DJ Snake at Zouk Nightclub (Official SEMA Afterparty)

Saturday, November 9, 10:30 p.m. PST - 4:00 a.m. PST

• Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas (View on Google Maps)
• Tickets required. Purchase here.

Close out SEMA Week on a high note and an unforgettable night with DJ Snake at Zouk Nightclub! Book tickets at zouk.group/sema.

Still need a 2024 SEMA Show badge? Attendee, buyer and media registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is open at semashow.com/register.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA has announced the finalists of its 2024 Manufacturer of the Year and Channel Partner of the Year Awards. Presented at the SEMA Show, these awards recognize leading companies for their significant contributions to the automotive special-equipment industry over a yearlong period.  

Finalists for SEMA Manufacturer of the Year, which honors a manufacturing company for its outstanding industry contributions, innovations, and business practices, are:    

• CSF Cooling – Racing & High Performance Division
• GEN-Y Hitch 
• QA1 

Finalists for SEMA Channel Partner of the Year, which recognizes a sales channel partner for its role in facilitating the flow of goods from manufacturers to end users, providing outstanding service to the sales, distribution, retail and/or eCommerce channel(s) of the industry, are:  

• Keystone Automotive  
• Meyer Distributing  
• Tri-State Enterprises

The Manufacturer of the Year and Channel Partner of the Year award recipients will be announced alongside the New Products Awards winners during the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, November 5 at 7:00 a.m. PST at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Paradise Event Center. Emceed by Jerod DeAnda and a not-to-be-missed keynote speaker, the Kickoff Breakfast will unite the global automotive community for networking, a plated breakfast, and special presentations before the Show officially opens.  

The SEMA Person of the Year, Content Creator of the Year and the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award recipients will be announced during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet on Thursday, November 7, at 6:00 p.m. PST at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Paradise Event Center. The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is the annual celebration of the specialty-equipment industry. SEMA Show attendees are invited to attend the event to experience top-flight entertainment, industry trends, and networking. 

Additionally, the winner of the SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award will be announced on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. PST in SEMA Central.

To RSVP for the Kickoff Breakfast or purchase tickets to the Industry Awards Banquet, click here.