By Ashley Reyes

Networking is not only about trading information; it’s a necessary investment that can help industry professionals build their reputation and establish long-term relationships with mutual benefits. 

SEMA members will want to attend the next Wheel Tire & Council (WTC) Coffee and Conversation networking event, where they will establish valuable business connections and discuss the state of the wheel and tire industry.

Taking place on Thursday, August 3, at 9:00 a.m. (PDT), the event will feature an open discussion about the latest trends, innovations and market dynamics happening in the wheel and tire aftermarket. Attendees will gain insight into opportunities and challenges that other businesses are experiencing, share their experiences, exchange ideas and build business relationships that can further their career or company goals.

Organizers will introduce a discussion topic to start the conversation, but attendees are encouraged to bring a talking point that impacts their business. Register now.

Questions can be directed to Nicole Bradle at nicoleb@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

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

CarTech 

Authors Wanted

CarTech, a leading automotive book publisher based in North Branch, Minnesota, is searching for additional writers to author books on a wide range of topics aimed at the automotive enthusiast. This is a freelance opportunity (work from home, on your schedule).

Derive Systems

Junior Customer Success Technician

Derive Systems--comprised of Bully Dog, SCT Performance and Derive VQ brands--seeks someone to provide solutions to customers to extract the maximum value from its products while ensuring customer loyalty and experience. This position can be based in Sanford, Florida (hybrid or fully remote) or Idaho (fully remote).

Canepa

Auto Salesperson

Scotts Valley, California-based Canepa is seeking a quality-minded, hardworking and dedicated individual who is highly professional and can work individually as well as part of a multifunctional team.

Yakima Products

Director-OEM

Yakima Products in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is looking to fill the position of director of OEM. The new hire will serve as the primary contact for Yakima's original equipment and genuine products development, planning and implementation efforts. The director of OEM will manage the cross-functional process of analyzing and evaluating new opportunities for the brand that align with the strategic short-, mid- and long-term growth goals.

For more information, including how to apply for jobs or to post job listings, visit the SEMA Career Center here.

By SEMA Editors

The 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas will provide attendees the unique opportunity to become electric-vehicle (EV) certified as part of a new SEMA Education initiative to create a more robust career- and professional-development program year-round.

On Monday, October 30, early arriving attendees and exhibitors can gain a new understanding of EV powertrains in an intimate, hands-on session capped at 20 participants during "Electric Vehicles 101 Presented by Legacy EV." Register here.

Baily Soto of Legacy EV, Tom Santilli of Legacy EV and Greg Snowden of Revolt Systems.

"This course will provide a brand-agnostic and hands-on training opportunity for automotive techs to upskill themselves with a new understanding of EV powertrains. The one-day training will focus on the fundamental functions of electric powertrains and explore key high voltage safety practices," said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA director of education. "And, most notably, trainees who complete this course will receive an EV101 certification from Legacy EV."

Greg Snowden of Revolt Systems will join curriculum specialists Baily Soto and Tom Santilli of Legacy EV for the full-day program, detailed below.

Program Schedule:

9:00 a.m.-12:10 p.m. 

"Understanding EV Anatomy and Electrical Theory"

Learning how EVs work begins with understanding what is inside them and then the fundamentals of how they are powered. The topics will be covered during the first session, giving attendees an overview of the components that make up an EV, their functions and the electrical theory that gives them modern performance. Core ideas covered will include EV components and systems, Ohm's law, Watt's law and electric circuits using models, mathematics and computational thinking.

In this session, attendees will discover and understand:

• What systems are needed to make a functional EV?
• What are the functions and essential specifications of EV components?
• How can we model the behavior of electricity in a wire with water and a hose?

12:10 p.m.-12:50 p.m.

Break 

12:50 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

"Applications With EV Specifications, EV Tooling, HV Safety"

Knowing how EV works is important, but being able to apply that knowledge is where the learning truly brings value. The second session will provide the fundamentals of high-voltage (HV) safety compliance and attendees will apply their knowledge from the morning session with safety best practices while working on real EV powertrains. Attendees will use EV tools and equipment, zero voltage verification, block diagrams and vehicle specifications.

In this session, attendees will discover and understand:

• How can we use EV components specifications to determine and improve vehicle performance?
• How do I use a digital multimeter to measure voltage, current, resistance and continuity in a HV circuit?
• How might I arrange and wire EV components to fit an ICE vehicle and chassis?
• How do I perform a certified HV disconnection procedure?
• How do I verify that my system is de-energized or zero voltage verified (ZVV)?

The cost to attend "Electric Vehicles 101 presented by Legacy EV" is $600 per attendee. Legacy EV will allow participants to apply the session cost ($600) toward a full Legacy EV Certified Technician certification course. Register here.

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register at SEMAShow.com/register for just $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.

By SEMA Editors

Kahn Media--the full-service marketing agency based in Moorpark, California--recently added three exciting new clients to its roster: leading OEM Maserati North America, off-road racing series King of the Hammers and private motorsports club Circuit Florida. The new partnerships build upon the agency's growth and leadership in the automotive and luxury lifestyle industries as it enters the second half of 2023.

"It's exciting to work with innovative and ambitious brands, even more so as these three new clients are entering an era-defining chapter in their company histories," said Dan Kahn, founder and CEO of Kahn Media. 

Kahn Media will collaborate with Maserati North America to optimize its new-vehicle debuts and activations throughout Monterey Car Week, kicking off August 11 in Monterey, California, as well as curating earned-media placements with major automotive and business news outlets.

Kahn Media joins King of the Hammers as its official agency of record ahead of its 18th annual event in Johnson Valley, California, in the winter of 2024. Kahn Media will provide event support and coordinate a series of marketing and PR initiatives to further scale and extend its presence.

Scheduled to open in December of 2023, Kahn Media is working to drive awareness and member interest for Circuit Florida, a private motorsports club currently under construction in Auburndale, Florida. This unique real-estate development has a 1.7-mile road course designed by famed track designer Bob Barnard along with 75 luxury townhome-style condominiums, complete with air-conditioned garage spaces and easy track access.

DENSO Announces Independent Aftermarket Group Promotions

Long Beach, California-based DENSO Products and Services Americas--an affiliate of global mobility supplier DENSO Corp.--has announced promotions to its management team.

• Michael Small has been promoted to the senior manager of national accounts sales & marketing. Small has been with DENSO for 11 years, most recently as manager of national accounts.
• Kelly Dickens has been promoted to the manager of national accounts. Dickens has been with DENSO for six years, most recently as the senior account manager.
• Lisa Jinn has been promoted to manager of category management. Jinn has been with DENSO for 16 years, most recently as the program manager of category management.
• Otto Jun has been promoted to manager of heavy-duty OEM/OES. Jun has been with DENSO for 22 years, most recently as the senior account manager.
• Andrew Shlatz has been promoted to manager of heavy-duty aftermarket sales. Shlatz has been with DENSO for seven years, most recently as the national sales manager.

By SEMA Editors

Sources have captured the first look at the '24 Ford F-150 Lariat completely undisguised in the black appearance package.

Pictures reveal a revised front end with new headlights, grille and front fascia. The rear features a revised bumper, taillights and tailgate (with an optional multi-use feature expected in the future).

The '24 Ford F-150 Lariat is expected to be powered by a four-engine suite. The current performance upgrade plans are unknown, if any.

'24 Nissan Kicks Unveils Revamp

Sources have caught a look at the all-new Nissan Kicks, a model that has been in the market for nearly six years (five in the United States). Based on the current platform, the upcoming model seems to have grown slightly in size. Notable changes include a completely revamped front end, A-pillar, C-pillar, greenhouse, side-mirror location and rear end (tailgate, taillights, etc.).

Sources indicate that the all-new Kicks will offer an all-wheel drive (AWD) option, a feature that is currently reserved for the larger Rogue Sport.

In addition, it is expected that the '24 Kicks will introduce the Nissan e-power system to American consumers.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence through the exclusive program, Products for Project-Vehicle Builders. Apply here.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list features SEMA Show exhibitor product offers and contact information for builders looking to collaborate.

Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2023 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2023 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2023 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 2023 SEMA Show.

Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) has announced Michael Printup will join the company as the president of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA).

Michael Printup will begin his role as president of the SVRA later this month.

Printup will oversee the day-to-day operations of one of the oldest and largest national vintage racing organizations. Printup brings nearly three decades of motorsports experience to the role and is best known for his work as president of Watkins Glen International (WGI), where he has spent the last 15 years.

"When I heard that Michael was retiring from Watkins Glen, I couldn't call him fast enough," said Tony Parella, CEO of PMH.

Printup will begin transitioning into his new role later this month.

Atco Dragway (NJ) Closes

Atco Dragway, the NHRA-sanctioned 1/4-mile dragstrip in Atco, New Jersey, has shuttered its doors. 

The following was posted to atcodragway.com:

Effective immediately, Atco Dragway is permanently closed. Thank you for your valued business and support [over] the last 63 years. Special thank you to our 29th annual Pan American Nationals racers and crowd for making Atco Dragway's last event the biggest and best one ever. This isn't the end for import racing in the Northeast! To all of our staff, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sticking it out with us and being the best in the business!

The facility opened on Memorial Day in 1960 and was the oldest dragstrip in New Jersey. At one point, the track held the title of one of the busiest in the country, hosting more than 265 events in one year.

The track most recently hosted the 29th annual Pan American Nationals, July 13-16, which wrapped early after finishing the third round of eliminations on Sunday due to rain.

For additional racing industry news, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website.

By Ashley Reyes

Hot-rod enthusiasts will have an exclusive opportunity to learn everything they need to know about essential products during the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) signature HRIA Education Days, taking place at the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, August 3-4.

Through HRIA Education Days, NSRA Nationals attendees will join the most innovative and respected hot-rod parts manufacturers as they share essential processes for working on projects through face-to-face educational seminars. The sessions are an excellent opportunity for enthusiasts and builders to interact directly with manufacturers, ask questions, gain clarification and truly understand what makes each product unique and special.

This year's presenting manufacturers and sessions include: 

• BluePrint Engines: How to Modernize Your Hot-Rod Engine
• Bowler Performance Transmissions: Transmission Decisions: Is More Gears the Way to Go?
• Classic Instruments: Providing Your "Finishing Touch"
• Driven Racing Oil: Let's Talk About Oil: All Your Oil Questions Answered With the Expert
• Edelbrock Superchargers: Modern Supercharges for Street or Race Use
• Heidts: How to Choose the Best Suspension for Your Hot Rod
• Painless Wiring: Automotive Electrical Basics  
• QA1: Optimizing Ride Quality and Driveablilty of Your Classic Car
• Steele Rubber Products: Where the Rubber Meets the Ride
• Vintage Air: Keeping You Cool: The Basics of Performance Automotive Air
• Watson's StreetWorks: Modern Security for Classic Rides
• Wilwood Disc Brakes: Brake System Basics

HRIA will also host its open meeting and mixer on Wednesday, August 2, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Kentucky Expo Center, Room B101. Available to current and prospective HRIA members, the meeting will feature an invaluable opportunity to network with other hot-rod businesses and learn about HRIA's initiatives and member benefits. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

With so much knowledge and expertise in one place, the open meeting and educational seminars are two excellent opportunities that hot-rod professionals can't afford to miss! Make the most out of the event--review the complete schedule and register for the open meeting and seminars here.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2023 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show Block.

Making hotel reservations in the official Block provides attendees with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.

All of the hotels available through the SEMA Show Block come with a low-price guarantee. In addition, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set!

The following hotels are located within one mile of the Las Vegas Convention Center:

• Courtyard by Marriott – Las Vegas Convention Center (0.7 miles)
• Embassy Suites by Hilton – Las Vegas Convention Center (0.6 miles)
• Hilton Grand Vacations – Las Vegas Convention Center (0.7 miles)
• Las Vegas Marriott (0.9 miles)
• Residence Inn by Marriott – Las Vegas Convention Center(0.7 miles)
• Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (0.1 miles)

Whether you're looking for your favorite place to stay, or for a hotel within close proximity to the Show, you can book with confidence knowing you will get the rooms you need at the most affordable price available.

The SEMA Show also provides shuttle service to and from the Show for the hotels listed that are not within walking distance of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

There are nearly 50 hotels available in the Block. For more information on the hotels listed below, including rating, price per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center, visit SEMAShow.com.

To reserve your booth for the 2023 SEMA Show, visit SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

By Mike Imlay

The news is out: SEMA has secured sports legend Tim Tebow as a SEMA Show keynote speaker. Tebow will address Show participants Thursday afternoon, November 2, as part of the Show's Main Stage Experience. A star athlete, Tebow is globally recognized as a best-selling author, speaker, businessman and car enthusiast. According to SEMA Director of Education Pamela Brown-Matthis, his presentation will embody the world-class education program lined up for the 2023 SEMA Show this October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas.

Tim Tebow Athlete, Entrepreneur and

Automotive Enthusiast

• Thursday, November 2, at 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. •

• SEMA Show Main Stage •

• Media Icon, Global Speaker, Businessman,

Philanthropist, Believer •

Tim Tebow is a two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick and a former professional baseball player. The five-time The New York Times best-selling author, speaker and football analyst is most passionate about his work with the Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF), whose mission is to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. TTF is currently fighting for people who cannot fight for themselves in more than 70 countries, and counting, through four primary ministry focuses with 16 initiatives. Tebow is married to Demi-Leigh Tebow, a speaker, influencer, entrepreneur and Miss Universe 2017. Tim and Demi live in Jacksonville, Florida, with their three dogs, Chunk, Kobe and Paris.

"We're really excited about bringing Tim Tebow to our Main Stage," said Brown-Matthis. "He is going to resonate with a wide range of attendees. He has a multigenerational message, is an automotive enthusiast and an inspiring thought leader. But he's also a very powerful professional speaker. His ideas will elevate and strengthen an attendee's business strategy because he's a very strong entrepreneur himself."

In addition to Tebow, 2023 Show attendees can expect to see a greatly revised SEMA Education program when they arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). According to Brown-Matthis, it's all part of a new SEMA initiative to create a more robust career- and professional-development program year-round. "We want to support our attendees by offering a customizable learning journey for skill development and competency-based education inclusive of the Show and throughout the rest of the year," she explained. "You'll see that reflected in the comprehensive programming delivered at the Show as well as the virtual education that we're incorporating into SEMA- member-based events throughout the year across the country."

For the Show itself, Brown-Matthis said the SEMA Education team is "focused on creating immersive learning experiences where engagement is high and attendees can see immediate knowledge and skills benefits. We're dedicated to bringing innovation and fresh perspectives to the aftermarket business community."

One important program change for 2023 is the introduction of Monday-afternoon seminars on October 30, prior to the Show's official opening Tuesday morning. The idea is to provide wider access to education on what is usually considered an exhibitor "setup day."

"We've created five feature programs, one of which is our Digital Marketing Bootcamp that launches midday Monday," said Brown-Matthis. "The timing is critical because we want to make sure both attendees and exhibitors can take advantage of professional development and learning opportunities. Our goal is to create content that is relevant, meaningful and valuable for all our Show participants."

THE SEMA EDUCATION SERIES

In keeping with this goal, planners have reorganized the Show's many seminars into six highly focused SEMA Education tracks (streamlined from the 11 of past years). Additionally, the Show will offer five learning series in partnership with Dale Carnegie, Legacy EV, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA).

"We have been very intentional about selecting our 2023 content and the speakers who will deliver it," explained Brown- Matthis. "All of our speakers are subject-matter experts and industry leaders who have the knowledge and ability to inspire change and engage the learner throughout the learning process."

The six SEMA Education tracks are as follows:

• Inside the Shop: Designed for aspiring builders, service technicians and shop owners, this track's presenters include leading builders in the hot- rod, restoration, truck, off-road and restyling markets sharing expertise and experiences from their respective industries. Participants will come away with fresh understanding and practical skills to prepare their shop for new-technology vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs).
• Aftermarket Updates and Future Trends: This series will dive into automotive aftermarket trends set to impact businesses in 2023 and beyond. Participants will glean new insights into the aftermarket industry and economy—strengthening their brand and better strategizing their business' future.
• Small-Business Strategy: Seminars and featured events in this track examine proven business strategies and best practices to help every company prosper. Topics tackle some of business's hottest issues, including DEI-associated challenges and opportunities, inspiring a team in the office or remote, increasing revenue, understanding private equity, and much more.
• Sales and Marketing: The world of social media and digital marketing is fast-paced and ever-changing. This series will help participants understand and make sense of marketing opportunities within top social- media platforms, changes in the different platforms, the latest digital marketing trends, and how to grow with them.
• Vehicle Technology and Electric Vehicles: With the EV market and vehicle technologies on the rise, this highly informative track is for entrepreneurs seeking insight into these emerging spaces and the challenges and opportunities they present. Leading experts will address advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electric and autonomous vehicles, business strategies and more.
• Legal and Regulatory: From local to state and federal levels, the auto aftermarket is faced with greater legislative and regulatory challenges than ever before. In this track, experts will present the latest developments in emissions compliance and certification, patents and trademarks, and how to meet current requirements while advocating for change.

PARTNERED EDUCATION

The popular SCRS OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit returns for 2023. It’s one of many Show seminars offered in partnership with leading industry professional associations.

The SEMA Show's five partnered education tracks include the following:

• Leadership Essentials for Today, Presented by Dale Carnegie: Delivered as a six-part series by executive coaches from the world-renown Dale Carnegie Program, these 90-minute, interactive workshop-style sessions are designed to enhance the leadership skills that can take a business to the next level.
• Electric Vehicles 101, Presented by Legacy EV: This up-skill course pro- vides brand-agnostic, hands-on training for automotive techs to understand and work with EV powertrains. The one-day training focuses on fundamental powertrain functions and key high-voltage safety practices. Working with real EV powertrains, tooling and training benches, attendees who complete the course will receive EV101 certification from Legacy EV. The course is one, seven-hour day split into two sessions; one in the morning, the other in the afternoon. The cost for this extremely comprehensive program is $600, and space is limited. For full details of the certification, including all the core ideas and skills covered, visit SEMAShow.com.
• I-CAR Collision Repair Training:
• The I-CAR training series includes a MIG welding classroom and hands-on demonstrations for collision repairers and builders/rebuilders. Classes cover electronic system calibration, repair process coordination and managing quality control.
• SCRS: Repairer Driven Education (RDE): The RDE series pro- vides SEMA Show attendees access to world-class education addressing core issues faced in today's collision repair businesses. Led by renowned industry experts, the program is designed to re-energize a business with implementable solutions to real challenges. The series includes classroom sessions Monday, October 30, through Wednesday, November 1; the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit on Thursday, November 2; and the popular IDEAS Collide Showcase on Friday, November 3.
• TIA: Tires represent a unique set of challenges for the automotive aftermarket. TIA's educational track focuses on the tire and TPMS issues that must be addressed in the shop and management issues related to the best practices in operation, marketing and risk management for companies that sell and service tires.

Among the programs, Brown-Matthis believes this year's Show attendees will find several particularly relevant. They include the Digital Marketing Boot Camp, the EV 101 Certification program, the SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium, the Renewable Fuels Panel, the Dale Carnegie Leadership Essentials program, and Main Stage Experience sessions.

"I'm especially excited about the SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium being delivered on Wednesday, Novem- ber 1, from 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.," said Brown-Matthis. "It has three strong components. One, it kicks off with a dynamic keynote speaker. Then the second part of the program offers a Micro Learn- ing Lab Experience consisting of four professional-development workshops. In the third part of the day, it culminates with a C-Suite Insights Panel comprised of key executives and industry leaders who address the obstacles, challenges and career journeys of successful women in the automotive industry." 

Last year's emerging tech and EV seminars were extremely well-attended. This year, the SEMA Show will add its first-ever EV certification program to the education lineup.

"I'm also excited about the Legacy EV course, which will be the first certification-based program ever delivered at the SEMA Show," she added. "It features highly skilled, highly credentialed facilitators and offers an amazing hands-on training opportunity for automotive techs to get an up-skill understanding of EV anatomy and electrical theory. Attendees will also apply their learning to EV speciFications, tooling and safety right there in the learning space."

OUT OF THE CLASSROOM

This year's SEMA Show attendees will notice an expansion of learning venues as well, with a growing number of SEMA Education programs getting "out of the classroom and onto the Show floor." Brown-Matthis says the strategy is to provide interesting new education experiences that can reach and pique the interest of attendees across the LVCC campus.

"Our goal is to engage Showgoers by creating high-energy, sort-of pop-up learning situations throughout the Show environment," she explained. "We'll also leverage more of the space outside of the convention center's North Hall, creating educational opportunities that are delivered in various formats, whether they be 'fireside chats,' workshops, Main Stage Experiences or celebrity showcases."

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Brown-Matthis noted that SEMA Show education has become widely recognized within the industry as a "rewarding professional-development investment." With a broad spectrum of seminars to choose from, the multiple tracks give attendees the flexibility to build individualized pro- grams tailored to their needs. Moreover, most of the seminars are free to attend. In fact, many companies encourage their employees to take advantage of the Show's education, furthering the return on their Show investment.

"That's yet another reason why we want to make certain that every single learning experience includes an opportunity to apply new knowledge," underscored Brown-Matthis. "Our overriding goal is to give all our attendees--whether they are builders, jobbers, or emerging business leaders and executives--access to the best and brightest minds our industry has to offer so that everyone can learn, grow and prosper."

CUSTOMIZED LEARNING FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS

SEMA Show Education delves into the most relevant, top-of-mind business issues and ideas impacting the automotive aftermarket industry with an emphasis on leadership and skill development, networking events, exploration of emerging trends and best practices. The advantages are many: 

• With a wide selection of competency-based programs to choose from, attendees can customize their learning and skills development.
• Seminars allow attendees to leverage industry-specific research and proven solutions to help companies reap the ROI rewards of the industry's latest trends.
• SEMA Show Education is led by industry and thought leaders and recognized subject-matter experts.
• Each seminar provides immediate takeaways focusing on application, immersion, engagement and behavioral changes.

No matter your place in the industry, the Show's education program can help you meet your goals, from personal and professional enrichment to business growth. The Show's education tracks are designed to deliver engaging, best-in-class learning through thought-provoking sessions. To learn more and register for SEMA Show seminars and events, go to SEMAShow.com.