By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

By Della Domingo

The SEMA and PRI legislative team will be providing the industry with an update on the association’s advocacy efforts during an open virtual meeting on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. PT/4:00 p.m. ET.

All members and industry professionals are invited to join the meeting, where they will gain an understanding of how the government affairs team in Washington, D.C., is advocating for the industry and its businesses.

Attendees will receive both federal and state updates, specifically on the RPM Act, as well as an overview of the advocacy communications strategy they aim to utilize.

To register and/or receive a recording of the meeting after the event, sign up here.

By Ashley Reyes

Erica Rahola is the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) newest spotlight volunteer. Rahola is a designer and customer liaison at Crush Customs.

Get to know Rahola in her interview with SEMA below.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling?

Erica Rahola: My boss, Chelsea Allen, inspired me.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?

ER: I’m new in this industry and wanted to dive into something where I can be around and influenced by my peers in the same industry.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

ER: Take your time. There’s so many products, services, and new developments happening every day in this field. It can definitely be a little overwhelming. Structure, organization, and a team with like-minded individuals on your side are fundamental.

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle?

ER: My dream vehicle is a Bentley.

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

ER: Never give up.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

ER: My boss, my manager and the whole staff! They are wonderful and amazing people. I also never get tired of the appreciation and happiness customers express when they receive their cars with their new installs.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

ER: At home with my dog Benjamin.

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO’s social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) named BBT Fabrications as this week’s member spotlight company. Get to know the company in SEMA’s interview with business owner Troy Gudgel below.

SEMA: Tell us about your company.

Troy Gudgel: BBT Fabrications specializes in high-end hot rods and hot-rod components, including our modular mirror systems.

SEMA: What projects are you working on?

TG: We are focused on building high-quality vehicles and growing our product line. We focus on every detail and making sure our product performs at the highest level.

SEMA: Tell us about a build you are proud of.

TG: Brad Sather's ‘69 Pontiac Firebird was winner of Goodguys Street Machine of the Year as well as Shades of the Past Triple Crown.  We are proud that this car hit a top speed of 203 MPH in Blytheville, Arkansas, at their HP Harvest event.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?

TG: Don't be afraid to start at the bottom. Put in the time and work hard to get where you want to be.

Fill out an HRIA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the hot-rod industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on HRIA’s social media, SEMA News and future HRIA-member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members attending Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, are invited to join the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) for a trail ride and a mixer on Thursday, April 6.

Participants will meet at 9:00 a.m. (MDT) and be educated on proper land use before proceeding on a scenic drive through one of Moab’s backcountry trails. Moab routes offer exciting obstacles and beautiful scenery, while the program includes a stop for lunch in the great outdoors, and will conclude at around 2:00 .p.m.-3:00 p.m. (MDT).

Members will reconnect in the evening for a TORA Mixer hosted in conjunction with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). This will be a great time strengthen and build new relationships and share stories from the trail ride earlier in the day.

RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

Employees of SEMA members companies are invited and encouraged to increase their involvement in the industry by volunteering for a council or network leadership role. Applications are open now at www.sema.org/volunteer, and will run through April 21.   

Comprised of automotive aftermarket professionals who are passionate about the advancement of the industry, select committee volunteers work alongside industry professionals from different market segments to provide valuable programs, events, education opportunities and other resources for the council or network membership.

By lending just a few hours a month, volunteers gain hands on leadership experience, are able to develop industry solutions to strengthen their market and gain valuable business connections and friendships while having fun in the process.  

Applicants must be employed by a current SEMA member company, be a current member of the council or network that the nominee would represent, and serve a two-year term.  

Strong strategic planning skills and significant aftermarket knowledge are helpful, but the most important trait is a passion for giving back to the industry. Learn how you make can a difference and apply here.

Exhibitors from Toyota, MOPAR, Fox Factory and Hypercraft USA describe the ultimate gathering of automotive passion, community, networking and innovative products, services and vehicles on display at the annual SEMA Show.

Don’t miss your opportunity to share your story in front of more than 132,000 trade show attendees from more than 140 countries.

For more information, visit www.semashow.com/whyexhibit. To reserve a booth, visit www.semashow.com/buyabooth.

To take part in the May 1–17 Priority Booth Space Selection Process, you must submit your Exhibitor Services Rental Application and deposit by Monday, April 3.

By Ashley Reyes

Tires for EVs are significantly different from tires for traditional vehicles. But what exactly are the differences? And how do these differences affect the driving experience?  

SEMA members are invited to the webinar “EV Tires and the Realistic Expectations for your Customers, presented by the WTC,” Thursday, March 16, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT)/ 3:00 p.m. (EDT). Join experts as they break down the design differences between regular tires and EV tires, the life wear of EV tires and what customers should expect when purchasing EV tires, including price ranges and more.  

Participants will hear from industry experts:  

• Karen Salvaggio, Vice President of Business Development at Scorpion EV
• Brenton Murray, Founder and CEO of Electruck424.com
• Gary Ruede, Product and Quality Management Technologist at Discount Tire
• John McDonough, Senior Product Manager, Competition & Specialty Tires at Mickey Thompson
• Tyson Boyer, Senior Director of Sales, Key Accounts at Dill Air Valves

You’ll leave knowing how EV tires are transforming electric mobility as we know it, and what to expect from EV tires now and into the future.

Register now! 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), a subset network of SEMA that supports and raises awareness of women in the automotive industry, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023.

The network, which encourages and supports women pursuing careers in the automotive field, represents more than 700 female and male members spanning across various occupations and markets in the aftermarket industry.

Since 1993, the SBN has developed and managed industry-focused programs for women, including networking and recognition opportunities. Most recently, it completed its second all-female vehicle build, hosted its second annual Women’s Leadership Forum, and continues to spotlight the stories and careers of women in the automotive industry though its #SheIsSEMA campaign.  

“SBN’s history is one of ambition and progress and we couldn’t be more excited for the community that we have created,” said SBN Director Nicole Bradle. “It’s a network where all women are recognized and supported for their contributions to this thriving industry.”

To celebrate the milestone, SBN launched a campaign to highlight the stories and members of the network throughout SEMA and SBN communication channels. The campaign will run throughout 2023 and culminate at the SBN 30th Anniversary Reception and Party at the SEMA Show in November.

“There is no better time than now to reflect on what the SBN has achieved,” added Bradle. “Looking to the future, we aspire to further foster growth, support and community for women.”
To learn more about the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, visit www.sema.org/sbn. 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

West Virginia lawmakers passed SEMA-supported legislation to establish the Motorsport Responsibility Act, which would define areas of responsibility and assumed risks by participants for recreational and commercial motorsports facilities. The bill now awaits approval by Governor Jim Justice.

Enactment of The Motorsport Responsibility Act will reduce liability insurance premiums and allow racing venues to invest the savings—such as in promotion—increasing tourism and creating more jobs in the state.

In February, representatives from SEMA and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI), and other members of West Virginia’s motorsports community, traveled to Charleston to raise awareness and advocate for the bill with state lawmakers.

Click here to contact Gov. Justice in support of the Motorsport Responsibility Act.   

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.