By SEMA News Editors

 

Nilu27 Completes First Test of V12 Engine

 

Nilu27, the Los Angeles, California-based hypercar manufacturer, recently celebrated the successful first test of the bespoke, 1,070hp 6.5L V12 engine for its upcoming NILU Hypercar built by New Zealand's Hartley Engines.

 

Nilu27 founders Sasha and Inna Selipanov recently traveled to New Zealand to observe the first test of the new V12 engine built for the debut of the NILU hypercar.

 

The test took place on Wednesday, June 17, marking the first run for the power unit. Developed in close collaboration with specialized high-performance engine developers Hartley Engines, the power unit features a unique "Hot V" configuration––with the exhaust headers placed between the cylinder heads to optimize both performance and packaging. And while the engine was originally projected to produce 1,070 hp, initial dyno testing has already exceeded those projections while reaching a 11,000-rpm redline, according to the company.

 

"This is the moment theory became reality," said Sasha Selipanov. "By firing up this stunning V12, we didn't only prove our engineering capabilities; we delivered the soul of the NILU. As most of the automotive world embraces digital and electric sterility, we've doubled down on the raw, visceral drama of high RPM, naturally aspirated internal combustion. The Nilu27/Hartley V12 will make our hypercar truly timeless. And we hope the video from our first dyno test will generate the same excitement among viewers as it did when we were present," he concluded.

 

"To see this bespoke V12 come to life after months of intense development is an indescribable feeling," said Nelson Hartley, Hartley Engines. "This isn't just an engine; it's a piece of art that pushes the boundaries of what a naturally aspirated power unit can do. We knew we had something special on paper, but seeing it outperform expectations on the dyno right out of the gate is phenomenal."

 

For more information, visit nilu27.com.

 

 

RealTruck Announces 'RealTruck x Makita' Sweepstakes

 

Makita and RealTruck have teamed up for the "Ultimate Work Truck Upgrade" sweepstakes. One lucky grand prize winner will receive a full setup featuring the Makita MAKTRAK™ modular storage system, a RealTruck MX4 EZ-Lift bed cover, AMP Research bed steps, swing cases and more, according to RealTruck.

 

For the complete details, visit makitatools.com/events/sweepstakes/realtruck or visit the RealTruck Instagram post.

 

 

Gold Eagle Company Names Former MEMA CEO Bill Long to Advisory Board

 

Gold Eagle Company, a manufacturer of automotive appearance, performance and maintenance products, has appointed Bill Long, former president and CEO of MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, to its Advisory Board. Long brings more than four decades of executive leadership, strategic insight and industry advocacy experience to Gold Eagle.

 

Long has held senior leadership positions across the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors while serving as a recognized voice for the industry throughout North America. During his tenure at MEMA, he helped advance the interests of vehicle suppliers and promote innovation, collaboration and growth across the industry.

 

Long has served numerous industry organizations and boards, including the Automotive Hall of Fame Board of Directors, the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation, the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), and the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Advisory Board. His contributions have been recognized with several of the industry's most prestigious honors, including Northwood University's Outstanding Business Leader Award, the MEMA Triangle Award, the Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award, and the Jack Arute Sr. Excellence in Motorsports Award.

 

"Bill is one of the most influential and highly regarded leaders our industry has produced," said Marc Blackman, chairman and CEO of Gold Eagle. "His deep understanding of the automotive aftermarket, extensive industry relationships and proven leadership experience will provide tremendous value as we continue to strengthen our brands, expand our portfolio, accelerate profitable growth and position Gold Eagle for long-term success. Bill has spent his career helping organizations navigate change, identify opportunities and create lasting value. We are honored to welcome him to the Gold Eagle Advisory Board."

 

The Gold Eagle Company Advisory Board provides independent counsel and strategic guidance to the company's leadership team on matters involving growth, profitability, leadership development, market trends, organizational effectiveness and long-term value creation. Long joins a group of advisors with expertise spanning automotive aftermarket, consumer products, manufacturing, retail and corporate leadership.

 

"For years I have admired Gold Eagle's commitment to innovation, quality, and customer focus," said Long. "The company has built an exceptional portfolio of brands and a strong reputation throughout the automotive aftermarket. I am honored to join the advisory board and look forward to supporting Marc and the leadership team as they continue to build on that legacy and pursue new opportunities for growth."

 

For more information about Gold Eagle Company, visit goldeagle.com.

By SEMA News Editors

 

Nominations are open for the 2026 SEMA Visionary 8 program, which honors future leaders of the automotive aftermarket industry. Honorees will be recognized at the 2026 SEMA Show, taking place November 3-6, in Las Vegas.

 

The SEMA Visionary 8 program highlights eight rising stars age 35 and under who are poised to change and/or advance the automotive specialty-equipment industry. The award showcases emerging talent, celebrates their accomplishments and introduces them to the global aftermarket industry. 

 

Nominees may include emerging talents at established companies, entrepreneurs building new brands or innovators developing products that benefit the industry. No matter their role, each honoree demonstrates a clear impact through fresh ideas, enthusiasm and drive to succeed. 

 

Criteria That Define a 'SEMA Visionary 8':

 

• Be age 35 or under.
• Demonstrate the vision, talent, innovation, integrity, success and leadership needed to become a future driver of the industry. 
• Have made significant achievements in their company that drive progress for future generations.

 

To be considered, the nominee's contributions must fall within the date range of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

 

Know a rising leader--or are you one? Submit a nomination by Monday, August 17, at www.sema.org/awards.

 

SEMA is also accepting nominations for other industry awards, including Channel Partner of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year and Person of the Year.

 

2026 SEMA Show to Celebrate the Industry's Best

 

SEMA Show festivities shift into gear on Tuesday, November 3, with the Kickoff Breakfast, where 15 products will be recognized with New Product Awards alongside top honors for Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year.

 

On Thursday, November 5, the highly anticipated Visionary 8 and SEMA's Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year winner will be announced live in SEMA Central. The momentum will continue during SEMA Industry Honors at the iconic Fontainebleau. This red-carpet-style celebration brings together the industry's biggest names to spotlight standout achievements, including Content Creator of the Year and Person of the Year. 

 

Entries for Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year--a SEMA Industry Award that recognizes exceptional quality of engineering on a vehicle build--will open in August. Learn more at www.sema.org/awards. 

By Ashley Reyes

 

SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) has named Superior Autoworks as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the company's story in the SEMA News interview with Superior Autoworks' builder and owner Edward Denkenberger below. 

 

SEMA News: Tell us the story of your business. How did you start? 

Edward Denkenberger: Superior Autoworks was founded in 1996. I did not begin with an established mentor; I started my business from scratch, studied, worked hard and built my reputation one vehicle at a time. I have, long-since my formative days as a welder and fabricator, captured my dream and mastered my trade of creating top-tier custom vehicles, and recreating concours classics to their original or better-than original state. My shop is most frequently staffed solely by myself, although I have been fortunate from time to time to have had the assistance of quality people.

Read more on the Superior Autoworks website.  

 

SN: What is your goal this year?

ED: Our goal for this year is to keep focusing on current projects to ensure we stay on target, as well as making more show appearances. We have evolved and we now have an in-house CAD designer. We also offer 3D scanning services and 3D printed prototyping.

 

SN: What do you see as a challenge in the industry? 

ED: Even in today's economic times, this industry remains strong.  There does seem to be a shortage of skilled craftsmen willing to do this work in all areas of this industry. This tends to make it hard to set, and keep, deadlines. In my opinion, the costs of building cars to higher levels have become very expensive. With prices the way they are, I feel the average car guy looking to get into the hobby is being pushed away.

 

SN: What is something people don't know about Superior Autoworks?

ED: Something that most people do not know about Superior Autoworks that is interesting is that I offer consultation services in regard to how to build an award-winning show car as well as the basics of restoration. I also have a passion for restoring antique fire trucks to concours levels.

 

SN: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive restoration segment? 

ED: Stay focused, stay honest and make sure to keep communications open (follow up with customers and vendors, return phone calls, etc.) This industry demands everything that you have. To become a successful professional builder, determination is everything.

 

---

 

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 SEMA News Editors

Limited spots remain for August's SEMA Garage Diamond Bar AUTEL ADAS trainings, with an exclusive third day available.

As demand for advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) expertise continues to rise, SEMA Garage is once again partnering with AUTEL to deliver hands-on, in-depth training designed to keep repair professionals ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology. These highly sought-after sessions focus on ADAS fundamentals, calibration techniques and proper reporting practices--skills that are becoming increasingly critical as more ADAS-equipped vehicles enter the market.

 

The next opportunity to participate in this training takes place at SEMA Garage Diamond Bar, where space is limited and registration is filling quickly. SEMA Garage Diamond Bar will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, August 11, and Wednesday, August 12, with an optional expanded third day of training on Thursday, August 13, at the facility located at 1577 Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765. (View on Google Maps). 

 

For attendees looking to take their training even further, SEMA Garage now offers an exclusive expanded third day of instruction. The optional Day 3 on August 13 builds on the two-day curriculum by applying diagnostics, decision-making and liability awareness to real-world ADAS calibration scenarios. Rather than standalone lectures, participants work through hands-on exercises designed to reinforce confidence and accuracy in the field. To participate, select the "3-Day" option when registering on the Autel website. Note: The "Day 3" option requires an additional fee. 

 

How to Reserve Your Spot 

 

👉 Reserve your spot now at the Autel Academy website by: 

• Visiting autel.us/autel-academy.
• Select ADAS TRAINING.
• Navigate to the "California" tab, and click REGISTER.

 

Previous SEMA Garage AUTEL training sessions sold out quickly, and organizers encourage early registration, especially for the limited-capacity Detroit event.

 

Want more details? Read a recap article here, or reach out to Autel via email to academy@autel.com or visit autel.us/autel-academy for details.

 

 

 By SEMA News Editors

 

The numbers are in, and SEMA's newest market research report reveals where growth opportunities are emerging across the specialty-equipment industry.

 

The specialty-equipment market remained steady and resilient this past year, generating $52.92 billion in accessory and performance parts sales despite mixed economic conditions.

 

SEMA's newly released "2026 SEMA Market Report" explores the trends, consumer behaviors and vehicle-market shifts shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket. From pickup truck modifications and performance upgrades to changing demographics and powertrain trends, the report provides data-driven insights to help businesses identify opportunities and make informed decisions.

 

This article highlights several key findings, but the full report offers a much deeper look at the market forces influencing the industry today and in the years ahead.

 

Personalization Continues to Drive the Aftermarket

 

Vehicle personalization remains a cornerstone of the aftermarket.

 

Approximately one in four vehicle owners purchased accessory or performance products to personalize their vehicles in 2025, reinforcing the continued demand for customization across a broad range of consumers.

 

While enthusiast builds and dedicated project vehicles remain important segments, the research shows that most consumers purchase aftermarket products to personalize, improve or enhance their everyday drivers.

 

What it means: The market opportunity extends well beyond hardcore enthusiasts. Products that help consumers personalize daily-driven vehicles continue to attract significant demand.

 

Pickups Remain the Industry's Largest Segment

 

Pickup trucks continue to generate the largest share of aftermarket sales.

 

According to the report, pickup-related accessories and performance products accounted for 30% of total industry sales in 2025. Vehicle owners spent more than $15 billion modifying pickups for off-road recreation, utility and lifestyle applications.

 

What it means: Trucks remain one of the industry's strongest opportunities, with continued demand for products supporting work, recreation and personalization.

 

Younger Consumers Are Fueling Future Growth

 

The next generation of enthusiasts continues to play a critical role in the aftermarket.

 

More than half of accessory and performance parts buyers are under the age of 40, and younger consumers are more likely to undertake performance-focused and complex vehicle builds than older generations.

 

What it means: Businesses that understand younger consumers' interests, purchasing habits and vehicle preferences will be better positioned for long-term growth.

 

The Vehicle Fleet Continues to Evolve

 

The U.S. vehicle population continues shifting toward crossovers and utility vehicles as automakers produce fewer traditional passenger cars.

 

Even so, coupes, sedans and convertibles still account for more than one-third of vehicles on the road today, representing a substantial market for aftermarket products and services.

 

What it means: Emerging vehicle segments create new opportunities, but established vehicle categories remain highly relevant to the aftermarket.

 

Alternative Powertrains Grow While ICE Remains Dominant

 

Electric and hybrid vehicle sales continue to grow, now representing more than 15% of new-vehicle sales.

 

However, the report indicates that internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are expected to remain the dominant powertrain for new vehicles sold in the United States through the next decade.

 

What it means: Aftermarket businesses can continue supporting their core ICE customers while monitoring growing opportunities in hybrid and electric vehicle segments.

 

Turn Data Into Opportunity

 

Understanding where the market is headed can help businesses make smarter decisions about product development, marketing, inventory planning and customer engagement.

 

The "2026 SEMA Market Report" provides a detailed look at:

 

• Industry size and market dynamics.
• Consumer purchasing behavior.
• Pickup truck market trends.
• Younger enthusiast demographics.
• Vehicle fleet and powertrain changes.
• Emerging opportunities across the aftermarket.

 

In a competitive market, access to reliable data can be a valuable advantage.

 

SEMA's Market Research team provides information and insight to help SEMA members and the specialty automotive aftermarket make better business decisions. Its focus is on delivering reports, data and consultation that help companies understand the market and their customers.

 

The full "2026 SEMA Market Report" is available for purchase, with discounted pricing available to SEMA members. Businesses that join SEMA gain access to valuable market research resources, industry insights and tools designed to help them grow and compete more effectively. Learn more about SEMA Membership at sema.org/membership-business.

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

SEMA has announced the musical lineup for SEMA Fest, taking place Friday, November 6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Headlined by multi-platinum punk rock icons The Offspring, the lineup also features anthemic alt-rockers Jimmy Eat World, genre-blending rock reggae outfit 311, and California rock band The Alive. Together, these chart-topping, arena-caliber acts will bring their catalog of massive hits to SEMA Fest, delivering the ultimate intersection of high-octane and high-decibels, a one-day celebration of the long-standing bond between music and car culture that closes out SEMA Week with an unforgettable public experience.  

 

Early bird pre-sale tickets are available Wednesday, July 15, with the general on-sale kicking off this Friday, July 17 at 10:00 a.m. PDT via semafest.com.

 

General admission and VIP concert access tickets are available, as are combined tickets, offering entry to both SEMA Fest and SEMA Show Friday public access. This exclusive bundle gives automotive enthusiasts rare access to the world's largest automotive aftermarket trade event--typically reserved for industry insiders--alongside performances from some of today’s biggest bands. 

 

"SEMA Fest represents where our industry is headed, at the crossroads of innovation, lifestyle and cultural relevance," said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. "By bringing together the world's premier automotive gathering with iconic music, immersive automotive experiences and enthusiast access, we are creating a powerful platform that expands the reach of car culture, strengthens engagement with new audiences and sends SEMA Week out on a high-energy, high-impact note."

 

SEMA Fest serves as the official "closing ceremony" of SEMA Week, transforming the world's premier automotive trade show into a massive public celebration and extending the energy of the SEMA Show into a day-long experience. (Learn more at semashow.com).

 

The day begins inside the Las Vegas Convention Center, where attendees can explore the SEMA Show floor, including 2,000-plus exhibiting brands and vendors, thousands of custom builds and the latest in automotive products and technology.  

 

As the day continues, the action moves outdoors for the legendary SEMA Cruise and high-intensity motorsports demonstrations that keep the excitement building throughout the afternoon.  

 

Then, as the sun sets, attention turns to the SEMA Fest stage, where live music and automotive adrenaline come together in one immersive environment. The automotive excitement continues into the evening with featured vehicle displays and motorsports performances that keep car culture front and center through the final encore.  

 

2026 Musical Lineup for SEMA Fest

 

Multi-platinum punk rock icons The Offspring bring decades of Southern California punk-rock energy to SEMA Fest. Formed in Garden Grove in 1984, the band is known for their generation-defining hits such as "Self Esteem," "Come Out and Play," "The Kids Aren't Alright" and "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)." Widely credited with helping revive mainstream interest in punk rock during the '90s, The Offspring has sold more than 45 million records worldwide.  

 

Jimmy Eat World adds its signature anthemic alternative-rock sound to the lineup. The band broke through globally with "The Middle," which reached No. 1 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart and became one of the defining rock songs of the early '00s.  

 

311 brings its unmistakable blend of rock, reggae, funk and hip-hop influences to the main stage. The band has released 14 studio albums, sold more than 10 million records in the United States and remains known for crowd favorites such as "Down," "Amber" and "All Mixed Up." 

 

The Alive rounds out the bill with a fresh California rock sound rooted in surf, skate and hard-driving live performance. The band cites influences including Black Sabbath, Nirvana, Rush and Queens of the Stone Age, making them a fitting addition to a lineup built on energy, edge and attitude. 

 

Featured Experiences at SEMA Fest

 

The evening's adrenaline will be amplified by world-class automotive demos, including drifting demonstrations from OPTIMA and the high-energy Globe of Death.  

 

Supercar Saturdays Florida returns to SEMA Fest with a curated showcase of rare hypercars and exotic vehicles following its debut SEMA Fest appearance in 2025, where it presented an exclusive hypercar and supercar display.  

 

For the latest updates, follow @SEMAFestOfficial on social media or visit semafest.com. 

 

About SEMA Fest 

SEMA Fest is where car culture, motorsports and live music converge for an adrenaline-fueled experience open to the public. Created by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), producers of the world-renowned SEMA Show, SEMA Fest brings together top automotive lifestyle brands, high-performance demonstrations, custom vehicles and an all-star music lineup in Las Vegas. Held during SEMA Week on the Las Vegas Convention Center campus, the event invites enthusiasts of all kinds to experience the energy of motorsports alongside performances from chart-topping artists, fan activations, vendors, food and more. 

 

 

About SEMA and the SEMA Show 

The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at semashow.com or sema.org. Want to contact SEMA via phone? Call 909-396-0289. 

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

SEMA has announced the musical lineup for SEMA Fest, taking place Friday, November 6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Headlined by multi-platinum punk rock icons The Offspring, the lineup also features anthemic alt-rockers Jimmy Eat World, genre-blending rock reggae outfit 311, and California rock band The Alive. Together, these chart-topping, arena-caliber acts will bring their catalog of massive hits to SEMA Fest, delivering the ultimate intersection of high-octane and high-decibels, a one-day celebration of the long-standing bond between music and car culture that closes out SEMA Week with an unforgettable public experience.  

 

Early bird pre-sale tickets are available Wednesday, July 15, with the general on-sale kicking off this Friday, July 17 at 10:00 a.m. PDT via semafest.com.

 

General admission and VIP concert access tickets are available, as are combined tickets, offering entry to both SEMA Fest and SEMA Show Friday public access. This exclusive bundle gives automotive enthusiasts rare access to the world's largest automotive aftermarket trade event--typically reserved for industry insiders--alongside performances from some of today’s biggest bands. 

 

"SEMA Fest represents where our industry is headed, at the crossroads of innovation, lifestyle and cultural relevance," said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. "By bringing together the world's premier automotive gathering with iconic music, immersive automotive experiences and enthusiast access, we are creating a powerful platform that expands the reach of car culture, strengthens engagement with new audiences and sends SEMA Week out on a high-energy, high-impact note."

 

SEMA Fest serves as the official "closing ceremony" of SEMA Week, transforming the world's premier automotive trade show into a massive public celebration and extending the energy of the SEMA Show into a day-long experience. (Learn more at semashow.com).

 

The day begins inside the Las Vegas Convention Center, where attendees can explore the SEMA Show floor, including 2,000-plus exhibiting brands and vendors, thousands of custom builds and the latest in automotive products and technology.  

 

As the day continues, the action moves outdoors for the legendary SEMA Cruise and high-intensity motorsports demonstrations that keep the excitement building throughout the afternoon.  

 

Then, as the sun sets, attention turns to the SEMA Fest stage, where live music and automotive adrenaline come together in one immersive environment. The automotive excitement continues into the evening with featured vehicle displays and motorsports performances that keep car culture front and center through the final encore.  

 

2026 Musical Lineup for SEMA Fest

 

Multi-platinum punk rock icons The Offspring bring decades of Southern California punk-rock energy to SEMA Fest. Formed in Garden Grove in 1984, the band is known for their generation-defining hits such as "Self Esteem," "Come Out and Play," "The Kids Aren't Alright" and "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)." Widely credited with helping revive mainstream interest in punk rock during the '90s, The Offspring has sold more than 45 million records worldwide.  

 

Jimmy Eat World adds its signature anthemic alternative-rock sound to the lineup. The band broke through globally with "The Middle," which reached No. 1 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart and became one of the defining rock songs of the early '00s.  

 

311 brings its unmistakable blend of rock, reggae, funk and hip-hop influences to the main stage. The band has released 14 studio albums, sold more than 10 million records in the United States and remains known for crowd favorites such as "Down," "Amber" and "All Mixed Up." 

 

The Alive rounds out the bill with a fresh California rock sound rooted in surf, skate and hard-driving live performance. The band cites influences including Black Sabbath, Nirvana, Rush and Queens of the Stone Age, making them a fitting addition to a lineup built on energy, edge and attitude. 

 

Featured Experiences at SEMA Fest

 

The evening's adrenaline will be amplified by world-class automotive demos, including drifting demonstrations from OPTIMA and the high-energy Globe of Death.  

 

Supercar Saturdays Florida returns to SEMA Fest with a curated showcase of rare hypercars and exotic vehicles following its debut SEMA Fest appearance in 2025, where it presented an exclusive hypercar and supercar display.  

 

For the latest updates, follow @SEMAFestOfficial on social media or visit semafest.com. 

 

About SEMA Fest 

SEMA Fest is where car culture, motorsports and live music converge for an adrenaline-fueled experience open to the public. Created by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), producers of the world-renowned SEMA Show, SEMA Fest brings together top automotive lifestyle brands, high-performance demonstrations, custom vehicles and an all-star music lineup in Las Vegas. Held during SEMA Week on the Las Vegas Convention Center campus, the event invites enthusiasts of all kinds to experience the energy of motorsports alongside performances from chart-topping artists, fan activations, vendors, food and more. 

 

 

About SEMA and the SEMA Show 

The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at semashow.com or sema.org. Want to contact SEMA via phone? Call 909-396-0289. 

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

Specialty automotive parts companies are facing a shortage of skilled talent. At the same time, hundreds of engineering students are preparing to graduate and looking for their first professional opportunity.

 

Both sides face a common challenge, but one event is helping SEMA members bridge the gap: The Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) Career Fair, taking place at the SEMA Garage Detroit on Saturday, September 26. Company registration is open now. 

 

Held in partnership with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the ETTN Career Fair offers aftermarket employers a free opportunity to meet face-to-face with students who are passionate about careers in the automotive aftermarket.

 

Why Companies Should Attend

• Connect directly with future engineers who are passionate about vehicles, innovation and technology.
• Promote career opportunities and open positions.
• Build relationships with emerging engineers and technical professionals.
• Support workforce development within the aftermarket industry.
• Network with other aftermarket professionals and industry leaders in attendance.  

 

If your company is searching for future automotive engineers who are work-ready, eager to learn and want to contribute to a growing and passionate industry, the ETTN Career Fair is a valuable opportunity to meet motivated students and build your future workforce.

 

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

As automotive aftermarket professionals prepare to descend on Las Vegas for the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, it's important for exhibitors to keep critical deadlines and checklists in mind.

 

To help your brand prepare to connect with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and automotive professionals, SEMA has compiled exhibitor resources to help you track upcoming deadlines and stay on budget.

 

SEMA Show Deadlines List for Exhibitors

 

This all-encompassing checklist provides a breakdown of deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, some of which are also detailed in this article below.

 

View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.

 

Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines for the 2026 SEMA Show

 

Be sure to check out the complete list of deadlines for more dates, including the upcoming July 31 deadline for Feature Vehicle Display applications. The Feature Vehicle Display program allows exhibitors to expand their Show presence beyond their booth space and is open to vehicles of all categories and applications of the aftermarket.

• July 31: Feature Vehicle Display application (vehicles displayed outside of booth). Details may be found in the "Vehicle/Car Display Opportunities" section of semashow.com/esm.
  • Approved applicants who submit by July 31 will receive an approval and confirmation email on August 28. Applications submitted after the July deadline are subject to approval at the end of September, or as space allows.
• August 14: Press/Media Conference Application & SEMA Show Directory listing information due.
• August 21: SEMA Show Directory ad space reservations due (materials due August 27).
• August 28: Celebrity Appearance Notification due (to be included in printed materials).

 

SEMA Show Budget Checklist

 

This checklist allows exhibitors to keep track of all costs––like exhibit design, booth services, freight/material handling, labor and miscellaneous fees. Simply input the exhibiting company name for a personalized form.

 

View the SEMA Show budget checklist.

 

One of the best ways to save is to place orders with the Freeman event agency before the "advance rate" deadline on October 1.

 

Don't forget that the Exhibitor Services Manual is a one-stop shop for all things related to exhibiting at the SEMA Show. It contains everything companies need to know to exhibit like a pro, including the deadline and budget checklists.

 

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 is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.  

 

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.  

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a frequent topic of conversation, but for automotive restylers, understanding how to use it to improve shop efficiency and profit isn't always straightforward.

 

To help automotive restyler professionals learn how to apply AI to their business, the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will host a virtual general membership meeting and panel discussion on Tuesday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m. PT/1:30 p.m. ET.

 

Register here.

 

 

During the general membership meeting, select committee leaders will share brief updates on current member resources, plus PRO events planned for the 2026 SEMA Show, like the PRO Cup Challenge. The event will then transition into a panel discussion, giving attendees a rare opportunity to learn AI best practices from aftermarket leaders.

 

Moderated by Jesse Stoddard of AutoStyle Marketing, the session will feature panelists Grant Evans of Ecoological and Noah Rhodes of AutoStyle Marketing. Together, they will share strategies for implementing AI to increase revenue, save money and save time.

 

This session will cover how to use AI for: 

• Improving customer communication and follow-up.
• Creating marketing content faster.
• Organizing SOPs and team knowledge.
• Supporting sales and operations workflows.
• Helping customers visualize upgrades before they buy.

 

As AI shifts the way businesses operate, now is the time to secure your spot and gain a competitive advantage. 

 

Register now.

 

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | Summit Art Creations