As the SEMA Show Week, now through Friday, November 8 in Las Vegas, intensifies, so are SEMA Education sessions. Attendees have been looking forward to some of these panels and sessions for weeks, and while many education sessions are free with SEMA Show registration, even the fee-based classes are proving to be priceless, according to the attendees SEMA News connected with at the event.
The panel on advanced fuels and powertrains explained how the automotive specialty-equipment industry can help reduce carbon emissions by adopting various fueling technologies as it relates to the operation of internal combustion engines (ICE), as well as the innovative powertrains that will work alongside of electrification.
Plus, panelists themselves are finding quality engagement from the audience, like chief of technology Grant Suzuki from Yamaha's marine division, who was one of the six-person panel on "Advanced Fuels and Powertrains: Current Landscape and Innovations."
"I think this is very valuable for us [to participate in SEMA Education as] industry leadership... you know, approaching and reaching out to the public to talk about and address the new future. New technology is very important," said Suzuki, whose presence on the panel showcased that the SEMA Show extends far beyond the reach of land vehicles. "The marine industry is really interested in being part of this whole SEMA ecosystem, so [I] really appreciate having us [here] today."
In the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) Booth #33139 in the Upper South Hall, attendees are experiencing the future of automotive technician training with hands-on simulations for electric vehicle (EV) repairs.
Carissa Davila, chief revenue officer from Flagship One Inc., attended the leadership workshop run by Dale Carnegie and shared that "it brought a lot of value. It gave me skills, especially within the position that I'm in right now. It's really hard, as a younger executive, to give instructions to people a lot older than me. That was one of the challenges that I expressed to [our speaker]. So it really helped when he let me know, 'Hey, this is passive. You want to be assertive and want to be aggressive.' And I feel like that was really easy [to learn].'"
Today is the last day to attend education sessions at this year's SEMA Show. Go to SEMAShow.com/education and add a class to your Show planner! For more information, visit semashow.com.
A trend on the SEMA Show floor this year is brighter colors, a move away from the more recent "monochroming" of American vehicles. See this specific build in the SEMA FutureTech Studio in Central Hall.
The 2024 SEMA Show, which continues today through Friday, November 8, had a stellar opening day yesterday with more than 2,400 brands and an estimated 150,000 attendees on the expansive Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) floor and surrounding outdoor areas, which are teeming with the latest vehicles, and automotive innovations and technology. Included among the countless product and vehicle unveilings on SEMA Show Day 2 was the continuation of SEMA Live, the new-for-2024 program providing industry fans and enthusiasts an inside look at the aftermarket's exclusive trade-only event. The industry is clearly hungry for this behind-the-scenes content, with the Day 1 stream coming in at nearly 55,000 views (watch the Day 1 live stream here and the Day 2 live stream here and below).
During the Wednesday SEMA Live program, viewers saw Marcy Yanus, SEMA senior director of member engagement, sharing details on the top-notch vehicles in the combined SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) and Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) display (Booth #23295 in Central Hall).
On the HRIA side of the display is a custom '32 Ford Roadster built by Chris Clark. This vehicle was so meticulously put together that it's also in the running for the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. When asked how it felt to hear his car would be on the SEMA Show floor, Clark told SEMA Live host JC Fernando, "I was so honored. This is my first time at SEMA, and getting to be in this booth and also compete in the Battle of the Builders is amazing." (Editor's note: Clark's vehicle was among the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Top 40. Follow along this week!)
Toyo Treadpass, a longtime favorite destination for SEMA Showgoers, premiered 26 unique vehicles, including this stunning bright red Mercedes convertible.
In addition, Dave Trask spoke about the '75 Chevrolet Nomad, which is a build that's 20 years in the making. "[This vehicle] has been a family project for about 20 years. In fact, we bought it before Riley was even born," he said, referring to his daughter, head of Riley's Rebuilds, a company founded by now 17-year-old Riley Schlick. "So we had seven high school girls who worked on the build for two days a week for the past four months." But don't miss the trunk of this build, which holds a special surprise: a fuel injection unit display straight from the experimental division of GM.
Among the lineup of ARMO vehicles is a '06 Mclaren-Mercedes, which was flown into the SEMA Show floor from the United Kingdom. Produced by Automotive LTD and MSO Special Operations Surrey, Yanus shared that the builder first ran into concerns with the owner of the car, so they purchased the vehicle themselves just to get it in their hands and to the SEMA Show. Attendees can see this one-of-a-kind burnt orange build with carbon fiber accents in the HRIA/ARMO booth.
Also on Wednesday's SEMA Live, MagnaFlow Group and industry legend Chip Foose took the opportunity to announce a new partnership: the introduction of Foose Performance products.
"It's an honor and pleasure [to announce this partnership with MagnaFlow]. I've been working with MagnaFlow for more than 20 years now, and they're always expanding [their offerings]. I'm proud to say we're going to be joining forces, and I will be developing more products with them. We're not going to tell you what they are yet because we want you to be surprised when we do release these."
See this '22 Jeep Gladiator by Ernie's Custom Shop in the TORA Feature Vehicle Trail located on the outside walkway between the North and West Hall of the LVCC.
A new-for-2024 activation is the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Feature Vehicle Trail, with eight innovative builds located on the outside walkway between the North and West Hall of the LVCC. You can literally see the builders' passion and skills in these meticulous builds, which highlight the products, trends, business ideas and opportunities in the truck and off-road market.
See these vehicles on the 2024 TORA Feature Vehicles:
The 2024 SEMA Media Panel included (left to right) moderator Dan Neil, The Wall Street Journal, Jamie Butters of Automotive News, Sam Abuelsamid of Forbes and Mark Vaughn of AutoWeek.
The 2024 SEMA Media Panel on the SEMA Central Stage covered "The Rise of Used Car Sales and Vehicle Retention" and the implications for automakers and the aftermarket. It was a compelling discussion among moderator Dan Neil (Pulitzer Prize-winning automotive critic and columnist for The Wall Street Journal) and panelists Jamie Butters (Automotive News), Sam Abuelsamid (Forbes) and Mark Vaughn (AutoWeek).
Witness automotive history as the 2024 SEMA Show continues in the Las Vegas Convention Center through Friday, November 8. Find dozens of events and sessions that work best for your SEMA Show Week on the SEMA Show planner and SEMA Show app. For more information, visit semashow.com.
Today is the last day of the 2024 SEMA Show, but the action doesn't stop once the Showfloor closes. Don't miss out on SEMA Fest 2024 tonight on the SEMA Show Campus. Get your tickets before they sell out to join the ultimate car culture celebration featuring a packed concert lineup and thrilling automotive and action sports demonstrations from Nitro Circus and more.
Fans of speed, power and performance who attend SEMA Fest will experience:
Nitro Circus will perform an electrifying demonstration featuring renowned freestyle motocross (FMX) athletes Keith Sayers, Luke Dolin, Willie Elam, Kieran Ursua and more, who are set to push the boundaries of what's possible in action sports.
Shell Performance Unbound--experience the thrill of driving a race car in a Shell race simulator and enter to win a drifting experience!
The Best of the SEMA Show! Purchase a Friday Enthusiast Experience ticket and enjoy Battle of the Builders, Overland Experience, Ride With Us and much more!
This event is packed with excitement for adrenaline junkies and music lovers alike. Whether you're watching mind-blowing tricks or rocking out to your favorite tunes from Cage the Elephant, SUBLIME, Fitz And The Tantrums and Petey, it's all happening tonight--and you won't want to miss it.
SEMA announced its Best New Products Award winners at the 2024 SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast. The awards are given to the most innovative and cutting-edge automotive aftermarket products that will be consumable in 2025.
More than 1,600 products were entered into the 18 different Showcase categories to be considered for a SEMA New Product Award this year. Winners were selected based on a variety of factors that included superiority of innovation, technical achievement, quality and workmanship, consumer appeal and marketability, and more.
The New Product Award Winners are:
Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Product
WINNER: Revv ADAS Plus (Revv ADAS)
Runner Up:Revv ADAS Mechanical (Revv ADAS)
Runner Up: Solar Wireless Driving Assistant (Vision Automobile Electronics Industrial)
Collision Repair & Refinish Product
WINNER: I-CAR Academy (I-CAR)
Runner Up: SagolaSPRAY (Sagola by Elcometer)
Runner Up: RTS App (I-CAR)
Electric Vehicle Product
WINNER: Formosa VCU (Formosa EV)
Runner Up: RGB LED back lit trim (Papp Plastics & Distributing Ltd.)
Runner Up: BIM-01-2-AEM AEM EV Bridge Interface Module (Dakota Digital)
Engineered New Product
WINNER: Velocity Commander Cruise Control (Dakota Digital)
Runner Up: E-LINK Electronic Sway Bar Links (Suspension Direct Inc.)
Runner Up: GM LT Engine Air to Water Intercooler Integrated Intake Manifold (ProCharger Superchargers)
WINNER: Bolt-In Under-Dash Hydraulic Clutch & Pedal System C1 Corvette (Malwood USA / Under Dash Hydraulics)
Runner Up: Tap Shift Switch Module – Part # TSSB0317 (Holley Performance Brands)
Runner Up: Gen 5 Magnum Builder Series Plenum Assortment Kit (Vintage Air Inc.)
Tire and Related Product
WINNER: TrackAttack Pro (Hoosier Racing Tire)
Runner Up: Solus 4S HA32 (Kumho Tire USA)
Runner Up: JK Tyre #1 (JK Tyre)
Tools & Equipment Product
WINNER: GarageMax 3T Long Reach Electric Floor Jack (ROADTEK)
Runner Up: Slimline Billet Jack (Eddie Motorsports)
Runner Up: Hunter University (Hunter Engineering)
Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product
WINNER: Gen 7 2017+ Ford Crew Cab, Short Bed Power Stroke Diesel XXL Fuel Tank (Titan Fuel Tanks)
Runner Up: Truck Bed Organization Kit (Tmat Products)
Runner Up: Manager Alpha (REDARC)
Wheel and Related Product
WINNER: 2024+ Mustang R1 Wheel Kit -Bright Machined Matte Black DecoTech – 19”x10.5” – Front & 19”x11” - Rear (Ford Performance Parts & Accessories)
Runner Up: Ridler 681GGP (The Wheel Group)
Runner Up: MT Open 5 (Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels)
You can see all the New Product Award winners--and thousands more of the latest and most exciting products hitting the aftermarket--all week in the New Product Showcase, a must-see destination for any SEMA Show attendee. Located in North Hall, the Showcase is the most popular exhibit at the Show and the epicenter of innovation in the specialty-equipment industry.
See a new product you'd like to learn more about? Use the SEMA Show mobile app's "Product Scanner" feature to scan the product and learn more, including additional product information, photos and the company's location on the Show floor.
Now at this year's event? View the 2024 New Product Showcase product here. Visit semashow.com to see the SEMA Show Floorplan, educational sessions, activations and more.
The SEMA Show is tapping into the popularity of Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars with the introduction of the JDM Showcase, located in Central Hall booth #22751.
The popularity of JDM models in the United States continues to surge as enthusiasts increasingly appreciate the design, performance and heritage of Made-in-Japan models. Many JDM models--some of which will be on display at the Show--have become highly sought-after for their robust engines, sleek aesthetics and potential for modifications. Influenced by Japan's rich street racing and motorsports culture, JDM cars have achieved legendary status, driving demand at auctions, car meets and automotive events, where their rarity and distinct style make them standout icons.
This year at the SEMA Show JDM Showcase, four companies are showcasing six vehicles straight from Japan. Leading the lineup is KUHL Racing, renowned for their past presence at the Tokyo Auto Salon, showing a Toyota (A90) Supra equipped with their latest Super Overfender Kit. And representing hybrids, KUHL Racing will also bring a sleek, slammed Toyota Prius that features a new body kit with new fender arches.
Another JDM based tuning company FULLTECH, which has been focusing on the Toyota GR86, is bringing two GR86 models: a more extreme version featuring a GT style full overfender kit inspired by Super GT racecars, and another with a narrower kit that accentuates the stock body perfect for street driving. For fans of bold designs, RESULT JAPAN is showcasing a super-wide aero package for the Toyota GR86.
Lastly, LITTLE PANDA will be presenting a fully tuned Nissan Skyline R33GT-R, which is an iconic JDM favorite. From hybrids to fully tuned masterpieces, experience the unique style, quality and innovation from these exclusively Japanese tuning companies.
SEMA has announced the Top 12 builders in the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers, the aftermarket industry's ultimate vehicle competition celebrating its second decade of providing builders a platform to showcase their craftsmanship and skills to a worldwide audience.
The Top 12 celebratory announcement took place on Wednesday on the SEMA Show stage in the Silver Lot Booth #81218 outside of Central Hall. Miss the fun? Don't worry: the action will continue today, on Thursday, November 7, with the announcement of the Top 4 finalists at 3:00 pm PST at the same location. Coverage is also expected on SEMA Live, the new-for-2024 live stream program on YouTube here, or on the SEMA Facebook here.
2024 SEMA BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS TOP 12
HOT ROD/HOT ROD TRUCK
Noah Alexander: '68 Dodge Charger Central Hall, #C07
Chris Clark: '32 Ford Roadster, Central Hall, #23295
Tony Arme: '59 Chrysler 300E, Central Hall, #22357
SPORT COMPACT/IMPORT PERFORMANCE
Bruce Yarnell: '65 Aston Martin DB5, West Hall, #58135
Brian C Dilley: '73 Ferrari Dino, Central Hall, #24495
Kenny Pfitzer: '56 Porsche, Speedster, West Hall, #50175
Last year's SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, pictured above, was legendary, and this year's event will once again be one not to miss!
Fasten your seatbelts. The aftermarket night of the year returns tonight, November 7, in Las Vegas. Join the celebration, complete with great friends, food, entertainment and a few surprises, including special guest Harry Mack, the multi-talented artist and freestyle rapper best known for his unique, jaw-dropping visual and improvisational freestyle rapping (more details below). The extravaganza will also reveal the winner of several prestigious awards, including:
Content Creator of the Year
Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award
SEMA Person of the Year
Get ready for jaw-dropping entertainment at this year's SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, set for Thursday, November 7, at the Westgate.
Get ready to be entertained by multi-talented artist and rapper freestyle lyricist Harry Mack! Mack is best known for his unique, jaw-dropping visual freestyle rapping. He first came to fame when his Venice Beach freestyle video went viral, which propelled him to opportunities that got him featured with Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Hudson, Complex Music, RedBull, Music and the NBA. As a content creator, his self-produced YouTube series has amassed millions of views. Mack has surprised, impacted and entertained millions of people, leaving them with something unique that they can't wait to share with others. His content and live shows promote positivity and keep fans engaged through mind-blowing interactive performances. His unique approach to hip-hop revolves around the spirit of rhythmic improv. Blending the excitement of instrumental jazz improvisation with the impactful messages of hip-hop lyricism, Harry constantly strives to push the boundaries of his own abilities while reaching for new approaches to rap expression.
Host tables are also available. Contact Courtney Wright at courtneyw@sema.org to learn more and get involved.
2024 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet Date: Thursday, November 7, 6:00 p.m. Reception, 7:00 p.m. Banquet Location: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino - Paradise Event Center (View on Google Maps) Tickets: Tickets or host tables are required. Purchase SEMA Industry Awards Banquet tickets here.
The 2024 SEMA Show, continuing through Friday, November 8, is 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 is providing countless opportunities to engage with industry leaders and professionals through official events and exciting after-hours gatherings. Explore the complete list of remaining SEMA Week events and after-parties below to make the most of your SEMA experience this year!
SEMA Industry Awards Banquet
Last year's SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, pictured above, was legendary, and this year's event will once again be one not to miss!
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)
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
End your Thursday with T-Pain at Zouk Nightclub. Make it a night to remember and book tickets at zouk.group/sema.
SEMA Fest
Missed Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring the Goo Goo Dolls? Couldn't get enough live music? Don't miss SEMA Fest on Friday, November 8, on the SEMA Show campus.
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)
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
The SEMA Show’s comprehensive education program continues to provide valuable resources for the industry today, November 7, with a keynote speech, "The Power of Resilience--Never Give Up, Featuring Bear Grylls," from renowned survival expert, writer and adventurer Bear Grylls.
Grylls, host of "Man vs. Wild," "Running Wild With Bear Grylls" and "You vs. Wild," is appearing today at the 2024 SEMA Show as part of the trade-only event's professional-development experience. He will be joined by Rutledge Wood, auto racing analyst and TV host, to reflect on Grylls' experiences and lessons learned.
Grylls will appear this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. PST on the SEMA Show Main Stage, where he will speak about the experiences that have shaped him and the lessons he's learned along the way.
"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."
Grylls' keynote address is part of a comprehensive SEMA Show Education program that focuses on best-in-class skill development.
"We're really excited about bringing Bear Grylls to our Main Stage Experience," said Gary Vigil, SEMA senior director of education. "His life motto of kindness, courage and never giving up is truly inspiring and will resonate with all attendees."
Grylls' keynote is part of the SEMA Show Education Program that includes 80 learning sessions scheduled for this week across seven highly focused tracks. Featured programs this week include the Dale Carnegie Management Essentials for Leaders program, the Women's Leadership Symposium, two on-site electric vehicle (EV) certification programs led by Legacy EV and seminars hosted by I-CAR, Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and Tire Industry Association (TIA). Access to most education programs is included as a benefit to registration. Fee-based sessions are identified under the session description when registering.
"The SEMA Show Education program is known as one of the industry's most rewarding professional development opportunities," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. "Each session will drive immediate takeaways, whether you're a C-suite executive, manager, builder, sales or marketing professional, or someone who simply wants to expand your industry knowledge."
To view the remaining 2024 SEMA Show Education Program sessions, visit semashow.com/education.
Former President Donald Trump reclaimed the White House late Tuesday night, delivering a decisive defeat to Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump has promised on "Day 1" to end federal electric vehicle (EV) mandates, a major factor in the nation's decision to deliver him a second election victory.
SEMA played a major role bringing the EV mandate issue to the forefront of the election, using its Driving Force Action SuperPAC to educate American voters on the damage that such policies will cause for the nation's automotive small businesses and consumers.
SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola reacted to the results in a statement. Read the full statement here.
"SEMA celebrates the re-election of Donald J. Trump as president, which promises to deliver to the nation and automotive aftermarket industry a host of important policies wins, including the prospect of tax cuts to support small businesses, a more-fair regulatory environment and most importantly, a Day-1 end to EV mandates, which would have stifled American innovation and hindered an industry whose economic and cultural impact is integral to the American experience," Spagnola said. "We're excited to work with a second Trump administration to advance policies and legislation that will continue to make America a more prosperous and powerful nation."
Trump has also pledged to deliver a new round of tax cuts and push for regulatory relief for businesses.
Meanwhile, Republicans won control of the U.S. Senate after flipping seats in West Virginia, Ohio and Montana. Among the winners was Republican Bernie Moreno, an Ohio car dealership magnate. SEMA was among the very first to endorse Moreno in his campaign to first win his primary, and then defeat three-term incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown.
A number of important races remain uncalled, both at the state and federal levels. SEMA continues to monitor these races, where state legislative bodies hold important sway over a number of issues important to automotive enthusiasts.
