By SEMA Editors

The following candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Chair-elect – One Open Seat

Myles Kovacs, TIS Industries; Melanie White, Hellwig Products.

• Myles Kovacs, TIS Industries
• Melanie White, Hellwig Products

Distributor/Retailer – One Open Seat

Left: Rob Ward, Legacy EV; and Ted Wentz, Quadratec.

• Rob Ward, Legacy EV
• Ted Wentz, Quadratec, Incumbent

Voting will take place online between May 9–23, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact.

Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact beginning Friday, April 28. Winners will be announced by June 1.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Kansas has introduced a SEMA-supported resolution (H.R. 6018) reaffirming the state’s commitment to consumer choice and vehicles powered by internal combustion engines.

As other states have begun to ban the sales of new gas- and diesel-powered vehicles starting in 2035, Kansas is declaring freedom from narrow and burdensome energy policies that limit existing, proven technologies. SEMA believes that Kansas residents, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. The resolution awaits consideration by the House.

SEMA encourages its members and enthusiasts in Kansas to contact their lawmakers in support of HR 6018.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The California Senate Environmental Quality Committee unanimously passed SEMA-sponsored legislation (SB 301) to create a financial rebate program for converting gas- and diesel-powered motor vehicles into zero-emissions-vehicles (ZEVs). Authored by California Senator Anthony Portantino, the legislation will allow California to support small businesses and maintain its rich car culture, while assisting consumers that want to convert their vehicles to cleaner engines.

SEMA is sponsoring the legislation, embracing the innovation of the auto industry as it works to make ZEV ownership more accessible following a similar bill introduced last year that passed in the Assembly with zero opposition.

California has multiple programs, including the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) and the Clean Cars for All Program, to promote the purchase of new ZEVs. However, none of these programs assist with ZEV conversions of gas-powered vehicles that started their life with an internal-combustion engine.

SEMA encourages its members and enthusiasts in California to contact their lawmakers in support of SB 301.

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

The September 2023 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2023—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young entrepreneurs and professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could also be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process.

We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2023 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 1.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Show is the ultimate destination for the world’s foremost automotive aftermarket buyers, media and influencers to connect and get business done. Located at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Show sprawls across millions of square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space, creating numerous brand presentation opportunities.

Rig Spaces at the SEMA Show are considered sponsorship opportunities. They are available in high-traffic, outside locations. To qualify for any sponsorship at the SEMA Show, a company must first be a qualified exhibitor. Not an exhibitor yet? Reserve your booth here.

The process works as follows:

• Rig Space sponsors from the 2022 SEMA Show have first right of refusal for their space and must contract for this space by April 3 to keep it.
• SEMA sales will then work with interested exhibitors on the remaining inventory based on the following:

1. 2022 Rig Space sponsors who wish to relocate their Rig Space will have first choice.
2. The remaining available spaces will be sold with priority based on SEMA Show seniority points.

Cost for a Rig Space is $20,000 for those utilizing the space for a trailer/rig only. Cost to use the space with build-out, including trussing, is $25,000. These exclusive opportunities include additional marketing opportunities designed to help boost ROI, including:

• Full-page ad(s) in the October and November editions of SEMA News.
•  ½-page ad in the official SEMA Show Pocket Guide.
• 60-day web banner package.

Additional information can be found on the SEMA sponsorship brochure.

Contact your SEMA sales director for additional information or call 909-396-0289 or email sales@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members are invited to a mixer at Jeep Beach Week in Daytona, Florida, Wednesday, April 26, 2023, from 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (EDT).

Taking place on the third level of the Daytona International Speedway, the mixer is the ideal event for members in the truck and off-road space to learn about what the council is working on. Attendees will engage in fun conversations, discuss new truck and off-road and industry trends and find out what volunteer opportunities are available in the industry.

If you’re a business in the truck and off-road market, register for the mixer now to discover the many benefits that TORA has to offer. TORA select committee leaders will be on site to answer questions.

RSVP here.

*Credentials are required to enter the Speedway. Obtain your credentials on-site at the Speedway entrance.

By Ashley Reyes

In conjunction with the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), the Southern California Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is staging an event at both SEMA Garages to connect its students with businesses in the industry.  

Taking place March 25 at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and April 29 at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, the ETTN/SAE Career Fair will include more than 100 university students. Both events take place 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (local time). SEMA-member companies are invited to participate and meet with future automotive engineers at the events.

Participating businesses will have an opportunity to share their expertise with university students who are part of Formula and Baja SAE competition teams, help them explore career opportunities and inspire them in their career paths.  

This is a great chance to connect face-to-face with potential candidates, put your company name out in the industry and network with other aftermarket businesses and industry professionals.

Register your company at the SEMA Garage, Diamond Bar, California.  

Register your company at the SEMA Garage, Detroit. 

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 mixer, 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 Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (MDT) at Grandpa’s Garage 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

Manufacturers of automotive restoration products are invited to promote their products to more than 100,000 car enthusiasts who will gather at Spring Carlisle—one of the world’s largest and most prominent consumer collector car events.  

Through the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase taking place April 19–22, ARMO members can display their products in an exclusive, high-traffic area at the event, where they will generate interest and possibly sales. ARMO members that sign up at www.sema.org/armo-hot-products-showcase before April 1 will receive:  

• Free product exposure. The Showcase is an exclusive no-cost opportunity for ARMO members to display and promote their products to a worldwide audience. Not an ARMO member? Sign up here.  
• Exposure to 100,000+ consumers. With thousands of automotive hobbyists and restoration enthusiasts on-site, the prime positioning of the Showcase tent gives products superb exposure.
• Chance to win a New Product Award. Consumers will vote for their favorite new products inside the Showcase tent. New product award winners are recognized at the SEMA Show in November.  
• It’s worry free! Your product is set-up by ARMO staff. Simply ship your product with a return label, or drop off the product on-site and ARMO takes care of the rest.  
• Submit up to four products. Display, not one, not two, but up to four of your hottest and most sought-after restoration products.  

Register your products here or contact ARMO Director Marcy Yanus at marcy@sema.org with your questions. 

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members who are interested in supporting industry youth by volunteering as a SEMA scholarship judge have until tomorrow, March 24, to submit their applications.    

More than 450 applications have been received for the 2023–2024 SEMA Scholarship Program. The program issues funds to students and recent graduates who aspire to lead the industry. Volunteers are needed to assist with reviewing applications and selecting winners.  

Becoming a SEMA scholarship judge is a fantastic volunteer opportunity to give back to the industry and connect to the next generation of up-and-coming automotive talent. The entire evaluation process is online and easy to use. There is great flexibility and a variety of time commitment options, so volunteers can create a schedule that works best for them.

Judging begins April 3 and continues until May 15. To learn more and apply, visit the SEMA Scholarship Judge Application.  

For general details about the SEMA Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness program, visit www.sema.org/scholarships.