By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Hannah Pennington, manager of mayhem at FLATED, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

Get to know Pennington in her interview with SEMA News below. 

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

Hannah Pennington: "Don't take life too seriously; you'll never make it out alive." I bring that energy to my professional life. When work is fun, that passion is transparent and helps convey your message. Like when I launched a truck off a cliff in Alaska. You can combine fun with product testing and marketing!

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

HP: The people and how broad its base is. You've got people behind everything from rebuilding old-school engines to inventing new tech like self-driving cars––all from different backgrounds, making it happen. There's really a home for everyone in this space.

SN: Where can you be found on Saturday? 

HP: High alpine lake in the summer. Snowboarding at my local mountain in the winter. I take full advantage of Montana.

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

HP: A meeting is only as good as its agenda. I make sure I do research ahead of time and outline my thoughts. Clear, actionable items should be a result of a good meeting.

SN: If you could go to lunch with an industry leader, living or dead, who would it be? 

HP: Mary Barra. I would love to learn everything I can from one of the most badass leaders not just our industry, but the world. I love seeing a woman leading the way.

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates. 

By Ashley Reyes

As part of its mission to empower emerging leaders in the automotive industry through education and networking, the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) will host a virtual Lunch and Learn focused on successfully transitioning from an individual contributor into an effective team leader. The session, "FLN Lunch & Learn: The Accidental Manager," will take place on Thursday, September 24, at 10:30 a.m. PDT/1:30 p.m. EDT.

Many professionals seek leadership roles at some point in their career but often lack the guidance needed to get there. This Lunch and Learn offers a valuable opportunity to hear from industry leaders who have successfully raised through the ranks as they share their experiences, lessons learned and advice for others.

Moderated by Dallas Johannes, this Lunch and Learn will feature panelists Armond Gilmore, media and brand manager at Skyjacker Suspension; Matty Jones, operations manager at BuiltRight Industries; and Kelleigh Shankel, CEO of Limelight Logic.

Attendees will:

• Learn how to successfully transition into a leadership role.
• Hear first-hand experiences from industry professionals who have grown into management positions.
• Gain practical leadership insights that can be applied within their organization.
• Connect with fellow FLN members and grow their network.

FLN Lunch and Learns are designed to provide accessible education and training to rising aftermarket professionals, so that they can take the insights learned to grow in their careers and businesses. Don't miss this chance to access priceless industry knowledge in just one hour's time.

Register here.

By SEMA News Editors

Bob Vandergriff Sr., 1989 SEMA Person of the Year, 2003 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee and former owner of Hedman Headers and other aftermarket brands, has passed away. He was 84.

Vandergriff has been associated with Petersen Publishing, NHRA and McMullen Advertising. At those organizations, he helped increase magazine circulations, contributed to company growth and received countless advertising awards.

It is, however, for his role as a businessman and entrepreneur that he is best known. In 1978, Vandergriff purchased his steppingstone to the future: Hedman Manufacturing. Vandergriff put up his mortgage and sold his cars and his stocks. With the money he raised—along with the help of McMullen and several friends—Vandergriff purchased the then-troubled company.

With what Vandergriff described as "a lot of hard work and dedication from a lot of people," he did just that, building Hedman Hedders to become one of today's most successful companies in the industry.

He went on to purchase Beeline Engineering (JR Headers) in 1982 and Trans-Dapt, an accessory company, in 1991. He officially left McMullen Advertising in 1992 and now concentrates his efforts on Hedman Hedders, JR Headers and Trans-Dapt.

As the owner of these companies, he has also been one of SEMA's most active members. Vandergriff was a SEMA Board of Directors member for six years, and served on many SEMA committees. Vandergriff also invested several years and time as chairman of SEMA's annual golf tournament. The event helped raise thousands of dollars for the SEMA Scholarship Fund.

Hedman Hedders has been recognized with the PWA Manufacturer of the Year awards in 1982 and 1988, and Vandergriff was recognized as the 1989 SEMA Person of the Year. He was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2003.

Image and biography courtesy of SEMA Hall of Fame. To read his full biography, click here.

By SEMA News Editors

Exhibiting at the 2026 SEMA Show is about more than building a great booth. The most successful exhibitors know how to make sure buyers, media members, customers and attendees know where to find you before the doors even open, November 3-6 in Las Vegas. (Still need a booth? Start here.) 

Fortunately, there is a wide range of marketing resources available for exhibitors to help amplify product launches and vehicle reveals, increase booth traffic and generate real business opportunities before, during and after the Show.

These opportunities are outlined in the Exhibitor Service Manual found at semashow.com/esm, and also detailed below.

Generate Buzz: SEMA Show Public Relations Opportunities

Thousands of journalists, media members, content creators and industry influencers attend the SEMA Show each year looking for the latest products, technologies and trends.

Found in the Marketing, Advertising and Sponsorships section of the Exhibitor Service Manual, brands can take advantage of several free resources to help connect with the media, including:

• Press Conferences: Companies unveiling significant news are encouraged to apply for the official SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule, available at no cost. Restrictions and rules apply. Fill out the form at semashow.com/mediaconference.
• Press Releases: Exhibitors can also upload press releases at no cost--making company news easily accessible to credentialed media before and throughout Show week.
• New-for-2026 New Vehicle Build Unveiling: Launching a new vehicle build? Companies planning a vehicle reveal can submit their exhibitor name, booth number, reveal time and date, and a one-sentence teaser to pr@sema.org by October 1 for inclusion on a media list distributed to attending journalists.

Increase Visibility: SEMA Show Sponsorship Opportunities

The SEMA Show offers sponsorship opportunities that place your brand in front of attendees throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Available options are seemingly endless, including (but not limited to) hanging banners, rig and display space, aisle signs, billboards, digital displays, directional signage, floor graphics, advertising in SEMA publications and numerous additional branding opportunities.

Whether your goal is increasing booth traffic, reinforcing brand awareness or promoting a product launch, sponsorships allow exhibitors to reach attendees before they ever step onto the show floor. Complete sponsorship options are available in the Marketing, Advertising and Sponsorships section of the Exhibitor Service Manual.

Put Your Build in the Spotlight

The Feature Vehicle Display program gives exhibitors another opportunity to showcase products in a real-world application, attract attention and drive additional traffic and connections across the Show floor.

Although the July 31 application deadline has passed, SEMA Show organizers are still accepting feature vehicle applications, which will be reviewed at the end of September or as space allows. Approved vehicles are also promoted through the SEMA Show app with details about the build, products, builder and sponsoring exhibitor.

Select applicants who submitted on or before July 31 will receive an approval and confirmation email on August 28. Applications that submit after the July deadline are subject to approval at the end of September, or as space allows.

Learn more about Feature Vehicle Displays and how to apply in the "Vehicles/Car Displays" section of the Exhibitor Service Manual.

The New Products Showcase, Free Entry for SEMA Show Exhibitors

For companies introducing new products, no marketing opportunity delivers greater exposure than the New Products Showcase.

Recognized as a top destination for buyers and media at the SEMA Show, the New Products Showcase puts exhibitors' latest innovations in front of thousands of decision-makers and media members searching for what's new and trending.

The first product submission is always free for exhibitors, making participation an easy decision. Additional entries are $95 each through October 2, after which the price increases to $175.

New for 2026, exhibitors can also enter products into the new Powersports | SxS | Lifestyle category, expanding opportunities for companies serving those growing markets.

Get all the details and sign up in the Marketing, Advertising and Sponsorships section of the Exhibitor Service Manual.

Socialize Your SEMA Show: Exhibitor Digital Toolkit

Small business owners have more important things to worry about than social media. That's why the free 2026 Exhibitor & Attendee Digital Toolkit includes professionally designed graphics, copy templates, official logos and press release resources that are ready to download and share across websites, email campaigns and social-media channels.

Exhibitors can download complete asset packages or browse individual graphics sized specifically for today's most popular social platforms. Simply customize the messaging, announce your booth number and invite customers to visit during the Show.

When posting, remember to use #SEMA2026 and #SEMAShow2026, and also tag the official SEMA Show social accounts for additional opportunities to be shared with the industry's online community. 

Find the assets at semashow.com/digital-tools. 

Don't Forget SEMA Education to Maximize Your Team's ROI

Marketing ROI isn't limited to attracting more visitors to your booth. Investing in your team can deliver returns long after the Show ends.

SEMA Education returns to the 2026 SEMA Show with dozens of expert-led sessions covering sales and marketing, small-business strategy, executive leadership, vehicle technology, legislative updates, talent management and more. Most sessions are included with SEMA Show registration.

Exhibitors are encouraged to review the education schedule before arriving in Las Vegas and reserve seats early by adding sessions during registration or through the Exhibitor Portal. Some partner programs require separate registration or fees, which are noted in the schedule.

Get the details and browse the official schedule at semashow.com/education-schedule.

Questions about exhibiting? SEMA Show management is here to help at 909-396-0289 and semashow@sema.org.

And don't forget these other must-read exhibitor resources. Each offers practical tips to help companies maximize their SEMA Show plan:

• Have a Plan for the 2026 SEMA Show: Essential Resources for Exhibitors
• Generate More Leads at the 2026 SEMA Show
• Resources to Help Exhibitors Save Money on Their 2026 SEMA Show Investment

 

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, visit the Registration Resource Center, or visit the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan. 

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, 2026, 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.   

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Leno's Law, California's SEMA-backed SB 1392, has passed the California Assembly Appropriations Committee unanimously. The bill, which is authored by Sens. Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove, and sponsored by SEMA Hall of Famer Jay Leno, now goes to the full Assembly for a vote. If approved, it moves that much closer to the governor's desk. 

Inspired by ongoing conversations about protecting California's automotive heritage, the bill has now cleared the committee hurdle where it stalled last year and is headed to the Assembly Floor. While there is still work ahead, this progress represents a hard-earned win for California car culture and the community fighting to preserve it.  

🎞️ VIDEO: Watch Chris Jacobs and Carmen Vera's message on Leno's Law below: 

Leno's Law creates a narrow collector-vehicle smog-check exemption for certain older vehicles, phased in from pre-'81 models to pre-'86 models by 2032. To qualify, owners must either provide proof of collector car insurance or show, through a future DMV process, that the vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. The bill does not change California's existing pre-'76 exemption. 

Ahead of the pivotal vote, Leno's Law supporters gathered at the California State Capitol to urge lawmakers to keep the bill moving. The rally featured remarks from Sens. Cortese and Grove, Carmen Vera of Pasadena Classic Car, Victor Muñoz of SEMA, Francine Mata of the Sacramento Lowrider Commission and Leno, who joined by phone. The rally brought together members of California's collector-car community, with more than 40 classic and collectible vehicles on display. Enthusiasts, small businesses, lowriders, historians, collectors, restorers and community advocates have helped push Leno's Law farther than ever before.  

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and stay updated on its progress, contact SEMA Senior Manager for State Government Affairs Victor Muñoz at victorm@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Leno's Law, California's SEMA-backed SB 1392, has passed the California Assembly Appropriations Committee unanimously. The bill, which is authored by Sens. Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove, and sponsored by SEMA Hall of Famer Jay Leno, now goes to the full Assembly for a vote. If approved, it moves that much closer to the governor's desk. 

Inspired by ongoing conversations about protecting California's automotive heritage, the bill has now cleared the committee hurdle where it stalled last year and is headed to the Assembly Floor. While there is still work ahead, this progress represents a hard-earned win for California car culture and the community fighting to preserve it.  

🎞️ VIDEO: Watch Chris Jacobs and Carmen Vera's message on Leno's Law below: 

Leno's Law creates a narrow collector-vehicle smog-check exemption for certain older vehicles, phased in from pre-'81 models to pre-'86 models by 2032. To qualify, owners must either provide proof of collector car insurance or show, through a future DMV process, that the vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. The bill does not change California's existing pre-'76 exemption. 

Ahead of the pivotal vote, Leno's Law supporters gathered at the California State Capitol to urge lawmakers to keep the bill moving. The rally featured remarks from Sens. Cortese and Grove, Carmen Vera of Pasadena Classic Car, Victor Muñoz of SEMA, Francine Mata of the Sacramento Lowrider Commission and Leno, who joined by phone. The rally brought together members of California's collector-car community, with more than 40 classic and collectible vehicles on display. Enthusiasts, small businesses, lowriders, historians, collectors, restorers and community advocates have helped push Leno's Law farther than ever before.  

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and stay updated on its progress, contact SEMA Senior Manager for State Government Affairs Victor Muñoz at victorm@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently issued a final rule that permanently eliminates the requirement that American companies and individuals must report the beneficial ownership information of their business to FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a 2021 federal law intended to enhance transparency in entity structures and ownership to combat money laundering, tax fraud and other illicit activities. The final rule, which took effect on August 14, 2026, requires foreign entities to report their beneficial ownership information (BOI) for foreign individuals. 

• The automotive aftermarket has long advocated for policies that allow small businesses to spend less time navigating unnecessary regulatory burdens and more time investing in their businesses and employees. Treasury's final BOI rule moves in that direction by permanently eliminating a federal reporting requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. persons. 

The U.S. Treasury Department estimates that the changes in the final rule will eliminate approximately $9 billion in annual compliance costs for small businesses and reduce the reporting burden by approximately 53 million hours per year compared with the previous framework. 

Key Provisions in Beneficial Ownership Final Rule: 

• Adopts the exemptions set out in the interim final rule issued in March 2025, making the rollback of BOI reporting by American companies permanent.
• Exempts American persons who have obtained FinCEN IDs from any obligation to update or correct the information they originally provided to FinCEN to obtain their FinCEN IDs.
• Eliminates the requirement for foreign companies to report American person "company applicants" (i.e., the individuals who helped those foreign companies register to do business in the United States). 
• Exempts foreign pooled investment vehicles registered in the United States from reporting the BOI of an American person in control of the investment vehicle. 
• Confirms that FinCEN will delete information about any individuals––company applicants, beneficial owners or recipients of a FinCEN ID––that FinCEN reasonably believes is a U.S. person (e.g., the information is linked to a U.S. passport or U.S. driver's license).

Under the final rule, foreign entities that are reporting companies will still be required to report BOI for foreign individuals. 

In addition to the final rule, FinCEN has issued Frequently Asked Questions and will be updating guidance on FinCEN.gov to reflect the final rule. 

A Win for Small-Business Regulatory Relief 

For the independent repair shop owner, specialty-parts manufacturer, distributor, performance business or motorsports company, the takeaway is simple: If your business is organized in the United States, you generally no longer need to file BOI with FinCEN. 

Businesses with foreign corporate structures should still review the rule carefully to determine whether they fall within the remaining reporting requirements. And all businesses should continue to comply with other applicable federal, state and local requirements. 

Questions? Contact SEMA Senior Manager for Federal Government Affairs Juan Mejia at JuanM@sema.org.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently issued a final rule that permanently eliminates the requirement that American companies and individuals must report the beneficial ownership information of their business to FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a 2021 federal law intended to enhance transparency in entity structures and ownership to combat money laundering, tax fraud and other illicit activities. The final rule, which took effect on August 14, 2026, requires foreign entities to report their beneficial ownership information (BOI) for foreign individuals. 

• The automotive aftermarket has long advocated for policies that allow small businesses to spend less time navigating unnecessary regulatory burdens and more time investing in their businesses and employees. Treasury's final BOI rule moves in that direction by permanently eliminating a federal reporting requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. persons. 

The U.S. Treasury Department estimates that the changes in the final rule will eliminate approximately $9 billion in annual compliance costs for small businesses and reduce the reporting burden by approximately 53 million hours per year compared with the previous framework. 

Key Provisions in Beneficial Ownership Final Rule: 

• Adopts the exemptions set out in the interim final rule issued in March 2025, making the rollback of BOI reporting by American companies permanent.
• Exempts American persons who have obtained FinCEN IDs from any obligation to update or correct the information they originally provided to FinCEN to obtain their FinCEN IDs.
• Eliminates the requirement for foreign companies to report American person "company applicants" (i.e., the individuals who helped those foreign companies register to do business in the United States). 
• Exempts foreign pooled investment vehicles registered in the United States from reporting the BOI of an American person in control of the investment vehicle. 
• Confirms that FinCEN will delete information about any individuals––company applicants, beneficial owners or recipients of a FinCEN ID––that FinCEN reasonably believes is a U.S. person (e.g., the information is linked to a U.S. passport or U.S. driver's license).

Under the final rule, foreign entities that are reporting companies will still be required to report BOI for foreign individuals. 

In addition to the final rule, FinCEN has issued Frequently Asked Questions and will be updating guidance on FinCEN.gov to reflect the final rule. 

A Win for Small-Business Regulatory Relief 

For the independent repair shop owner, specialty-parts manufacturer, distributor, performance business or motorsports company, the takeaway is simple: If your business is organized in the United States, you generally no longer need to file BOI with FinCEN. 

Businesses with foreign corporate structures should still review the rule carefully to determine whether they fall within the remaining reporting requirements. And all businesses should continue to comply with other applicable federal, state and local requirements. 

Questions? Contact SEMA Senior Manager for Federal Government Affairs Juan Mejia at JuanM@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

A successful SEMA Show experience, November 3-6, starts well before attendees arrive in Las Vegas. By handling registration, hotel, airfare and transportation early, Showgoers can take advantage of available savings and spend less time managing logistics once the Show gets underway.

Register Now to Save on Your 2026 SEMA Show Badge

And there’s a good reason to start now: The current $75 SEMA Show badge price is available only through September 25, when registration increases to $100. Registering early also gives attendees access to the Registration Resource Center, where they can handle other Show-planning details in one place, including print receipts; register a spouse; book hotels; reserve a spot in one of dozens of educational sessions; purchase tickets to events like SEMA Fest, the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast and SEMA Industry Honors; and more.

How to Save on Your 2026 SEMA Show Hotel

Hotel reservations are open through SEMA's only official housing partner, onPeak. Bookings made in the official SEMA Show block are eligible for hotel loyalty and member programs and are guaranteed to be the lowest possible prices available.

That's right: organizers will price-match if you happen to find a lower rate, so there's no downside to booking within the official SEMA Show hotel block at semashow.com/hotel. 

How to Save on Airfare to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show

SEMA Show organizers know travel costs can add up, which is why they've partnered with several airlines to offer exclusive discounts for attendees heading to the 2026 SEMA Show via airplane. 

With these deals from exclusive SEMA Show partners––detailed at the link below––attendees can take advantage of airfare savings while planning their trip to the industry's premier automotive aftermarket event. 

Learn more about how to save on airfare on the SEMA Show website here.

How to Save on the Las Vegas Monorail and The Vegas Loop During SEMA

Las Vegas Monorail

The Las Vegas Monorail is an excellent way to get to the SEMA Show campus if your hotel is near a station. It conveniently tracks above Vegas traffic, making your commute time from any station no more than 10 minutes, and drops Showgoers off just outside of Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Monorail stations and their corresponding hotels include: MGM Grand, Horseshoe/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah's/The LINQ, Boingo (LVCC), Westgate and Sahara.

Attendees enjoy exclusive Monorail discounts. Purchase tickets at tix.lvmonorail.com/SEMA26 for the best rates available. Paper tickets are also available (at full price) from ticket kiosks and customer service desks. Hours of operation begin every day at 7:00 a.m. and end at midnight on Monday, 2:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 3:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

Monorail riders also enjoy discounts across Las Vegas on things like food, entertainment and shopping. Learn more at lvmonorail.com/discounts.

The Las Vegas Loop

The Las Vegas Loop is an underground transportation network that takes riders through various stations across the LVCC campus. This unique means of transportation saves you time and energy getting from one point to another, and it's free for the LVCC grounds.

Walking from one end of the LVCC to the other could take up to 30 min. and lots of energy. Take a look at the Loop map, and leverage the free rides whenever possible to get to your location so you spend more time where you want to be. It's a week-long marathon, so don't sprint.

The Loop also features stations at Westgate and Encore Las Vegas and recently added Resorts World Las Vegas to the growing list, making the Loop another transportation option to get to and from the LVCC. However, these routes are fee-based, so visit lvloop.com/tickets for going rates.

SEMA Fest Is Back in 2026

SEMA Fest––which recently announced an all-star lineup featuring The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World and 311––returns to Las Vegas on Friday, November 6, with motorsports, music and car culture. 

Qualified SEMA Show attendees can add SEMA Fest tickets directly through the Registration Resource Center when securing a Show badge.

Non-industry friends and family can purchase tickets now at SEMAFest.com, along with passes for the one-day "SEMA Show Friday–Public Day," a bucket-list experience for automotive enthusiasts.

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, buyer and media registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Show, November 3-6 in Las Vegas, is where the aftermarket comes together to connect and do business. For SEMA members, private meeting rooms in the SEMA Member Lounge (located in Room N251 on the second level of North Hall) offer a convenient place to take those important conversations off the Show floor.

Take the Meeting to Room N251 in North Hall

The SEMA Member Lounge gives members a place to step away from the bustling Show floor to recharge, reset and regroup. It also offers members the opportunity to book private meeting rooms for business conversations.

Meeting rooms accommodate up to 10 people and can be reserved in advance, making them useful for customer meetings, supplier discussions, team meetings or other conversations that call for a little privacy. Certain conditions, including start and end times, apply.

Members can also take advantage of the lounge itself, with amenities that include:

• Complimentary coffee.
• Internet and printer access.
• Device charging stations.
• Food available for purchase (little to no waiting in lines).
• Comfortable seating and workspace.
• Networking opportunities with fellow industry professionals.

With a private meeting room just steps from the Show floor, members can keep appointments on schedule without having to leave the SEMA Show campus or search for an available table or quiet corner.

Make the Most of SEMA Show Membership

The private meeting rooms are one of several benefits available through the SEMA Member Lounge during the Show. SEMA Membership also provides year-round access to market research, advocacy, business savings programs, councils, networks and other resources designed to help aftermarket businesses succeed.

For companies planning their 2026 SEMA Show schedules, membership can add another useful resource to the week––including a place to conduct business away from the crowds.

Visit sema.org/join to become a SEMA member and unlock exclusive benefits before arriving in Las Vegas. To start the application, make sure to select "Create Account" in the login box.