More than 400 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California, Friday, July 29.

More than 400 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California, Friday, July 29, to honor 2011 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Gray Baskerville, Art Chrisman, Chris Economaki and John Towle and raise money for children’s charities Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp. They also came to thank departing SEMA Board of Directors members for their service and welcome new members.

“It was great to recognize our new Hall of Fame inductees Gray Baskerville, Art Chrisman, Chris Economaki and John Towle,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Whether building the world’s appetite for all things automotive through media, spectacular hot rods or growing the industry through its trade associations, these inductees exemplify contributions at a world-class level. Also, I’m grateful for the contributions of our outgoing Board members and look forward to working with the new Board members. Their unique backgrounds and experiences will continue guiding the industry to grow and prosper. I’d like to thank all the volunteers who helped make the fundraising activities such a success. 'SEMA Cares' is a wonderful example of how people in this industry are able to selflessly work together to help better the lives of others.”

The day’s activities kicked-off with the 2011 Business Technology Symposium (BTS), a series of panel discussions and seminars sponsored by SEMA’s Street Performance Council (SPC), followed by the Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors.

 A reception at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach launched the evening’s Installation Banquet & Gala. Emcee Dave McClelland hosted the ceremonies honoring SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and incoming and outgoing Board members.

The newly elected members to the SEMA Board of Directors include: Tim Martin of K&N Engineering; Steve Wolcott of ProMedia LLC; Jim Chick of Bestop Inc.; J.R. Moore of Performance Warehouse; and Greg Adler of Transamerican Auto Parts. Nate Shelton of B&M Automotive Group is the new SEMA chairman-elect. In addition, outgoing Board Chairman Rick Rollins, of Rollins Performance Companies, addressed attendees as he passed on the torch to Paul "Scooter" Brothers of Comp Performance Group, the new chairman of the Board.


Outgoing Board members Laurel Dasher of Superchips, Zan Martin of Martin & Co. Advertising, Tony Napoli of American Speed Centers, Doug Evans of Source Interlink Media and Ernie Silvers of Egge Machine Co. Inc. were honored and thanked for their substantial contributions to the industry.

David Baskerville accepts SEMA Hall of Fame recognition on behalf of his brother Gray, who was a long-time editor for Hot Rod magazine.	The NHRA's Steve Gibbs accepts SEMA Hall of Fame recognition on behalf of Art Chrisman, who played a key role in the hot-rod movement. He now works side-by-side with his son at Chrisman Auto Rod Specialties.
Corinne Economaki accepts SEMA Hall of Fame recognition on behalf of her father Chris, who is hailed as the founding father of American motorsports media, having served as a commentator and journalist for more than 70 years.	John Towle, currently executive director for the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA), started his career at Edelbrock nearly 50 years ago.
Outgoing Board Chairman Rick Rollins says farewell before welcoming new Board Chairman Paul "Scooter" Brothers.	New Board Chairman Paul "Scooter" Brothers (left) shares a laugh with SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting.
Zan Martin (center) of Martin & Co. Advertising is an outgoing SEMA Board member.	Tim Martin (center) of K&N Engineering is recognized for his new role on the SEMA Board of Directors.
Tyler Tanaka of Cie Studios and chairman of SEMA's Street Performance Council (SPC) provides attendees of the Business Technology Symposium with an insider's perspective on the importance of staying current with technology trends for business marketing and overall operations.	The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, featured hundreds of pinewood cars—built by children from Victory Junction Camp and Childhelp and sponsored by SEMA-member companies—racing against the clock for bragging rights and to support these two worthwhile charities.

 

The SEMA Online Marketing Conference will be held Monday, October 31, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Online marketing continues to be a critical element for all businesses. Effective use of online platforms can be the key to growth and increased sales—but technology and tactics are changing quickly.

To help the industry access the latest information, the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) will once again produce the SEMA Online Marketing Conference, Monday, October 31, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“Providing the latest information and resources for the industry continues to be a top priority for SEMA,” stated Tom Myroniak, SEMA vice president of marketing and member services. “Holding the SEMA Online Marketing Conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center the day before the SEMA Show opens makes this event especially convenient for the industry.”

Whether individuals are marketing veterans or novices, the SEMA Online Marketing Conference will provide practical and valuable information for everyone. The event will feature subject-matter experts on the following topics: landing page optimization, Facebook, mobile site development, search engine marketing (SEM), pay per click (PPC), website analytics, video search engine optimization (SEO), video marketing, reputation management and more.

The event will offer two tracks for businesses and marketers: a Fundamentals track (for those who want to learn or review essential online strategies) and an Intermediate track (for those who are more experienced and want to take a deeper dive into topics).

Most online conferences of this caliber would typically command $800–$1,000 in registration fees. SEI is providing this full-day event (and lunch) for only $119 (for SEMA members) and $219 (for non-members). Please be sure to register prior to October 17, as the price will increase by $50 after that date.

Don’t miss this outstanding opportunity to learn the latest online trends and strategies. To review the entire agenda and speaker lineup, or to register, visit www.SEMAomc.com.

The SEMA Online Marketing Conference will be held Monday, October 31, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Online marketing continues to be a critical element for all businesses. Effective use of online platforms can be the key to growth and increased sales—but technology and tactics are changing quickly.

To help the industry access the latest information, the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) will once again produce the SEMA Online Marketing Conference, Monday, October 31, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“Providing the latest information and resources for the industry continues to be a top priority for SEMA,” stated Tom Myroniak, SEMA vice president of marketing and member services. “Holding the SEMA Online Marketing Conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center the day before the SEMA Show opens makes this event especially convenient for the industry.”

Whether individuals are marketing veterans or novices, the SEMA Online Marketing Conference will provide practical and valuable information for everyone. The event will feature subject-matter experts on the following topics: landing page optimization, Facebook, mobile site development, search engine marketing (SEM), pay per click (PPC), website analytics, video search engine optimization (SEO), video marketing, reputation management and more.

The event will offer two tracks for businesses and marketers: a Fundamentals track (for those who want to learn or review essential online strategies) and an Intermediate track (for those who are more experienced and want to take a deeper dive into topics).

Most online conferences of this caliber would typically command $800–$1,000 in registration fees. SEI is providing this full-day event (and lunch) for only $119 (for SEMA members) and $219 (for non-members). Please be sure to register prior to October 17, as the price will increase by $50 after that date.

Don’t miss this outstanding opportunity to learn the latest online trends and strategies. To review the entire agenda and speaker lineup, or to register, visit www.SEMAomc.com.

The SEMA Online Marketing Conference will be held Monday, October 31, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Online marketing continues to be a critical element for all businesses. Effective use of online platforms can be the key to growth and increased sales—but technology and tactics are changing quickly.

To help the industry access the latest information, the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) will once again produce the SEMA Online Marketing Conference, Monday, October 31, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“Providing the latest information and resources for the industry continues to be a top priority for SEMA,” stated Tom Myroniak, SEMA vice president of marketing and member services. “Holding the SEMA Online Marketing Conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center the day before the SEMA Show opens makes this event especially convenient for the industry.”

Whether individuals are marketing veterans or novices, the SEMA Online Marketing Conference will provide practical and valuable information for everyone. The event will feature subject-matter experts on the following topics: landing page optimization, Facebook, mobile site development, search engine marketing (SEM), pay per click (PPC), website analytics, video search engine optimization (SEO), video marketing, reputation management and more.

The event will offer two tracks for businesses and marketers: a Fundamentals track (for those who want to learn or review essential online strategies) and an Intermediate track (for those who are more experienced and want to take a deeper dive into topics).

Most online conferences of this caliber would typically command $800–$1,000 in registration fees. SEI is providing this full-day event (and lunch) for only $119 (for SEMA members) and $219 (for non-members). Please be sure to register prior to October 17, as the price will increase by $50 after that date.

Don’t miss this outstanding opportunity to learn the latest online trends and strategies. To review the entire agenda and speaker lineup, or to register, visit www.SEMAomc.com.

The Annual SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has become one of the most popular events. This combined Speed Networking and Awards Breakfast premier event will take place at the Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A, Thursday, November 3, and beginning promptly at 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. It has achieved “sold out” status two years in row.

Open to all SEMA members, it's the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects and vendor associates in order to expand your current network of contacts that could be instrumental in the growth of your business or career.

While attendees enjoy a fantastic hot breakfast, the award ceremony quickly commences with the presentation of three coveted awards. This special time is for the SBN to recognize individuals or companies that are making extraordinary strides to advance the potential of women and newcomers in the automotive specialty-equipment aftermarket.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts at the SEMA Show's Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN).

Through a peer nomination and selection process, the winners of all three awards—2011 SBN Athena, Mentor of the Year and Woman of the Year—are kept secret until the breakfast announcement, greatly adding to the anticipation and excitement of the presentation.

Nominations for the SBN awards are now being accepted until August 12, 2011. This is your chance to show your appreciation and nominate a worthy industry colleague. Award criteria and nomination forms can be submitted here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts. Networking begins as soon as you enter the room with a clever color-coordinated seating arrangement that places you at a table of new friends. Immediately following the breakfast awards presentation, the Speed Networking event begins, where you have the opportunity to exchange information (bring a good supply of business cards) with other attendees in short, three-minute intervals.

Mark your calendar and order your tickets online now to purchase your “pre-sale-only” tickets; attendance is limited to only 250 people. Tickets are $35 for members and $49 for non-members and include a fabulous SBN swag bag filled with great goodies from SEMA-member companies and others.

The Annual SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has become one of the most popular events. This combined Speed Networking and Awards Breakfast premier event will take place at the Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A, Thursday, November 3, and beginning promptly at 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. It has achieved “sold out” status two years in row.

Open to all SEMA members, it's the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects and vendor associates in order to expand your current network of contacts that could be instrumental in the growth of your business or career.

While attendees enjoy a fantastic hot breakfast, the award ceremony quickly commences with the presentation of three coveted awards. This special time is for the SBN to recognize individuals or companies that are making extraordinary strides to advance the potential of women and newcomers in the automotive specialty-equipment aftermarket.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts at the SEMA Show's Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN).

Through a peer nomination and selection process, the winners of all three awards—2011 SBN Athena, Mentor of the Year and Woman of the Year—are kept secret until the breakfast announcement, greatly adding to the anticipation and excitement of the presentation.

Nominations for the SBN awards are now being accepted until August 12, 2011. This is your chance to show your appreciation and nominate a worthy industry colleague. Award criteria and nomination forms can be submitted here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts. Networking begins as soon as you enter the room with a clever color-coordinated seating arrangement that places you at a table of new friends. Immediately following the breakfast awards presentation, the Speed Networking event begins, where you have the opportunity to exchange information (bring a good supply of business cards) with other attendees in short, three-minute intervals.

Mark your calendar and order your tickets online now to purchase your “pre-sale-only” tickets; attendance is limited to only 250 people. Tickets are $35 for members and $49 for non-members and include a fabulous SBN swag bag filled with great goodies from SEMA-member companies and others.

The Annual SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has become one of the most popular events. This combined Speed Networking and Awards Breakfast premier event will take place at the Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A, Thursday, November 3, and beginning promptly at 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. It has achieved “sold out” status two years in row.

Open to all SEMA members, it's the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects and vendor associates in order to expand your current network of contacts that could be instrumental in the growth of your business or career.

While attendees enjoy a fantastic hot breakfast, the award ceremony quickly commences with the presentation of three coveted awards. This special time is for the SBN to recognize individuals or companies that are making extraordinary strides to advance the potential of women and newcomers in the automotive specialty-equipment aftermarket.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts at the SEMA Show's Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN).

Through a peer nomination and selection process, the winners of all three awards—2011 SBN Athena, Mentor of the Year and Woman of the Year—are kept secret until the breakfast announcement, greatly adding to the anticipation and excitement of the presentation.

Nominations for the SBN awards are now being accepted until August 12, 2011. This is your chance to show your appreciation and nominate a worthy industry colleague. Award criteria and nomination forms can be submitted here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts. Networking begins as soon as you enter the room with a clever color-coordinated seating arrangement that places you at a table of new friends. Immediately following the breakfast awards presentation, the Speed Networking event begins, where you have the opportunity to exchange information (bring a good supply of business cards) with other attendees in short, three-minute intervals.

Mark your calendar and order your tickets online now to purchase your “pre-sale-only” tickets; attendance is limited to only 250 people. Tickets are $35 for members and $49 for non-members and include a fabulous SBN swag bag filled with great goodies from SEMA-member companies and others.

The Annual SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has become one of the most popular events. This combined Speed Networking and Awards Breakfast premier event will take place at the Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A, Thursday, November 3, and beginning promptly at 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. It has achieved “sold out” status two years in row.

Open to all SEMA members, it's the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects and vendor associates in order to expand your current network of contacts that could be instrumental in the growth of your business or career.

While attendees enjoy a fantastic hot breakfast, the award ceremony quickly commences with the presentation of three coveted awards. This special time is for the SBN to recognize individuals or companies that are making extraordinary strides to advance the potential of women and newcomers in the automotive specialty-equipment aftermarket.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts at the SEMA Show's Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN).

Through a peer nomination and selection process, the winners of all three awards—2011 SBN Athena, Mentor of the Year and Woman of the Year—are kept secret until the breakfast announcement, greatly adding to the anticipation and excitement of the presentation.

Nominations for the SBN awards are now being accepted until August 12, 2011. This is your chance to show your appreciation and nominate a worthy industry colleague. Award criteria and nomination forms can be submitted here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts. Networking begins as soon as you enter the room with a clever color-coordinated seating arrangement that places you at a table of new friends. Immediately following the breakfast awards presentation, the Speed Networking event begins, where you have the opportunity to exchange information (bring a good supply of business cards) with other attendees in short, three-minute intervals.

Mark your calendar and order your tickets online now to purchase your “pre-sale-only” tickets; attendance is limited to only 250 people. Tickets are $35 for members and $49 for non-members and include a fabulous SBN swag bag filled with great goodies from SEMA-member companies and others.

The Annual SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has become one of the most popular events. This combined Speed Networking and Awards Breakfast premier event will take place at the Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A, Thursday, November 3, and beginning promptly at 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. It has achieved “sold out” status two years in row.

Open to all SEMA members, it's the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects and vendor associates in order to expand your current network of contacts that could be instrumental in the growth of your business or career.

While attendees enjoy a fantastic hot breakfast, the award ceremony quickly commences with the presentation of three coveted awards. This special time is for the SBN to recognize individuals or companies that are making extraordinary strides to advance the potential of women and newcomers in the automotive specialty-equipment aftermarket.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts at the SEMA Show's Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN).

Through a peer nomination and selection process, the winners of all three awards—2011 SBN Athena, Mentor of the Year and Woman of the Year—are kept secret until the breakfast announcement, greatly adding to the anticipation and excitement of the presentation.

Nominations for the SBN awards are now being accepted until August 12, 2011. This is your chance to show your appreciation and nominate a worthy industry colleague. Award criteria and nomination forms can be submitted here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts. Networking begins as soon as you enter the room with a clever color-coordinated seating arrangement that places you at a table of new friends. Immediately following the breakfast awards presentation, the Speed Networking event begins, where you have the opportunity to exchange information (bring a good supply of business cards) with other attendees in short, three-minute intervals.

Mark your calendar and order your tickets online now to purchase your “pre-sale-only” tickets; attendance is limited to only 250 people. Tickets are $35 for members and $49 for non-members and include a fabulous SBN swag bag filled with great goodies from SEMA-member companies and others.

The Annual SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has become one of the most popular events. This combined Speed Networking and Awards Breakfast premier event will take place at the Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A, Thursday, November 3, and beginning promptly at 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. It has achieved “sold out” status two years in row.

Open to all SEMA members, it's the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects and vendor associates in order to expand your current network of contacts that could be instrumental in the growth of your business or career.

While attendees enjoy a fantastic hot breakfast, the award ceremony quickly commences with the presentation of three coveted awards. This special time is for the SBN to recognize individuals or companies that are making extraordinary strides to advance the potential of women and newcomers in the automotive specialty-equipment aftermarket.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts at the SEMA Show's Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN).

Through a peer nomination and selection process, the winners of all three awards—2011 SBN Athena, Mentor of the Year and Woman of the Year—are kept secret until the breakfast announcement, greatly adding to the anticipation and excitement of the presentation.

Nominations for the SBN awards are now being accepted until August 12, 2011. This is your chance to show your appreciation and nominate a worthy industry colleague. Award criteria and nomination forms can be submitted here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts. Networking begins as soon as you enter the room with a clever color-coordinated seating arrangement that places you at a table of new friends. Immediately following the breakfast awards presentation, the Speed Networking event begins, where you have the opportunity to exchange information (bring a good supply of business cards) with other attendees in short, three-minute intervals.

Mark your calendar and order your tickets online now to purchase your “pre-sale-only” tickets; attendance is limited to only 250 people. Tickets are $35 for members and $49 for non-members and include a fabulous SBN swag bag filled with great goodies from SEMA-member companies and others.