David Freiburger, Brian Brennan, Douglas McColloch, Jim Campisano and Jason Mulroney accepted this year’s SEMA President’s Service Award.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting honored Source Interlink Media with the prestigious President’s Service Award at the 2010 SEMA Awards Banquet. The award is a reflection of the incredible contribution Source Interlink Media has made to SEMA and the SEMA Action Network (SAN).

Newsstands across the country recently experienced an unprecedented display of unity in the automotive section. Imagine the powerful message delivered when 50 enthusiast magazine titles all featured a single, coordinated and extremely time-sensitive campaign on their covers.

With the recent election only weeks away, Source Interlink Media and the SEMA government affairs team collaborated on a special project to energize and motivate the enthusiasts that power the automotive specialty-equipment industry. As readers picked up their favorite Source Interlink titles recently, the cover art illustrated the message loud and clear—it's time for enthusiasts to get smart about legislation, get smart about the candidates who support the hobby and, most importantly, join the SEMA Action Network.

This, of course, was a huge shot in the arm to energize SEMA's critical grassroots network, which helps the association build momentum and advance important proposed laws and regulations. In honor of Source Interlink Media’s tremendous effort and service to enthusiasts, the industry and SEMA, this year's SEMA President's Service Award was presented to the editorial directors at Source Interlink who made this project a reality.

During the 2010 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet, David Freiburger, Brian Brennan, Douglas McColloch, Jim Campisano and Jason Mulroney were welcomed to the stage to accept the 2010 SEMA President’s Service Award.

As a result of their efforts, SEMA Action Network memberships have been pouring in. The campaign initiated thousands of new members and new SEMA Action Network registrations are still coming in every day. Of equal importance, this effort has helped educate and energize 50 million readers and voters. Congratulations again to Source Interlink Media—this year's recipient of the SEMA President’s Service Award.

The 2010 SEMA Show kicked-off on Tuesday, November 2, drawing more than 100,000 attendees and 1,800 exhibitors. The Show highlighted thousands of new products and tricked-out display vehicles, as well as a host of informative educational seminars designed to help push the specialty-parts industry forward. Attracting a wide range of celebrities, from NHRA’s John Force to rap icon Snoop Dogg, the SEMA Show serves as your portal into the specialty-equipment industry’s latest news, trends and innovations.

Highlights included the SEMA Awards, where the Chevrolet Camaro won for the Hottest Car, the Ford F-Series for Hottest Truck and Jeep Wrangler for Hottest 4x4-SUV. One of the Show’s largest draws, the New Products Showcase, featured more than 2,000 entries this year. The Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA was a tire-industry-only section of the SEMA Show that featured exhibitors from all segments of the tire industry. SEMA Show attendees also had the opportunity to ride around the Convention Center in “Top Gear” taxis and the best vehicles on display were recognized at the Gran Turismo Awards.

Check out the following photo essay of some 2010 SEMA Show highlights:

In addition to the many interactive attractions, SEMA Show attendees were greeted by more than 2,000 new product submissions from the industry’s leading companies.	Highlighted by the Lucas Off-Road Demonstration, the Proving Ground was the ideal spot to catch the industry’s latest innovations flying high and playing in the dirt.
Mark Allen of Chrysler was joined by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting for the presentation of the SEMA Award given to the Jeep Wrangler as Hottest 4X4-SUV.	Elena Ford of Ford Motor Company received the Hottest Truck SEMA Award for the F-Series truck.
Alan Batey of General Motors received the SEMA Award on behalf of the Chevrolet Camaro which won Hottest Car honors.	Mike Spagnola of Street Scene Equipment received the SEMA Person of the Year award from last year’s recipient Doug Evans.
The History Channel brought a fleet of “Top Gear” taxis to the 2010 SEMA Show. Attendees were given free rides in a Camaro Firebreather, Ferrari 458 Italia and other “Top Gear” taxis.	Local Motors President, CEO and co-founder John B. Rogers was the keynote speaker at the New Product Awards Breakfast. Rogers spoke on the importance of an open, collaborative development environment and the need to share ideas.
This year, there were more than 2,000 new products submitted for consideration. Presented in 15 categories, the new product submissions highlight the industry’s innovation and achievement.	John Force was one of the many celebrities on hand greeting enthusiasts and signing autographs.
SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Van Woodell with Dave McClelland.	Chuck Schwartz was celebrated for his recent induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame.
Dick McMullen’s wife, Sally, accepted SEMA Hall of Fame honors on behalf of her late husband during the SEMA Awards Banquet.	The Ford Out Front…Fueled by Monster Energy area served up daily doses of high-performance, rubber-burning demonstrations.
From left: Speedy Bill Smith, Carroll Shelby and Linda Vaughn were on hand for the annual SEMA Hall of Fame gathering.	Neil Young introduced attendees to the Lincvolt, his visionary Electro-Turbine Series-Hybrid. Lincvolt is the world’s first Micro-Turbine-powered Bio-Electro-Cruiser.
From left: Traci Hrudka (Quarter Mile Foundation chairman), Joe Amato, Jack “Doc” Watson, George Barris, Linda Vaughn sign autographs at the Quarter Mile Foundation/PROJECT 1320 booth.	The NHRA Breakfast featured a panel of six of the most iconic crew chiefs to ever roam the starting lines in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock.
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) held its awards ceremony during its “sold-out” Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by SBN event at the Las Vegas Convention Center.	SEMA Show exhibitors manufacture thousands of products that improve performance, safety and convenience, as well as those that enhance appearance and comfort.
Showgoers watched the action unfold in the Convention Center’s Grand Lobby as students raced against the clock to disassemble and rebuild a Chevy 350 engine using only hand tools at the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge National Championship.	Performance and technology were on full view at the myriad press conferences that occurred at the SEMA Show.
SEMA Show attendees were able to experience the latest in technology and innovation firsthand on the Show floor.

 

The 2010 SEMA Show kicked-off on Tuesday, November 2, drawing more than 100,000 attendees and 1,800 exhibitors. The Show highlighted thousands of new products and tricked-out display vehicles, as well as a host of informative educational seminars designed to help push the specialty-parts industry forward. Attracting a wide range of celebrities, from NHRA’s John Force to rap icon Snoop Dogg, the SEMA Show serves as your portal into the specialty-equipment industry’s latest news, trends and innovations.

Highlights included the SEMA Awards, where the Chevrolet Camaro won for the Hottest Car, the Ford F-Series for Hottest Truck and Jeep Wrangler for Hottest 4x4-SUV. One of the Show’s largest draws, the New Products Showcase, featured more than 2,000 entries this year. The Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA was a tire-industry-only section of the SEMA Show that featured exhibitors from all segments of the tire industry. SEMA Show attendees also had the opportunity to ride around the Convention Center in “Top Gear” taxis and the best vehicles on display were recognized at the Gran Turismo Awards.

Check out the following photo essay of some 2010 SEMA Show highlights:

In addition to the many interactive attractions, SEMA Show attendees were greeted by more than 2,000 new product submissions from the industry’s leading companies.	Highlighted by the Lucas Off-Road Demonstration, the Proving Ground was the ideal spot to catch the industry’s latest innovations flying high and playing in the dirt.
Mark Allen of Chrysler was joined by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting for the presentation of the SEMA Award given to the Jeep Wrangler as Hottest 4X4-SUV.	Elena Ford of Ford Motor Company received the Hottest Truck SEMA Award for the F-Series truck.
Alan Batey of General Motors received the SEMA Award on behalf of the Chevrolet Camaro which won Hottest Car honors.	Mike Spagnola of Street Scene Equipment received the SEMA Person of the Year award from last year’s recipient Doug Evans.
The History Channel brought a fleet of “Top Gear” taxis to the 2010 SEMA Show. Attendees were given free rides in a Camaro Firebreather, Ferrari 458 Italia and other “Top Gear” taxis.	Local Motors President, CEO and co-founder John B. Rogers was the keynote speaker at the New Product Awards Breakfast. Rogers spoke on the importance of an open, collaborative development environment and the need to share ideas.
This year, there were more than 2,000 new products submitted for consideration. Presented in 15 categories, the new product submissions highlight the industry’s innovation and achievement.	John Force was one of the many celebrities on hand greeting enthusiasts and signing autographs.
SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Van Woodell with Dave McClelland.	Chuck Schwartz was celebrated for his recent induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame.
Dick McMullen’s wife, Sally, accepted SEMA Hall of Fame honors on behalf of her late husband during the SEMA Awards Banquet.	The Ford Out Front…Fueled by Monster Energy area served up daily doses of high-performance, rubber-burning demonstrations.
From left: Speedy Bill Smith, Carroll Shelby and Linda Vaughn were on hand for the annual SEMA Hall of Fame gathering.	Neil Young introduced attendees to the Lincvolt, his visionary Electro-Turbine Series-Hybrid. Lincvolt is the world’s first Micro-Turbine-powered Bio-Electro-Cruiser.
From left: Traci Hrudka (Quarter Mile Foundation chairman), Joe Amato, Jack “Doc” Watson, George Barris, Linda Vaughn sign autographs at the Quarter Mile Foundation/PROJECT 1320 booth.	The NHRA Breakfast featured a panel of six of the most iconic crew chiefs to ever roam the starting lines in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock.
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) held its awards ceremony during its “sold-out” Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by SBN event at the Las Vegas Convention Center.	SEMA Show exhibitors manufacture thousands of products that improve performance, safety and convenience, as well as those that enhance appearance and comfort.
Showgoers watched the action unfold in the Convention Center’s Grand Lobby as students raced against the clock to disassemble and rebuild a Chevy 350 engine using only hand tools at the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge National Championship.	Performance and technology were on full view at the myriad press conferences that occurred at the SEMA Show.
SEMA Show attendees were able to experience the latest in technology and innovation firsthand on the Show floor.

 

	SEMA Immediate Past Chairman Jim Cozzie, RTM Productions (left); Ken Martindale, Henkel (Locktite) Corp. and Courtney Hansen, host of SpikeTV's new "Search & Restore" TV Show pose for photos after a press conference at the 2010 SEMA Show.

Courtney Hansen spends her weekends on SpikeTV's Powerblock, hosting two solid hours of back-to-back programming. Hansen hosts Spike's "Powerblock: HorsepowerTV," "Trucks!," "MuscleCar" and "Xtreme 4x4." Coming May 7, 2011, RTM Productions adds a new neighbor to the automotive how-to block—"Search & Restore."

Hansen can be seen promoting the new show in a trailer appearing both online and on SpikeTV. In the preview, the network declares that "Search & Restore" resurrects the power of performance. In this new addition to the Powerblock, the focus will be on family treasures and lost causes, all brought back to life. From coast to coast, volunteer teams of pros will donate their time restoring rides nationwide to those worthy of a helping hand.

Exclusively seen on Spike TV, "Search & Restore" is a show for automotive enthusiasts, produced by RTM Productions. RTM is a full-service television production company specializing in automotive, outdoor and entertainment programming. The company employs a staff of 42, including executive staff, administration, sales, producers, writers, talent, videographers, editors and graphic artists.

Custom rods, rock crawlers and A-list celebrities, including Chip Foose and Mario Andretti, have all appeared on SpikeTV's "Powerblock." Stay tuned to Spike for new episodes of your favorite automotive programming, and watch this spring as "Search & Restore" takes the dream of auto restoration and makes it a reality.

If you'd like to nominate your own vehicle, please visit http://www.searchandrestoretv.com/application.php.

	SEMA Immediate Past Chairman Jim Cozzie, RTM Productions (left); Ken Martindale, Henkel (Locktite) Corp. and Courtney Hansen, host of SpikeTV's new "Search & Restore" TV Show pose for photos after a press conference at the 2010 SEMA Show.

Courtney Hansen spends her weekends on SpikeTV's Powerblock, hosting two solid hours of back-to-back programming. Hansen hosts Spike's "Powerblock: HorsepowerTV," "Trucks!," "MuscleCar" and "Xtreme 4x4." Coming May 7, 2011, RTM Productions adds a new neighbor to the automotive how-to block—"Search & Restore."

Hansen can be seen promoting the new show in a trailer appearing both online and on SpikeTV. In the preview, the network declares that "Search & Restore" resurrects the power of performance. In this new addition to the Powerblock, the focus will be on family treasures and lost causes, all brought back to life. From coast to coast, volunteer teams of pros will donate their time restoring rides nationwide to those worthy of a helping hand.

Exclusively seen on Spike TV, "Search & Restore" is a show for automotive enthusiasts, produced by RTM Productions. RTM is a full-service television production company specializing in automotive, outdoor and entertainment programming. The company employs a staff of 42, including executive staff, administration, sales, producers, writers, talent, videographers, editors and graphic artists.

Custom rods, rock crawlers and A-list celebrities, including Chip Foose and Mario Andretti, have all appeared on SpikeTV's "Powerblock." Stay tuned to Spike for new episodes of your favorite automotive programming, and watch this spring as "Search & Restore" takes the dream of auto restoration and makes it a reality.

If you'd like to nominate your own vehicle, please visit http://www.searchandrestoretv.com/application.php.

	Buyers and exhibitors alike found the 2010 SEMA Show a valuable experience.

The vibe from the 2010 SEMA Show was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 100,000 industry professionals gathering last week in Las Vegas.

“The enthusiasm and attitude was huge,” said Tony Napoli Jr., owner of American Speed Center of York, Pennsylvania. As a SEMA Board member, Napoli went into the 2010 event knowing that industry participation would be up from the previous year. Still, he was overwhelmed and impressed with what he saw.

“[The 2010 SEMA Show] was as good, if not better, than any Show in recent years. There’s a fair amount of new products that I’m seriously looking to add to my inventory in the coming year, and I had an opportunity to deal with some new vendors that I’ve never dealt with before.”

Feedback like Napoli’s is what Show organizers ultimately rely on to gauge the success of the event.

“Our customers speak louder than the numbers,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Based on what we’re hearing, the 2010 SEMA Show was a very positive bounce for the industry.”

Exactly what is the industry saying about the 2010 SEMA Show? Take a look:

“Our experience at the 2010 SEMA Show was one of grateful amazement. First, that SEMA would allow a small ‘garage-sized’ company with no automotive history to exhibit, and that we could enter the New Products Awards Program (wherein we stumped the wizards and won first place for Best New Product – Tools and Equipment), also as an unknown. The amount of business we generated at our booth far exceeded our hopes by a trainload, and there was so much action that we had to shut down the ‘To Order’ part of our website. Our booth was swamped from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. when the lights went out, and only on Friday did it slow down by any discernible amount. If I were to make an observation of the Show, it would be that big or small, everyone is welcome, because ‘you are what you drive’ at SEMA.”

— Thurston Schultz, owner of AAC (first-time exhibitor and winner of Best New Product in the Tools and Equipment category)

“This year, more so than ever, we saw a lot of our largest distributors attend the Show. The people who were there were very good decision makers, whether from the distribution level or end user. It gave us a great opportunity to show off a brand-new product that we’re releasing. Also, there was a great deal of media there, whether it was print magazine or Internet or television. The SEMA Show was a great place to get the word out.”

— Tony Larimer, Director of Sales and Marketing for SATA Spray Equipment

"SEMA 2010 was a very positive experience for Pirelli. We were pleased with our new open booth layout this year (#41023 in South Hall) and the relationship we have developed with SEMA and ConvExx. Though we don't have solid numbers yet, foot traffic inside our booth seemed to have increased over the 2009 Show. Our excellent brand visibility is always amplified by our rock-solid partnerships that help deliver our message of quality, performance and customer service. I can't say enough about their commitment and dedication."

— Rafael Navarro, III, Pirelli Tire North America's Director of Motorsport and Communications

“Couplemate decided that it wanted to greatly expand its offerings to the U.S. market and decided immediately that SEMA was the premiere event for us. We worked very hard to make sure that this event was a success for us, and we were very pleased that our very first year brought us a prestigious Global Media Award. We look forward to participating again next year and have our sights on further awards as well. Couplemate is looking forward to a great year with many new customers as a result of attending.”

— Laurie Pedrick, North American Sales Manager for Couplemate Trailer Parts (first-time exhibitor)

“The Show was tremendous. We were able to do several radio and TV spots and will have some great opportunities to promote SEMA in the next year. We put on more than 20 training sessions for SEMA members and offered free airbrush training lessons and installation advice and were received well. We are firm believers in SEMA and especially the education and training initiatives. The Show was well attended, and we were treated with great hospitality.”

— Tom King, Director of Enrollment Management of Ohio Technical College

Buyers and exhibitors are now busy following up on the contacts that they established at the SEMA Show, utilizing programs such as the SEMA Show MatchMaking service. Many are even looking forward to the 2011 SEMA Show, to be held November 1–4, 2011, in Las Vegas. For complete details, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	Buyers and exhibitors alike found the 2010 SEMA Show a valuable experience.

The vibe from the 2010 SEMA Show was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 100,000 industry professionals gathering last week in Las Vegas.

“The enthusiasm and attitude was huge,” said Tony Napoli Jr., owner of American Speed Center of York, Pennsylvania. As a SEMA Board member, Napoli went into the 2010 event knowing that industry participation would be up from the previous year. Still, he was overwhelmed and impressed with what he saw.

“[The 2010 SEMA Show] was as good, if not better, than any Show in recent years. There’s a fair amount of new products that I’m seriously looking to add to my inventory in the coming year, and I had an opportunity to deal with some new vendors that I’ve never dealt with before.”

Feedback like Napoli’s is what Show organizers ultimately rely on to gauge the success of the event.

“Our customers speak louder than the numbers,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Based on what we’re hearing, the 2010 SEMA Show was a very positive bounce for the industry.”

Exactly what is the industry saying about the 2010 SEMA Show? Take a look:

“Our experience at the 2010 SEMA Show was one of grateful amazement. First, that SEMA would allow a small ‘garage-sized’ company with no automotive history to exhibit, and that we could enter the New Products Awards Program (wherein we stumped the wizards and won first place for Best New Product – Tools and Equipment), also as an unknown. The amount of business we generated at our booth far exceeded our hopes by a trainload, and there was so much action that we had to shut down the ‘To Order’ part of our website. Our booth was swamped from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. when the lights went out, and only on Friday did it slow down by any discernible amount. If I were to make an observation of the Show, it would be that big or small, everyone is welcome, because ‘you are what you drive’ at SEMA.”

— Thurston Schultz, owner of AAC (first-time exhibitor and winner of Best New Product in the Tools and Equipment category)

“This year, more so than ever, we saw a lot of our largest distributors attend the Show. The people who were there were very good decision makers, whether from the distribution level or end user. It gave us a great opportunity to show off a brand-new product that we’re releasing. Also, there was a great deal of media there, whether it was print magazine or Internet or television. The SEMA Show was a great place to get the word out.”

— Tony Larimer, Director of Sales and Marketing for SATA Spray Equipment

"SEMA 2010 was a very positive experience for Pirelli. We were pleased with our new open booth layout this year (#41023 in South Hall) and the relationship we have developed with SEMA and ConvExx. Though we don't have solid numbers yet, foot traffic inside our booth seemed to have increased over the 2009 Show. Our excellent brand visibility is always amplified by our rock-solid partnerships that help deliver our message of quality, performance and customer service. I can't say enough about their commitment and dedication."

— Rafael Navarro, III, Pirelli Tire North America's Director of Motorsport and Communications

“Couplemate decided that it wanted to greatly expand its offerings to the U.S. market and decided immediately that SEMA was the premiere event for us. We worked very hard to make sure that this event was a success for us, and we were very pleased that our very first year brought us a prestigious Global Media Award. We look forward to participating again next year and have our sights on further awards as well. Couplemate is looking forward to a great year with many new customers as a result of attending.”

— Laurie Pedrick, North American Sales Manager for Couplemate Trailer Parts (first-time exhibitor)

“The Show was tremendous. We were able to do several radio and TV spots and will have some great opportunities to promote SEMA in the next year. We put on more than 20 training sessions for SEMA members and offered free airbrush training lessons and installation advice and were received well. We are firm believers in SEMA and especially the education and training initiatives. The Show was well attended, and we were treated with great hospitality.”

— Tom King, Director of Enrollment Management of Ohio Technical College

Buyers and exhibitors are now busy following up on the contacts that they established at the SEMA Show, utilizing programs such as the SEMA Show MatchMaking service. Many are even looking forward to the 2011 SEMA Show, to be held November 1–4, 2011, in Las Vegas. For complete details, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

"We're used to seeing lots of Mercedes, BMW and Audi test cars on the Nurburgring," says spy shooter Brenda Priddy of Brenda Priddy & Co. "But we've caught something a little different and much more bizarre-looking."

What you're looking at is the Roding Roadster—a super-lightweight, all-carbon-fiber track car. Priddy says that it weighs in at a little more than 2,000 lbs. and gets its power from a turbo-charged V6. There are more than 300 horses running through the rear wheels, and gears are changed via a six-speed manual.

It's not what too many would call a looker, but speed is its game. According to Priddy, the Roding Roadster will rip off a 0–62 mph run in 3.9 seconds and pull 1.4 lateral g's in the bends!

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

"We're used to seeing lots of Mercedes, BMW and Audi test cars on the Nurburgring," says spy shooter Brenda Priddy of Brenda Priddy & Co. "But we've caught something a little different and much more bizarre-looking."

What you're looking at is the Roding Roadster—a super-lightweight, all-carbon-fiber track car. Priddy says that it weighs in at a little more than 2,000 lbs. and gets its power from a turbo-charged V6. There are more than 300 horses running through the rear wheels, and gears are changed via a six-speed manual.

It's not what too many would call a looker, but speed is its game. According to Priddy, the Roding Roadster will rip off a 0–62 mph run in 3.9 seconds and pull 1.4 lateral g's in the bends!

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

"We're used to seeing lots of Mercedes, BMW and Audi test cars on the Nurburgring," says spy shooter Brenda Priddy of Brenda Priddy & Co. "But we've caught something a little different and much more bizarre-looking."

What you're looking at is the Roding Roadster—a super-lightweight, all-carbon-fiber track car. Priddy says that it weighs in at a little more than 2,000 lbs. and gets its power from a turbo-charged V6. There are more than 300 horses running through the rear wheels, and gears are changed via a six-speed manual.

It's not what too many would call a looker, but speed is its game. According to Priddy, the Roding Roadster will rip off a 0–62 mph run in 3.9 seconds and pull 1.4 lateral g's in the bends!

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company