By SEMA Editors

It’s been two years since the sights of the parade of custom vehicles from behind the walls of the trade-only SEMA Show; Formula DRIFT competitors narrowly missing the cement drift box barriers; flames shooting from the chrome headers of vintage dragsters; the smells of nitrous and burning rubber; and the sounds of squealing tires, high-revving engines, the cheering crowd and rocking bands.

SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show afterparty, is back in-person and in Las Vegas. This year the event will take place at the new LVCC West Hall parking lot.

Credentialed 2021 SEMA Show attendees can access the event for free with their badge. Enthusiasts can access the event by purchasing one of two ticket types—a previously offered SEMA General Admission Ticket or the all-new SEMA Friday Experience that gives the ticket holder Friday access to the SEMA Show and to SEMA Ignited.

SEMA Ignited General Admission Ticket

View hundreds of cars and trucks as they parade out of the Las Vegas Convention Center, drifting by Formula DRIFT, food, music and much more.

What You Get: Includes entry to SEMA Ignited, Friday, November 5, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Price: $20 if purchased online or at the SEMA Ignited Ticket Office on Friday, November 5.

SEMA Friday Experience Ticket

For the first time ever, SEMA is offering a limited number of enthusiasts entry into the trade-only SEMA Show through the purchase of the SEMA Friday Experience ticket. The SEMA Show offers an attendee experience like no other trade show on the planet. It’s the best place to see the newest automotive performance products and to discover the latest product and vehicle trends.   

What You Get: Includes Friday entry into the SEMA Show from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and entry into SEMA Ignited from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5.

Important Restrictions: Each person must pick up their own ticket. You may not send anyone else in your place. NO EXCEPTIONS. Please be prepared to show a valid government-issued photo ID when picking up your ticket. The name on your photo ID must match the name on this confirmation. No one under the age of 16, including infants, is allowed access to the exhibits. No exceptions. Show management does not provide childcare services on-site. Use of a school-issued ID to prove age is not acceptable unless it provides a date of birth. Tickets CANNOT be reproduced, transferred or resold. No day of purchases will be permitted.

Price: $60 if purchased by October 8, or $90 if purchased between October 9–November 4. No on-site ticket purchases will be permitted.

Purchase tickets now!

For more information, visit www.semaignited.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Networking has changed dramatically over the past year. Virtual networking became commonplace as the pandemic put a hold on in-person events and forced many individuals to adapt to a new landscape. While in-person events are beginning to come back, virtual networking will still be important and effective for individuals to meet new people, and for companies to reach new markets.  

SEMA members will learn how to properly network through various channels and discover the ins and outs of different networking platforms during a live webinar on Tuesday, September 28, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).    

Discussion topics include:  

• Networking platforms that are best for you and your needs at a certain time.
• How to use networking to your advantage for job leads.
• How to stay connected over time once a relationship is established .

Attendees will even be able to connect with one another as they share ideas during an interactive breakout with other automotive aftermarket professionals. Participants will leave inspired and motivated to start networking their way to more beneficial connections.   

Learn more and register here for “Network Your Way to Beneficial Connections.” 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is hosting a general membership meeting, along with two days of installer training, on September 16–17, at Auto Additions in Westerville, Ohio.

Installers, restylers, shop management, owners and employees of PRO-member companies will be able to connect with the PRO Select Committee and discuss current council initiatives with the automotive restyling industry at large. Attendees will also hear firsthand from accessory manufacturers, as they provide expert installation training on the following topics:

• Katzkin: Leather and Cooled Seats
• Llumar: Paint Protection Film and Tint
• Brandmotion and Auto Additions: 12-Volt Electronics
• Auto Additions: Spray-in Liners
• Auto Additions: Remote Starts

The event will be packed with valuable information, discussions and resources. Learn more and register here.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) members are invited to meet and socialize, while expanding and growing their network, during the YEN Virtual Happy Hour on Monday, September 13, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT).  

YEN’s Virtual Happy Hours are the ideal events to meet and get to know other young professionals in the industry, while staying connected with the network and up-to-date on the latest YEN initiatives. Attendees will hear from YEN leadership and discover what resources and programs are available, before breaking out into small groups where they will meet and get to know other YEN members from throughout the country.  

Young professionals who are not currently YEN members but are interested in getting more involved in the industry and networking are also encouraged to attend, as it is a great way to introduce yourself and learn about what YEN has to offer.  

Register here. 

 The SEMA Data Excellence designation recognizes the companies that have worked with SEMA Data to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SEMA Data members that have achieved data excellence.

Retrax PRO XR

The RetraxPRO XR—Retrax’s premium Aluminum Series cover—combines industrial-strength aluminum construction with an incredibly resilient matte finish. The cover is outfitted with a Trax Rail System that works with most T-slot accessories from Yakima, Thule, Rhino Rack, and many more offering endless possibilities. Pairing this unique system with accessories offers double the cargo capacity and also frees up the hitch with the ability to mount bikes, coolers, outdoor gear, and more on top of the bed cover by combining with the t-slot accessories.

www.truckhero.com
PN: 80335

Boostline Connecting Rod for LS Engines

BoostLine connecting rods for LS engines are designed specifically for high-HP, power-adder applications. The patented design and forged steel construction maximize strength and minimize weight, making BoostLine rods ideal for high-cylinder pressure engine builds. After all, the fun only begins at four-digit horsepower, right?

• Patented three-pocket design provides 60% improvement in bending strength and 20% tensional stress reduction compared to common H-beam designs.
• Forged from ultra-strong, 4340 steel.
• Standard-equipped with industry-leading ARP 2000 fasteners.
• In-depth quality control with 25-point CMM inspection done in-house and detailed report provided with every set of rods.

www.racewinningbrands.com
PN: LS6125-927

AutoMeter Gauge Visor, 2-1/16-in., Black

AutoMeter’s visors for 2 1/16-in. gauges are ideal for reducing the effects of glare on the vehicle windscreen from both day and nighttime use. With the matte black finish, these parts are compatible with interior plastic safe paints for custom matching your vehicle’s interior. It is compatible with AutoMeter, STACK, and Spek-Pro 2 1/16-in. gauges.

www.autometer.com
PN: 5324

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors planning to host a special appearance in their booth may submit their Celebrity Appearance Notification form up until Show time. Whether it’s a driver, industry icon, TV personality or famous vehicle, featuring a familiar face or iconic vehicle in your booth provides buyers with an identifiable, visual connection of the company’s target market.

Exhibitors can learn how to get the most out of their 2021 SEMA Show, as well as additional options to reach buyers, by contacting an account rep at sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289.

Information about the 2021 SEMA Show is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

Click here for a complete listing of 2021 SEMA Show deadlines.

By SEMA Editors

The 2021 SEMA Show is about 8 weeks away. Here’s a rundown of key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

Complete Deadlines Checklist - Take advantage of Early-bird rates—order before the deadlines!

The Deadlines Checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensures that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show. 

Upcoming Exhibitor Deadlines – Take advantage of discounts by acting before the deadlines.

• September 10 – Booth Vehicle Application - Exhibitor Search (sema.org)
• September 17 – Sponsorship Artwork/Materials Due to Freeman
• September 23 – Freight–Freeman Warehouse–first day to accept advance freight

• September 23 – Lead Retrieval Rental (Advance Rate)–CompuSystems
• September 30 – Fabric Graphics–Freeman
• October 1 – Target Move-in Date Change Request-Freeman
• October 1 – Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate)–Cox Business (LVCC)
• October 1 – Products for Project Vehicle Builders
• October 1 – International Air Freight Arriving at Los Angeles International (LAX) Airport
• October 1 – International Sea Freight Arriving at Long Beach Terminal
• October 8 – EAC – (Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor) Application Form
• October 8 – New Products Entry (Advance Rate)
• October 15 – Meeting/Function Space Reservation
• October 18 – Booth Catering Order Service (Centerplate)
• October 19 – Tents/Canopies—Full Circle Events
• October 22 – Photography Order – Expo Ease
• October 22 – Plant and Floral Order – Expo Ease
• October 22 – Vehicle Detailing (Advance Rate) – Professional Detailers

Click here for a complete listing of 2021 SEMA Show deadlines.

More information on the 2021 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

  By SEMA Editors

By now, SEMA Show exhibiting companies should have received an email announcing the start of the SEMA Award voting process. As industry experts, SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to vote for the vehicles that best showcase their products.

In addition, a new category has been added to the 2021 SEMA Award Program. To recognize a fast-growing segment of the light-truck market, SEMA is adding “Mid-Size Truck of The Year” to the category list, which includes:

• Car of The Year
• Full-Size Truck of the Year
• Mid-Size Truck of The Year
• 4x4/SUV of The Year
• Sport Compact of The Year

Through the SEMA Award, SEMA exhibitors that make the products and accessories for today’s popular models identify the vehicle platforms they believe are best for accessorizing.

The program creates awareness for aftermarket products, and is an example of the ongoing collaboration SEMA has with automakers and aftermarket manufacturers to bring quality products to market. SEMA also helps aftermarket manufacturers with product development through the SEMA Garage, measuring sessions and technology transfer.

The winners will be announced at the 2021 SEMA Show, November 2–5, in Las Vegas.

Exclusive for SEMA Show 2021 participants, Las Vegas hotels are offering unbeatable nightly rates—but only when you book through the SEMA Show hotel block on www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA Show management has compared rates against other online travel sites and found that you can save an average of 30% each night on the best available retail rates, and you can still accrue hotel loyalty rewards points.

Hotels That Save You $100 Per Night or More

• ARIA
• Bellagio
• Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World
• Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
• Encore
• Excalibur
• Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World
• MGM Grand
• SpringHill Suites - Las Vegas Convention Center
• The Palazzo at The Venetian
• The Signature at MGM Grand
• The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
• Vdara
• Wynn

Hotels That Save You 50% Per Night or More

• Bellagio
• Encore
• Excalibur
• Luxor
• The Signature at MGM Grand
• Vdara
• Wynn

Anticipation for the SEMA Show is high. People are eager to reconnect with friends, network with new contacts, get back down to business, and be inspired at the world's leading celebration of product ingenuity, vehicle-performance innovations and the passion for automobiles.

The SEMA Show takes place November 2–5, in Las Vegas. Book your hotel through the SEMA Show hotel block at www.SEMAShow.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Wieland Acquires Wrisco Industries

Wrisco Industries, the manufacturer of prefinished aluminum sheets, anodized aluminum, steel coil and related components, has been acquired by Wieland Metal Services, the copper and copper alloy specialist. Wrisco Industries was founded in 1916. The company is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and operates four distribution centers out of Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, and Edison, New Jersey. The business will continue to operate under the Wrisco name after its integration into the Wieland Group.

AAM Group Names Sharon Cameron Business Analyst

The AAM Group has named Sharon Cameron as its new business analyst. Cameron, who most recently served as AAM’s product data specialist, will focus on purchasing reports and predictions, product compliance reporting and PRO Rebates tracking. Cameron is the third member of AAM’s vendor relations team, including Vice President of Vendor Relations and Purchasing John DeBalso and Vendor Relations Manager Mark Franchetti. The group conducts regular reviews with distribution members, facilitates member-supplier conversations, holds monthly purchasing calls and evaluates brands to identify growth areas.

NASCAR Names John Ferguson Chief Human Resources Officer

NASCAR has announced that John Ferguson has been hired to lead human resources strategy for the sanctioning body as senior vice president and chief human resources officer. In this role, Ferguson will oversee NASCAR human resources and provide strategic leadership around talent acquisition, employee engagement and culture development. For nearly a decade, Ferguson served in HR roles at Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) in Washington, D.C., and most recently as vice president of People & Culture. Based in the Daytona Beach office in Florida, Ferguson will help develop HR strategies designed to support and engage employees across more than 20 office and race track locations in the U.S. He will also help build a company culture that is empowering, innovative, diverse, inclusive and collaborative, according to NASCAR. Ferguson’s hire comes less than two years since NASCAR completed the merger with International Speedway Corporation.

2022 Keystone BIG Show Dates and Location Announced

Keystone Automotive Operations announced that it is returning to Grapevine, Texas, for the 2022 BIG Show. This annual customer event will be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, March 25–26, 2022, followed by a virtual event, April 4–9.

Returning to Texas after a successful 2021 BIG Show, the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center will once again host the event, showcasing exhibiter displays, show vehicles and product education. Keeping with its ongoing commitment to support customer growth, Keystone will feature a full suite of innovative digital marketing programs and solutions will be featured throughout the event.

For those unable to attend the 2022 BIG Show, Keystone will expand the show’s reach as they once again present a virtual BIG Show following the live event. This virtual show will be the third successive year of the online event, allowing participants the chance to partake in many of the same offers and promotions as the live event while engaging with presenting suppliers in a safe and convenient virtual format.

For more information, visit keystonebigshow.com.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.