By: Kristopher Porter

Through SEMA Launch Pad, five finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their product to a panel of industry judges in front of a live audience to win the grand prize designed to advance their business.

The seventh annual SEMA Launch Pad—Presented by YEN is accepting applications for new, innovative automotive products and/or services from business entrepreneurs under age 40. As a reminder, you do not need to be a SEMA member to apply to compete, and if chosen as one of the 15 semi-finalists, your company receives a complimentary membership to SEMA (up to a $1,000 value). 

The SEMA Launch Pad is the premier automotive business competition offering young innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs a platform at the largest automotive aftermarket B2B gathering—the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Through this competition, applicants will be narrowed down to 15 semi-finalists who will be then narrowed down to 10 finalists via a social-media voting campaign. From there, the Manufacturers’ Rep Network (MRN) will further narrow it down to five finalists who will have the opportunity to pitch their products to a panel of industry judges in front of a live audience to win the grand prize designed to advance their business.

Ready to learn more and apply? Click here.

2019 Prize Packages

GRAND PRIZE: One Winner

• The finalist, top 10 and semi-finalist prizes plus:
• $10,000 to be used for the benefit of your business
• Turnkey exhibit space with premium placement at the 2019 SEMA Show*
• One full-page, four-color advertisement in SEMA News magazine
• Up to three hours of free custom scanning services at the SEMA Garage
• SEMA Manufacturers' Rep Network: Distribution/sales support consultation meeting

FINALISTS PRIZE: Five Competitors

The top 10 and semi-finalist prizes plus:

• Invitation to pitch at the live event for the grand prize held on November 4.

TOP TEN: 10 participants

• The semi-finalist prizes plus:
• Complimentary 2019 SEMA Show "Kiosk" Booth*
• Two exhibitor passes to the SEMA Show
• Two tickets to the SEMA Banquet
• One-hour mentoring session with an industry leader
• Widespread awareness of your brand and business

SEMI-FINALISTS PRIZE: 15 participants

• One-year SEMA membership.
• Complimentary registration to the 2019 Exhibitor Summit, two nights of hotel and meals at the event (June 18–19)
• $500 award to be used toward flight cost to the 2019 Exhibitor Summit.
• License to use the SEMA-filmed pitch video on company marketing deliverables.
• Widespread awareness of your business through SEMA communication channels

*All taxes on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize-winning company. Tax liability is based on the value of the prizes. All prize winners must complete a W-9 in order to receive a prize.

**No changes are permitted to the booth layout. Company does not accrue SEMA Show seniority points by reason of exhibiting at a 2019 SEMA Show “Kiosk” Booth in New Products Showcase Area or the “Turnkey” Exhibit Space with Premium Placement in the 2020 SEMA Show.

Learn more: Terms & Conditions.

By SEMA Editors

The Jeep and Mopar brands have created several concept vehicles for the annual Easter Jeep Safari. These images hint at two of the new concept vehicles that will head to Moab, April 13–21.

By SEMA Editors

The Jeep and Mopar brands have created several concept vehicles for the annual Easter Jeep Safari. These images hint at two of the new concept vehicles that will head to Moab, April 13–21.

By SEMA Editors

Employees of all PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, share ideas and network with industry friends, select committee members and SEMA staff.

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is hosting an open membership meeting, May 16–17, at the Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport. The meeting serves as an opportunity for council members to address restyling industry challenges, trends and opportunities, and weigh in on the needs of its member companies. Employees of all PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, share ideas and network with industry friends, select committee members and SEMA staff.

The day kicks off Thursday, May 16, with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. The event includes open-forum discussions, breakout sessions and lunch, and will conclude at approximately 5:00 p.m., followed by an evening function from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. More details will become available shortly.

All participants will then reconvene Friday, May 17, from 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., at the same venue.

Rates start at $141 for those interested in booking a room at the Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport Hotel.

For questions, contact Senior Manager of Councils Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.

Reserve your tickets.

By SEMA Editors

Employees of all PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, share ideas and network with industry friends, select committee members and SEMA staff.

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is hosting an open membership meeting, May 16–17, at the Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport. The meeting serves as an opportunity for council members to address restyling industry challenges, trends and opportunities, and weigh in on the needs of its member companies. Employees of all PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, share ideas and network with industry friends, select committee members and SEMA staff.

The day kicks off Thursday, May 16, with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. The event includes open-forum discussions, breakout sessions and lunch, and will conclude at approximately 5:00 p.m., followed by an evening function from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. More details will become available shortly.

All participants will then reconvene Friday, May 17, from 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., at the same venue.

Rates start at $141 for those interested in booking a room at the Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport Hotel.

For questions, contact Senior Manager of Councils Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.

Reserve your tickets.

By SEMA Editors

Registration is now open for the 2019 SEMA Show, taking place November 5–8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Registration for the 2019 SEMA Show, taking place November 5–8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is now open.

Attendee registration is for distributors, retailers, installers, PR/marketing staff and buyers who will meet with exhibitors. Applicants may be required to submit proof of industry employment. Approved domestic attendees registered prior to October 11 will receive their badges in the mail.

Exhibitor registration is for personnel who will be working in booths. Applicants will need the unique password and user ID provided via email to the company’s primary contact, who can also register the entire team at once.

For more information about documentation required, contact customer service, Monday–Friday, from 9:00 a.m.–6 p.m. (CDT), toll-free at 866-229-3687 or email aapexsema@compusystems.com. International callers dial +1-224-563-3154.

By SEMA Editors

Registration is now open for the 2019 SEMA Show, taking place November 5–8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Registration for the 2019 SEMA Show, taking place November 5–8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is now open.

Attendee registration is for distributors, retailers, installers, PR/marketing staff and buyers who will meet with exhibitors. Applicants may be required to submit proof of industry employment. Approved domestic attendees registered prior to October 11 will receive their badges in the mail.

Exhibitor registration is for personnel who will be working in booths. Applicants will need the unique password and user ID provided via email to the company’s primary contact, who can also register the entire team at once.

For more information about documentation required, contact customer service, Monday–Friday, from 9:00 a.m.–6 p.m. (CDT), toll-free at 866-229-3687 or email aapexsema@compusystems.com. International callers dial +1-224-563-3154.

By Rachel Tatum            

“SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” airs Tuesday, April 16, at 3:00 p.m. (PDT)/6:00 p.m. (EDT) on MotorTrend TV.

Find out what it takes to compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders by tuning in to MotorTrend TV’s “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” airing Tuesday, April 16, at 3:00 p.m. (PDT)/6:00 p.m. (EDT). You’ll see interviews with builders as they prepare to debut their vehicles in front of more than 140,000 industry professionals, how to stand out among hundreds of the most unique vehicle builds and go inside the halls of the exclusive trade-only SEMA Show.

Check your local listings for details on MotorTrend TV, or visit www.semashow.com/botb.

By Rachel Tatum            

“SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” airs Tuesday, April 16, at 3:00 p.m. (PDT)/6:00 p.m. (EDT) on MotorTrend TV.

Find out what it takes to compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders by tuning in to MotorTrend TV’s “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” airing Tuesday, April 16, at 3:00 p.m. (PDT)/6:00 p.m. (EDT). You’ll see interviews with builders as they prepare to debut their vehicles in front of more than 140,000 industry professionals, how to stand out among hundreds of the most unique vehicle builds and go inside the halls of the exclusive trade-only SEMA Show.

Check your local listings for details on MotorTrend TV, or visit www.semashow.com/botb.

By Rachel Tatum            

“SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” airs Tuesday, April 16, at 3:00 p.m. (PDT)/6:00 p.m. (EDT) on MotorTrend TV.

Find out what it takes to compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders by tuning in to MotorTrend TV’s “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” airing Tuesday, April 16, at 3:00 p.m. (PDT)/6:00 p.m. (EDT). You’ll see interviews with builders as they prepare to debut their vehicles in front of more than 140,000 industry professionals, how to stand out among hundreds of the most unique vehicle builds and go inside the halls of the exclusive trade-only SEMA Show.

Check your local listings for details on MotorTrend TV, or visit www.semashow.com/botb.