By Kristopher Porter

Matt Beenen of Builtright Industries (with check) was named the winner of the 2018 SEMA Launch Pad, presented by the Young Executives Network.

The seventh annual SEMA Launch Pad presented by YEN is excited to announce that the competition is accepting applications for new innovative automotive products/services from business entrepreneurs under age 40. As a reminder, you do not need to be a SEMA member to apply to competition and if chosen as one of the 15 semi-finalists the company receives a complimentary membership to SEMA (up to a $1000 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 further narrowed down to 5 finalists via a social media voting campaign. The 5 finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their product to a panel of industry judges in front of a live audience competing to win the grand prize designed to advance their business.

Ready to learn more and apply? Click here.

2019 Prize Packages

GRAND PRIZE: 1 Winner

• The finalist, top ten and semi-finalist prizes plus:
• $10,000 to be used for the benefit of your business
• Turn-key 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: 5 Competitors

• The top ten and semi-finalist prizes plus:
• Invitation to pitch at the Live Event for the grand prize held on Nov. 4, 2019.

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, 2 nights of hotel and meals at the event (June 18 & June 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 “Turn-key” Exhibit Space with Premium Placement in the 2020 SEMA Show.

Here are the Terms & Conditions.

By Kristopher Porter

Matt Beenen of Builtright Industries (with check) was named the winner of the 2018 SEMA Launch Pad, presented by the Young Executives Network.

The seventh annual SEMA Launch Pad presented by YEN is excited to announce that the competition is accepting applications for new innovative automotive products/services from business entrepreneurs under age 40. As a reminder, you do not need to be a SEMA member to apply to competition and if chosen as one of the 15 semi-finalists the company receives a complimentary membership to SEMA (up to a $1000 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 further narrowed down to 5 finalists via a social media voting campaign. The 5 finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their product to a panel of industry judges in front of a live audience competing to win the grand prize designed to advance their business.

Ready to learn more and apply? Click here.

2019 Prize Packages

GRAND PRIZE: 1 Winner

• The finalist, top ten and semi-finalist prizes plus:
• $10,000 to be used for the benefit of your business
• Turn-key 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: 5 Competitors

• The top ten and semi-finalist prizes plus:
• Invitation to pitch at the Live Event for the grand prize held on Nov. 4, 2019.

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, 2 nights of hotel and meals at the event (June 18 & June 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 “Turn-key” Exhibit Space with Premium Placement in the 2020 SEMA Show.

Here are the Terms & Conditions.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is hosting an inaugural meetup at the Keystone BIG Show being held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. The event will be held March 8, from 3:00 p.m. CST–4:00 p.m. CST, in Grapevine, Texas.

All SBN members and those interested in learning about opportunities to support the advancement of women in the automotive industry are encouraged to attend. SBN leadership will be present to discuss the Network’s initiatives, volunteer opportunities and additional ways to get more involved.

SBN Members who are not attending the Keystone BIG Show are welcome to attend the meetup and also attend the BIG Show’s opening night keynote speaker and reception. RSVPs are required for all SBN members that are non-Show attendees.

If you live in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area and are a SBN member or you’re a registered Keystone Big Show attendee, stop by and enjoy an evening of light refreshments with fellow SBN colleagues. We look forward to seeing you there!

Tickets are available here.

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is hosting an inaugural meetup at the Keystone BIG Show being held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. The event will be held March 8, from 3:00 p.m. CST–4:00 p.m. CST, in Grapevine, Texas.

All SBN members and those interested in learning about opportunities to support the advancement of women in the automotive industry are encouraged to attend. SBN leadership will be present to discuss the Network’s initiatives, volunteer opportunities and additional ways to get more involved.

SBN Members who are not attending the Keystone BIG Show are welcome to attend the meetup and also attend the BIG Show’s opening night keynote speaker and reception. RSVPs are required for all SBN members that are non-Show attendees.

If you live in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area and are a SBN member or you’re a registered Keystone Big Show attendee, stop by and enjoy an evening of light refreshments with fellow SBN colleagues. We look forward to seeing you there!

Tickets are available here.

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

By Kristopher Porter

Donnie Eatherly, Chris Thomson, and Ed Pink were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2018.

As a SEMA member, you have the chance to nominate an exceptional candidate for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame.

The SEMA Hall of Fame honors outstanding individuals in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the industry's growth.

By nominating a candidate, you will participate in recognizing the contributions and achievements of people who have helped shape the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

When making your confidential nomination, please provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves this prestigious award. Feel free to mention previous accomplishments and notable industry contributions. This will help the Hall of Fame Committee choose the most deserving candidates. 

Before you submit your nomination, take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, and review the award criteria as well as prior inductees. Last year’s Hall of Fame inductees were Donnie Eatherly from P&E Distributors Inc., Ed Pink from Ed Pink Racing Engines, and Chris Thomson from TMG Performance Group.

Make Your Nomination for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame before the March 8 deadline.

To learn more, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By Kristopher Porter

Donnie Eatherly, Chris Thomson, and Ed Pink were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2018.

As a SEMA member, you have the chance to nominate an exceptional candidate for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame.

The SEMA Hall of Fame honors outstanding individuals in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the industry's growth.

By nominating a candidate, you will participate in recognizing the contributions and achievements of people who have helped shape the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

When making your confidential nomination, please provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves this prestigious award. Feel free to mention previous accomplishments and notable industry contributions. This will help the Hall of Fame Committee choose the most deserving candidates. 

Before you submit your nomination, take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, and review the award criteria as well as prior inductees. Last year’s Hall of Fame inductees were Donnie Eatherly from P&E Distributors Inc., Ed Pink from Ed Pink Racing Engines, and Chris Thomson from TMG Performance Group.

Make Your Nomination for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame before the March 8 deadline.

To learn more, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

The elected select committee of each council and network serves as the volunteer leadership for the group.

Nominations are being accepted through March 3 for select committee positions for the following councils and networks:

ARMO-Automotive Restoration Market Organization

ETTN-Emerging Trends & Technology Network

HRIA- Hot Rod Industry Alliance

TORA/TORA-Truck and Off-Road Alliance/Truck and Off-Road Alliance

MPMC-Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council

MRN-Manufacturers' Rep Network

PRO-Professional Restylers Organization

SBN-SEMA Businesswomen's Network

WTC-Wheel & Tire Council

YEN- Young Executives Network

Elected industry leaders will:

• Be a voice within the industry segment.
• Guide SEMA resources to move toward solutions.
• Gain leadership experience, increase industry knowledge and build connections.

Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA member employee today by using the quick and easy online nomination form.

All nominations must be received by 12:00 a.m., March 3. The select committee elections will take place in late-April.

For more information about SEMA's councils and networks, or the nomination and election process, contact Kristen Fregoso at kristenf@sema.org or 909-978-6681.

By SEMA Editors

The elected select committee of each council and network serves as the volunteer leadership for the group.

Nominations are being accepted through March 3 for select committee positions for the following councils and networks:

ARMO-Automotive Restoration Market Organization

ETTN-Emerging Trends & Technology Network

HRIA- Hot Rod Industry Alliance

TORA/TORA-Truck and Off-Road Alliance/Truck and Off-Road Alliance

MPMC-Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council

MRN-Manufacturers' Rep Network

PRO-Professional Restylers Organization

SBN-SEMA Businesswomen's Network

WTC-Wheel & Tire Council

YEN- Young Executives Network

Elected industry leaders will:

• Be a voice within the industry segment.
• Guide SEMA resources to move toward solutions.
• Gain leadership experience, increase industry knowledge and build connections.

Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA member employee today by using the quick and easy online nomination form.

All nominations must be received by 12:00 a.m., March 3. The select committee elections will take place in late-April.

For more information about SEMA's councils and networks, or the nomination and election process, contact Kristen Fregoso at kristenf@sema.org or 909-978-6681.

The SEMA Garage, in partnership with Toyota, will hold a Measuring Session for the 2020 Toyota Supra.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-toyota-gr-supra-measuring-session-april-3-and-4-2019-tickets-57635376964

The SEMA Garage, in partnership with Toyota, will hold a Measuring Session for the 2020 Toyota Supra.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-toyota-gr-supra-measuring-session-april-3-and-4-2019-tickets-57635376964