By SEMA News Editors 

After you wrap up your first day on the 2024 SEMA Show floor, jump-start the rest of the week by joining an exclusive celebration of car culture, community and collaboration taking place today, November 5: Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring The Goo Goo Dolls.  

Headlined by the record-breaking band from Buffalo, New York, The Goo Goo Dolls, the event will also feature live performances from O.A.R. and Reignwolf plus tire-smoking demonstrations from OPTIMA, all conveniently located on the SEMA Show campus beginning at 5:00 p.m. PST. (Buy tickets at semashow.com.) 

Ahead of tonight's festivities--which will offer Showgoers yet another opportunity to come together, celebrate the aftermarket and forge relationships that will drive the industry forward--SEMA News is sharing an exclusive preview of the three chart-topping bands taking the stage tonight!
 

Artist Spotlight: The Goo Goo Dolls

Formed by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac in 1986, The Goo Goo Dolls have quietly broken records, contributed a string of staples to the American songbook, connected to millions of fans and indelibly impacted popular music for three-plus decades. Beyond selling 15 million records worldwide, the group has garnered four GRAMMY Award nominations and nearly a dozen platinum and gold singles combined, and seized a page in the history books by achieving 16 number-one and Top 10 hits. As a result, they hold the all-time radio record for most Top 10 singles. 

Thus far, "A Boy Named Goo" (1995) has gone double-platinum, "Dizzy Up The Girl" five times platinum, and "Gutterflower" (2002) and Let Love In (2006) both went gold as "Something for the Rest of Us" (2010) and "Magnetic" (2013) bowed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200. Their music continues to reach new audiences around the world and rack up platinum and gold statuses--including the recently platinum-certified "Slide," "Black Balloon" and "Better Days"--and has been covered by everyone from Taylor Swift to Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers.  

Among a string of hits, "Iris" clutched number one on the Hot 100 for 18 straight weeks and would be named "Number One Top 40 Song of the Last 20 Years." On the heels of going viral on TikTok, the track recently achieved seven-times-platinum status and re-entered the Billboard charts, yet again proving the timelessness of The Goo Goo Dolls' illustrious catalog. 

Artist Spotlight: O.A.R. 

O.A.R. might just be music's biggest, best-kept secret. The platinum-certified band--consisting of Marc Roberge (lead vocals, guitar), Richard On (lead guitar, backing vocals), Chris Culos (drums), Benj Gershman (bass) and Jerry DePizzo (saxophone, guitar, backing vocals) accompanied by Mikel Paris (keys, backing vocals, percussion), and Jon Lampley (trumpet, backing vocals)--has quietly sold out multiple shows at Madison Square Garden, filled Red Rocks Amphitheater a dozen times, earned platinum and gold plaques, lit up the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration and built one of the most committed fanbases in the country. 
 

Artist Spotlight: Reignwolf 

Reignwolf has toured with Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Black Sabbath and The Who, plus influential alternative rockers Pixies. 

He has performed across the globe, including appearances at renowned festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Glastonbury and more. 

His debut album "Hear Me Out" was released to critical acclaim in 2019, and a world tour ensued. He's currently writing and demoing songs for the follow-up release, which is expected to hit streets soon. 

Open to all SEMA Showgoers, tickets for this evening's Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring The Goo Goo Dolls are still available but may sell out. Purchase general admission or VIP tickets at semashow.com.

By SEMA News Editors 

Just like last year's SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, this year's event will connect the global community before the Show floor doors open.

The 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas opens today with the newest automotive innovations from more than 2,400 brands in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). Before you hit the SEMA Show floor today, plan to start your experience strong with the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast to connect with the global automotive community in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.  

2024 SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast
Date: Tuesday, November 5
Time: Doors open 7:00 a.m. Event ends 8:45 a.m. PST
Location: Paradise Event Center, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (View on Google Maps)
 

With the event hosted by industry voice Jarod DeAnda, this year's Kickoff Breakfast will be spotlighted by a special conversation between Jay Leno, renowned comedian and car enthusiast attending his 20th SEMA Show, and popular automotive influencer Tavarish. The two will discuss their shared love for automobiles, observations about the industry, and the evolving landscape of car culture in a lively and engaging exchange.  

In addition, attendees will learn about the latest cutting-edge products introduced into the aftermarket with the New Product Awards presentations, which recognize outstanding achievements in product developments. Entries are judged on superiority of innovation, technical achievement, quality and workmanship, consumer appeal and marketability and more. 

The Kickoff Breakfast will set the tone for the Show, which will feature incredible builds, new-product launches, exhilarating motorsports demos, and networking opportunities for professionals across all sectors of the automotive aftermarket.  

All credentialed SEMA Show attendees can register to attend the breakfast free of charge here.

By SEMA News Editors

The 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas, is just days away, and this year's show promises to provide unrivalled opportunities to collaborate, learn and forge new connections that will shape the future of the specialty-equipment industry.

Whether you're an experience attendee or a SEMA Show rookie, it's important to plan your SEMA week. To maximize your time at the annual trade event, check out the information below for valuable tips, tools and details that will help you make the most of your 2024 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show Transportation Around Las Vegas 

Attendees have several transportation options available to them. SEMA Show management reminds Showgoers there is limited parking at the LVCC and encourages attendees to plan to ensure enough time to get to the LVCC and navigate the large SEMA Show campus. (View the 2024 SEMA Show floorplan at semashow.com/floorplan). 

Attendees can utilize the free hotel shuttles, the Las Vegas Monorail (see below for a SEMA discount!) and the Strip & Downtown Express (SDX) along with the Vegas Loop and ride-sharing apps or taxis to get around during SEMA Week. 

Plan your SEMA Week transportation by reading this recent SEMA News article, or visit the SEMA Show Transportation webpage here on SEMAShow.com for up-to-date information. 

Attendee Badge Pick-Up 

Attendees who have already registered after the badge mailing deadline may retrieve their badges on-site in the Express Registration area in West Hall or in the Main Registration in Lower South Hall East. Registrants must be prepared to present a valid government-issued photo ID when picking up their badge at any of the registration locations. The name on the photo ID must match the name on the badge. 

SEMA Show Planner and SEMA Show App

Showgoers can unlock the full potential of their upcoming SEMA experience by creating an account on Map Your Show and the SEMA Show app. The SEMA Show Planner is a personalized tool that maximizes engagement and ensures a seamless event experience.  

My Show Planner for the SEMA Show coexists with the SEMA Show app, meaning your SEMA Show plan is accessible across all platforms—desktop and mobile. Read more about how to create a My Show Planner account on Map Your Show and the SEMA Show app here. To download the SEMA Show app, which includes all the features from My Show Planner plus turn-by-turn real-time directions while on the SEMA Show campus, visit semashow.com/app. 

SEMAShow.com and Bessie the Chatbot 

Say hello to Bessie, SEMA's AI-powered chatbot that complements SEMAShow.com and the SEMA Show mobile app, plus all the on-site collateral and signage, as the best way to maximize your time and navigate the SEMA Show. 

Chatting with Bessie is easy:  

• Send a text to 833-338-3101. 
• Download the SEMA Show mobile app. 
• Visit SEMAShow.com. 
• Look for QR code signage around the SEMA Show campus. 

SEMA Gear 

Throughout SEMA Week, visit the SEMA Gear booths at these convenient locations across the LVCC. Enjoy the SEMA Show all year long and take home some trendy apparel!  

• Central Hall & Central Lobby, Booth #10080 
• North Hall, Booth #11003 
• Central Hall, Booth #20600 
• Upper South Hall, Booth #30000 
• Upper South Hall, Booth #34000 
• Lower South Hall, Booth #40000 
• West Hall, Booth #50020 
• West Hall, Booth #71010 
• Central Hall & Central Lobby, Booth #80000 
• Silver Lot, Booth #81595 
• Lower South Hall, Booth #85000 

Those not in attendance may also visit semagear.com to purchase SEMA Show gear online. 

Outdoor Activations

Dozens of world-class motorsports activations await attendees as soon as they hit the SEMA Show campus, so make plans to stop by the Diamond Lot outside of West Hall and the Bronze and Silver Lots near Lower South Hall for the SEMA Overland Experience, Shell Performance Unbound, Nitro Circus, OPTIMA Village and much more.

The 2024 SEMA Show returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center on Tuesday, November 5 through Friday, November 8. For more information, visit semashow.com.   

By SEMA News Editors

The 2024 SEMA Show will create history by live-streaming 31 hours of Show highlights, offering a rare glimpse at the exclusive event typically reserved for industry professionals only. From Tuesday, November 5, to Friday, November 8, 2024, viewers worldwide can tune in to SEMA Live on SEMA Show's YouTube and Facebook channels to experience the best of the SEMA Show as it takes over the Las Vegas Convention Center grounds and captures the attention of automotive enthusiasts across the globe. 

The launch of SEMA Live is the latest evolution of the relationship between the industry and the passionate consumer community, innovating the industry's gathering to meet the needs of the marketplace. 

SEMA Live invites fans inside the digital doors of the SEMA Show, allowing them to witness the unveiling of new products, keep up to date with the latest industry trends and insights while creating opportunities for broader awareness of automotive culture, and expanding the Show's reach as the epicenter for industry growth and innovation. 

Chris Jacobs will host the action from the SEMA Live studio in West Hall, and he will be joined by remote reporters Alliyah Becerra and JC Fernandez, who will take viewers behind the scenes of the Show's top features. Viewers can look forward to exciting vehicle reveals, exhibitor highlights, celebrity appearances and exclusive interviews with industry leaders and luminaries. Additionally, Adrienne "AJ" Janic will report from the SEMA Battle of the Builders stage, offering a front-row seat into the competition that celebrates the best car builders in the automotive aftermarket. 

"SEMA Live is a reflection of our commitment to expand the reach of this amazing industry," said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. "We know enthusiasts are eager for this content, and we're thrilled to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience that highlights the incredible work and innovation happening across the industry." 

The SEMA Show is one of the largest trade shows in the world, powered by a passionate and innovative community. The 2024 Show is receiving more industry support than it has seen in years, with more than 2,400 exhibitors--including 580 first-time exhibitors--projected to display their latest products and services to thousands of attendees and media. 

Scheduled highlights:  

• Booth Highlights: See innovative exhibits and new product introductions from every hall on the SEMA Show campus. 
• Celebrity Interviews: Hear from automotive legends and personalities like Antron Brown, Chip Foose, TJ Hunt, Jay Leno and Richard Petty, to name a few. 
• Industry Leaders: Gain insight from Cam Douglas (OPTIMA Batteries), Rick Love (Vintage Air), Kim Mathers (Ford) and many more. 
• SEMA Battle of the Builders: Follow along to see the 40 finalists, their iconic builds, Top 12 judging, and who wins the 11th annual Battle of the Builders competition. 
• Thrilling Activations: Get a glimpse into activations from Nitro Circus, OPTIMA Unleashed and Shell Performance Unbound. 
• Vehicle Reveals: Witness the debut of builds from Chip Foose, CTEK, Hemmings, Throtl, Ringbrothers and more. 

Watch the live stream starting Tuesday, November 5, through Friday, November 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST on the SEMA Show YouTube and Facebook pages. 

To learn more about the 2024 SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

Last year's SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, pictured above, was legendary, and this year's event will once again be one not to miss!

Fasten your seatbelts. The aftermarket night of the year returns to SEMA Week next Thursday, November 7, in Las Vegas. Join the celebration, complete with great friends, food, entertainment, and a few surprises, including special guest Harry Mack, the multi-talented artist and freestyle rapper best known for his unique, jaw-dropping visual and improvisational freestyle rapping (more details below). The extravaganza will also reveal the winner of several prestigious awards, including:

• Content Creator of the Year
• Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award
• SEMA Person of the Year

Harry Mack Confirmed for 2024 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet

Get ready for jaw-dropping entertainment at this year's SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, set for Thursday, November 7, at the Westgate.

Get ready to be entertained by multi-talented artist and rapper freestyle lyricist Harry Mack! Mack is best known for his unique, jaw-dropping visual freestyle rapping. He first came to fame when his Venice Beach freestyle video went viral, which propelled him to opportunities that got him featured with Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Hudson, Complex Music, RedBull, Music and the NBA. As a content creator, his self-produced YouTube series has amassed millions of views. Mack has surprised, impacted and entertained millions of people, leaving them with something unique that they can't wait to share with others. His content and live shows promote positivity and keep fans engaged through mind-blowing interactive performances. His unique approach to hip-hop revolves around the spirit of rhythmic improv. Blending the excitement of instrumental jazz improvisation with the impactful messages of hip-hop lyricism, Harry constantly strives to push the boundaries of his own abilities while reaching for new approaches to rap expression.

Tickets for the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet are $99 each. Purchase tickets here.

Host tables are also available. Contact Courtney Wright at courtneyw@sema.org to learn more and get involved.

2024 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet
Date: Thursday, November 7, 6:00 p.m. Reception, 7:00 p.m. Banquet
Location: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino - Paradise Event Center (View on Google Maps)
Tickets: Tickets or host tables are required. Purchase SEMA Industry Awards Banquet tickets here.

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA New Products Showcase at the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8 in Las Vegas, is a must-visit destination for any professional interested in the latest automotive innovations and trends. The New Products Showcase is a hub of cutting-edge technology, fresh trends and groundbreaking products, all presented to buyers, media, influencers, enthusiasts and professionals from around the world. With hundreds of companies displaying their latest advancements, the showcase is the ultimate place to discover the newest tools, components, and accessories that are setting the industry standard.

For automotive professionals, the New Products Showcase provides exclusive access to insights on what's next in automotive technology. The showcase encourages networking and collaboration, offering opportunities to connect with manufacturers and industry insiders.

This showcase is not only a valuable resource for buyers looking to stay competitive, but it's also an opportunity for media and influencers to identify and share emerging trends with their audiences. Each product displayed in the showcase includes vital information and descriptions, helping attendees to understand its relevance and potential impact within the market.

Exhibitors, the SEMA News Products Showcase is still accepting submissions. Showcase your new products, company information, and booth number to thousands of professionals who command billions in buying power. The first product entry is always free, with additional product entries at $175 per submission. Submit New Product Showcase entries at semashow.com/newproducts, and read the rules and regulations here. Questions? Contact the SEMA Show office at 909-396-0289 or newproducts@sema.org. 

Attendee, buyer and media registration for the SEMA Show is available at semashow.com/register. Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early and taking advantage of travel discounts (more details here). Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Know where the candidates stand and what's at stake by watching SEMA's series of election guide videos, in which the organization's Washington, D.C.-based experts break down the race for president, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Watch our four-video series here:

And if you're headed to the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, plan to vote before you depart. Learn more at sema.org/vote.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Know where the candidates stand and what's at stake by watching SEMA's series of election guide videos, in which the organization's Washington, D.C.-based experts break down the race for president, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Watch our four-video series here:

And if you're headed to the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, plan to vote before you depart. Learn more at sema.org/vote.

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Collision Repair Stage, Booth #32145 located in the Upper South Hall at the SEMA Show, will serve as a hub for industry engagement. Throughout the event, subject-matter experts from SEMA, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will present on crucial topics, from emerging trends to the future of collision repair. In addition, live demonstrations will be conducted by experienced welding experts, offering hands-on learning of advanced techniques.

As part of the SEMA Collision Repair Stage schedule is a new program from I-CAR offering a hands-on virtual reality training experience. This cutting-edge tool accelerates skill development by simulating real-world scenarios, allowing technicians to practice hands-on techniques in a risk-free environment. I-CAR's VR program at SEMA will simulate high-voltage electric vehicle (EV) repairs modeled after I-CAR's EV cart. The cart is equipped with various components that mimic EV systems, providing a controlled environment for students to understand the complexities of EV technology, diagnostics and repair techniques. Attendees who test the VR experience at SEMA will have the unique opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills on an in-person EV cart.

For more, visit i-car.com/sema.

In addition, SCRS will present an exciting mix of seminars, networking and awards events next week. This year marks the 15th season of SCRS' acclaimed Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series. It was launched in 2010 as part of a new affiliation between the SEMA and SCRS, in response to the expressed interest of SCRS members to grow the paint, body and equipment sector's participation at the Show. The educational program--and the collision-repair and refinish industry--have since established themselves as key mainstays of the annual trade-only event.

This year's RDE sessions welcome back RDE alumni that include Kena Dacus, Decus Auto Body and Collision Repair; Josh McFarlin, AirPro Diagnostics; Mike Anderson, Collision Advice; Tim Ronak and Tony Adams, AkzoNobel; Danny Gredinberg, Database Enhancement Gateway; Jason Garfoot, 3M Collision; Nick Schoolcraft, Phoenix Solutions Group; Jeff Wildman, BASF Automotive Refinish; Phill Knapp, BASF Automotive Refinish; Andy Dingman, Calibration Technologies; Andrew Batenhorst, Pacific BMW Collision Center; Ryan Taylor, BodyShop Booster; Chris White and Danny Hacker, KECO Body Repair Products; Barry Dorn, Dorn's Body and Paint; and Michael Bradshaw, K&M Collision.

Every year, SCRS strives to provide perspectives and information from new first-time event speakers as well. This year, those include Sheryl Driggers, Collision Advice co-owner; Taylor Moss, OEConnection Repair Intelligence Team manager; David Ghodoussi, Opti-Coat CEO; and Kris Burton, Rosslyn Auto Body owner.

For more, visit the scrs.com/sema-rde-registration.

By SEMA News Editors

New images of an Audi A7 sedan prototype from SEMA News sources have revealed the vehicle's e-Tron-inspired interior.

The Audi A7 will still feature traditional gasoline engines and will be based on an updated version of Audi's MLB platform. Future models are expected to include mild hybrids or plug-in hybrids, according to sources, and like the smaller A5, the A7 is expected to prioritize four-cylinder engines. However, high-performance S and RS models may still utilize a plug-in hybrid system with six cylinders.

While the combustion and electric models will differ in terms of technology, they will look similar in design. The new A5 bears a resemblance to the A6 e-tron Concept shown in 2021, with both featuring sleek single-frame grilles, flared fenders nodding to Audi’s quattro heritage and slim LED headlights and taillights.

Inside, the A7’s cockpit design closely resembles that of the Audi A6 e-tron, with the primary difference being the steering wheel and HVAC layout. Options for touchscreen, steering wheel and voice controls remain available, while the widescreen display features adaptive layouts that adjust to driving conditions, displaying only the information needed at any given moment.