Staying in tune and ahead of trends is one of the most important things any business can do. As the hot-rod market changes and evolves through different styles, capabilities and technology, it’s critical for businesses to have in-depth, inside knowledge of what they can do to position themselves to capitalize on trends.
After an exciting year and car show season, the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is bringing together industry leaders to look back and highlight the trends that got the hot-rod market where it is today and what will be changing business, design and fabrication in the year ahead.
Taking place on September 7, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), the virtual panel discussion will be led by Amy Fitzgerald of Cool Hand Customs and feature panelists Jonathan Goolsby, Goolsby Customs; Stacey David, Rattletrap Productions; and Scott Parker, Power Automedia.
Participants will hear the panel’s insight on what trends led the way this past year, what they should expect to see at the 2022 SEMA Show, and what’s in store for the future of the hot-rod market.
Cars have become more complex and computer-controlled; virtually every major system in new cars is connected and because vehicle safety systems are involved, OEMS often lock down access to their computer controls, limiting the aftermarket’s access to these complex systems.
SEMA members are invited to join Chris Johnson, founder, SCT and JMS Performance Group, as he shares critical information on vehicle tuning during the live webinar “The Future of Tuning,” August 25, at 11:00 am (PDT).
Attendees will get expert insight on what the future of this segment looks like, and how innovative software companies can provide needed access to these vehicles and their computer control systems.
Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.
LIQUI MOLY USA is hiring a regional sales manager responsible for sales growth, marketing efforts and business expansion. With the opportunity to work independently, you are responsible for your own success. A minimum of five years’ experience in field sales management—preferably in lubricant products or the automotive aftermarket—is required.
Power Automedia is hiring an automotive editor to manage Chevy Hardcore, a leading magazine dedicated to classic Chevy cars and trucks. Responsibilities include writing and managing editorial magazine content, assignment of freelance editorial articles and news and automotive photography.
CarTech Books Inc. is hiring a freelance writer/photographer to author a complete step-by-step instructional book on paintless dent repair (PDR). The company will cover training/costs and the basics of running your own PDR business. The ideal candidate will be a professional PDR instructor, someone who owns a PDR business or PDR tool manufacturer. Writing and photography skills are a plus.
SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) and Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members are invited to attend a cross council mixer taking place at the Custom Automotive Network (CAN) Conference in Phoenix, September 7, at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa.
The event will provide FLN and TORA members the opportunity to learn about what the council is currently working on. Attendees will engage in fun conversation, discuss new truck and off-road and industry trends and find out what volunteer opportunities are available in the industry.
If you’re an industry professional age 39 and under, or employed by a truck and off-road aftermarket company, this mixer is a great way to learn how to get involved in the many benefits that SEMA has to offer. FLN and TORA select committee leaders will be on site to answer any questions.
The deadline to update exhibitor information for the printed 2022 SEMA Show Directory is tomorrow.
The SEMA Show Directory is one of the strongest tools buyers use to learn about exhibiting companies and their products. In addition, more than two-thirds of Show buyers say the directory is a useful tool for navigating the Show.
Click here for more information about updating your SEMA Show Directory listing, or contact Maurice O’Connell at mauriceo@sema.org or 909-978-6660 if you do not receive an email to update your directory listing.
Click here for a complete listing of 2022 SEMA Show deadlines.
The 2022 SEMA Show is about 11 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.
The deadlines checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.
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.
Exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.
The list, which will be updated in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2022 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.
The list is open to exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.
Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.
Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2022 SEMA Show.
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.
Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.
“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”
Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.
“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.
Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.
“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.
Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.
For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.
California State Parks issued a draft report that finds no new dust-reduction measures are needed at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). State Parks is required under a court order to reduce dust emissions at Oceano Dunes at a rate of 50% compared to 2013 levels. However, the scientific advisory group (SAG) that guides the dust mitigation work released a report in February that 50% is too high given that the current configuration of sensors tracking dust is flawed in favor of a higher number. The SAG recommended 40.7% instead. The collected data for the 2022 annual report measured a 40.8% dust emissions reduction and State Parks is recommending that the current mitigation plan has worked, and no additional measures are needed.
Oceano Dunes is California’s only OHV park on the Pacific Ocean.
State Parks will petition that the stipulated court order be revised to 40.8% at a hearing of the San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District Board tentatively scheduled for October 14. If denied, the 50% target would remain. State Parks has used wind fencing and vegetation plantings as dust mitigation methods in the past. Off-roading in prohibited in the areas of the park with dust-mitigation measures.
This finding is unrelated to the ongoing lawsuit challenging the California Coastal Commission’s (CCC) authority to ban off-roading at the Oceano Dunes SVRA by 2024. Oceano Dunes is a unique resource since it is the state’s only OHV park on the Pacific Ocean. The lawsuit is scheduled for trial in March 2023 in the California Superior Court for San Luis Obispo County.
The lawsuit was filed by SEMA and Ecologic Partners, a legal partnership between the Off-Road Business Association, the American Sand Association, and the American Motorcyclist Association District 37, along with Friends of Oceano Dunes.
For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.
