SEMA Ignited, the only official SEMA Show after-party, will be held Friday, November 4, 2022, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. in the West Hall parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Credentialed 2022 SEMA Show attendees can access the event for free with their badge. Enthusiasts may purchase tickets at www.semaignited.com beginning June 3, 2022.

SEMA Ignited, the only official SEMA Show after-party, will be held Friday, November 4, 2022, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. in the West Hall parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Tickets available for purchase will include $20 “Standing Room Access” to SEMA Ignited. These ticket holders are able to meet with exhibiting companies and have a great view of the SEMA Cruise as well as all the drifting performances. You can also reserve your bleacher seat at the event and purchase your “Reserved Seating” ticket for $50. The limited reserved seating tickets allow you the opportunity to visit exhibiting companies, stop at one of the many food trucks for a bite to eat or just grab a drink without the concern of losing your seat.

Enthusiasts also have the opportunity to purchase the SEMA Ignited, Friday Experience badge allowing FRIDAY-ONLY access to the 2022 SEMA Show as well as standing room access to SEMA Ignited for $70, if purchased prior to September 30. After this date, SEMA Ignited, Friday Experience tickets will cost $100.

Friday Experience badge pick up will be located in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center in the Friday Experience Registration area. Friday Experience Registration hours are Friday, November 4, between 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. SEMA Show hours on Friday, November 4, are 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Important Restrictions: Each person registered for the SEMA Friday Experience must pick up their badge with their purchase confirmation bar code and photo ID. NO EXCEPTIONS. You do not need to qualify to purchase and you MUST be at least 16 years or older to purchase and attend the Show.

For more information about Friday Experience or SEMA Ignited, contact info@semaignited.com.

Another prototype for the next-generation Hyundai Kona has been spied testing in Spain ahead of a possible reveal in 2023. Although this spied Kona prototype appears to be an internal-combustion-powered model due to the exhaust tip visible in the rear shots, Hyundai is expected to continue to offer a Kona Electric.

By the looks of this prototype, it appears the Kona has grown. The current Kona measures in at 4,205mm long and 1,550mm tall, or 4,215mm long and 1,560mm tall in the N Line and N Line Premium trims. All models are 1,800mm wide and have a 2,600mm wheelbase.

Looking at the front of the prototype, the split headlight design with the main headlight unit is mounted lower on the bumper and the daytime running lights mounted higher.

The first-generation Kona, which debuted in 2017, was the first Hyundai vehicle to feature the split headlight design. This design element has since been rolled out to other Hyundai offerings such as the Staria, Palisade, Santa Fe, Tucson and Venue. Compared to the current Kona, this prototype has a headlight unit that’s more vertical like the ones on the Palisade.

Around the side it’s hard to distinguish what changes have been made, but the wheelbase appears to be slightly elongated while the overhangs don’t appear longer than those of the current car. The rear end of the spied Kona prototype is almost entirely camouflaged, so what it’ll look like remains a mystery.

It’s hard to tell if the taillights are fake prototype units or production-ready ones, but it appears the next-generation Kona could continue to offer split lighting at the rear, too. In the current-model Kona, there’s a slim unit up higher on the tailgate that houses the brake lights and the running lights, as well as a lower unit that houses the reverse lights, indicators and the reflectors.

In terms of engine offerings, it’s unclear if there will be any changes to the existing lineup. It was previously reported that Hyundai has closed its engine development division, with a small group of engineers continuing to update existing internal-combustion engine designs.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

  Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register. 

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, taking place November 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 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 prepared to select their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process taking place May 2–18 that will lay the foundation for this year’s floorplan. Access to the Priority Space Selection process is available at www.semashow.com, with floorplan updates happening every 10–15 minutes.

“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.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

  By SEMA Editors

The digital SEMA Show Exhibitor Service Manual (ESM)—one of the most powerful online tools—was developed to highlight links to all of the resources pertinent to having a successful exhibit at the Show.

Utilizing the New Products Showcase is the best way to get your products in front of thousands of buyers at the SEMA Show.

To help you navigate efficiently, each section is broken down to the basics. Time spent understanding the tools available to you will pay dividends with ease of participation, provide better visibility with buyers and save you valuable time and money.

Included in the Exhibitor Service Manual:

• Feature vehicle information and application—deadline July 29
• New Products Showcase submissions—first product is free; additional products $75 (prior to October 8)
• Guidelines and policies
• Marketing, advertising and sponsorship

1. Advertising opportunities
2. Public-relations opportunities
3. Directory listing—deadline to update your listing in the Show Directory is August 19
4. Sponsorship brochures

• Meeting room applications
• Contact information
• Show hours
• Deadline checklist
• FAQs
• Booth vehicle information and application
• Information/target times on when freight must be at your booth
• General service contractor information

Freeman

• Carpeting
• Electrical
• Hanging signs
• Booth cleaning
• Booth installation and dismantle

Cox

• Internet and telephone services

Expo Ease

• Photography

Centerplate

• Catering/food and beverage

Show Security Management

• Booth security

The 2022 SEMA Show will be held November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

 By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Awards Gala (formerly the SEMA Installation Gala) is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry are honored and celebrated.

Join SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons at the SEMA Awards Gala, Friday, July 29, in Anaheim, California, to honor 2022's SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees. The gala will take place at the Westin Anaheim Resort.

Since its inception in 1976, the SEMA Installation Gala (now the SEMA Awards Gala) has served as the formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, the incoming Board of Directors are recognized, and outgoing Directors are thanked. SEMA council, network and industry leaders are also highlighted during the event.

Connect with friends and family who share a common passion and love for the industry. Join others in helping celebrate Hall of Fame inductees’ lifetime achievements.

The evening will feature cocktails, networking and dinner. Seating is limited. A full table can be purchased by selecting 10 tickets.

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Awards Gala is now open.

The 2022 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit will be held Tuesday–Thursday, July 26–28, in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

SEMA Vice President, Events Tom Gattuso will provide Exhibitor Summit attendees helpful tips on how to be successful at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

At the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, exhibitors will receive helpful tips from Show management and have the opportunity to meet with their SEMA Show sales director. During educational sessions, exhibitors will learn how to:

• Use proven strategies to attract buyers to their booths.
• Save big bucks on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses.
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize ROI.
• Properly plan and budget to add value to their Show experience.
• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships.
• Participate in the New Products Showcase.
• Utilize the Exhibitor Services Manual.

There is no cost to attend. Exhibitors pay for their flight and SEMA takes care of the rest, which includes hotel, shuttle service from hotel to LVCC, breakfast and lunch, a cocktail Hour on July 26 and an excursion on July 27 (TBD).

For more information, contact the Show department at semashow@sema.org or 909-396-0289.

Register now!

The SEMA Board of Directors elections are just around the corner, so now is the time to ensure you vote and be informed about your candidates.

Each member company is able to cast one ballot. Your company’s primary contact should have received an email from SEMA requesting them to fill out a brief form to confirm we have the appropriate person to complete the ballot for your company. It’s important that those forms are completed and returned as soon as possible.

The SEMA Board of Directors Candidates webpage is available to learn more about your candidates. The page includes their photos, bios, questionnaires and social-media links so you can learn more about them and their platforms.  

Ballots will be sent on May 10 from the SEMA election coordinator <mailto:noreply@directvote.net>, so ensure you receive your ballot by adding the email to your contacts list.

  By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Priority Selection process is in full swing. Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan throughout the week to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show. For exhibitors that want to participate this year, 2022 SEMA Show booth space applications are still being accepted.

Get started at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Companies that submitted an Exhibit Space Rental application and deposit for the 2022 SEMA Show prior to the April 4 deadline are now choosing the best locations for their Show displays.

The selection process is based on exhibitor seniority. About an hour prior to the time to select, exhibitors are encouraged to be prepared by viewing the 2022 Show’s online floorplan. Updated every 30 minutes, exhibitors can see as the Show begins to take shape and monitor their desired section to gain a general idea of where they want to display.

During the exhibitor’s time to pick, a SEMA Show account representative will call the primary SEMA Show contact and help locate and assign the exhibit space that best suits the company’s needs. If the exhibitor wishes to change the primary contact for booth selection, a proxy form must be submitted 24 hours prior to the booth selection appointment.

For more information about exhibiting, refer to the Exhibitor Service Manual, where you will find information about deadlines, booth and feature vehicle applications, Show guidelines, booth services, target times for freight and more.

The 2022 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

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.

Head of Product Development
Enthusiast Auto Holdings is hiring a head of product development to provide the vision and direction for all in-house brands with a specific focus on new product development ideation, pipeline and roadmap development, improving time to market and successful execution of the product roadmap. This position requires excellent organizational, coaching and development, verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment. While the position resides in Wadsworth Ohio, there may be some  travel to banner companies. This position supervises a team of 20–30 across all banners and six total locations. 

Marketing Coordinator
Injen Technology is hiring a marketing coordinator responsible for managing the creation and implementation of product promotions and branding campaigns to engage and influence current and prospective customers. Candidates must be proficient in digital photography and video editing. A college degree is a plus but not necessary.

Technical Writer
Edelbrock Group is hiring a technical writer to develop content for technical literature; work closely with R&D engineering, regulatory, quality and marketing to create any new project-related technical documentation and to make ongoing updates that are a result of user feedback, review of risk management file, and to support regulatory and quality compliance; and produce technical documentation, including user manuals, package inserts and other technical guides. A bachelor’s degree in English, technical writing or a related field, and three years of related experience are required.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.