By Ashley Reyes

Asking for a raise can be intimidating. In addition to choosing the right time and location, knowing how to ask and share proven successes that you’ve contributed to your company is equally as important.

SEMA members are invited to attend a live webinar on how to prepare to ask for a raise and how to implement changes that will gain notice of work superiors on August 18, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Hosted by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and presented by Christine Feuell, CEO of Chrysler Brand, this webinar will leave attendees ready to demonstrate their skills that open more opportunities to excel in career and business.

This session includes a breakout following the presentation where attendees will be asked to share their experiences with asking for a raise, challenges they came across and what they could have done differently.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members will be able to connect with notable off-road racer, entrepreneur and professional stuntwoman Sara Price during a Facebook and Instagram live chat on Friday, August 19, at 1:00 p.m. (PDT).

Named the 2016 Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Rising Star, Price’s racing career is unlike any other. A versatile competitor, she was the first factory-supported female racer under Monster Energy Kawasaki, as well as an X-Games medalist. She has also competed in a vast array of competitions, and has many wins under her belt for motocross, rallying, the X Games and Stadium Super Trucks. Today, Price can be found competing with RPM Offroad in a Trophy Truck Spec. in Baja, Mexico, in the SCORE International Desert Series.

Tune into the SBN Facebook page where you will have the exclusive opportunity to ask Price questions on her career accomplishments, anecdotes and the challenges she’s overcome.

Live Chat Location: SBN Facebook page and SBN Instagram page (@sbn_sema).

By Ashley Reyes

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 a.m. (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.

Register here.

By SEMA Editors

The 2022 SEMA Show is about 12 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.

Complete Deadlines Checklist – Take advantage of Early-bird rates—order before the deadlines!

The deadlines checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

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. 

Upcoming Exhibitor Deadlines – Take advantage of discounts by acting before the deadlines.

• August 19 - Show Directory Listing Information Due
• September 1 - Celebrity Appearance Notification (to be included in printed Show material)
• September 2 - Booth Design Notification (Required for all exhibits 20x20 sq.-ft. or larger)
• September 2 - Multi-level Booth Design Notification (Required for all exhibits 20x20 or larger)
• September 2 - Permit Application to Clark County–Hot Works
• September 3 - Permit Application to Clark County–Spraying & Dipping
• September 2 - Permit Application to Clark County for Outside Exhibits, Tents, Staking Plans
• September 2 - Hanging Sign Design Notification Form to Show Management
• September 9 - Booth Vehicle Display Application (Vehicles displayed in booth)
• September 18 - Lead Retrieval Rental (Advance Rate)–CompuSystems
• September 16 - Sponsorship Artwork/Materials Due to Freeman
• September 22 - Freight–Freeman Warehouse–first day to accept advance freight
• September 30 - Target Move-in Date Change Request-Freeman
• September 30 - Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate)–Cox Business (LVCC)

Click here for a complete listing of 2022 SEMA Show deadlines.

More information on the 2022 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Truck and off-road builders have an exclusive opportunity to showcase their vehicles in a premier spot in the TORA Feature Vehicle Trail outside of the LVCC West Hall at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Open exclusively to SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members, the feature vehicle program will highlight six-to-eight unique builds in a high profile location. Applications are being accepted in the categories of SUV, Side-by-Side, Lifted Truck, Lowered Truck, Overland, Off-Road, EV and CUV/Crossover.

Feature vehicle space at the SEMA Show is typically reserved for exhibitors. However, the TORA Feature Vehicle Program gives all TORA-member exhibiting manufacturers, and non-exhibiting builders and retailers a rare opportunity to obtain added exposure, as well as showcase the builders and manufacturers whose parts are installed on their vehicle.

Applications are due September 1. The cost to participate is $1,500, $500 of which will be donated to SEMA Cares—the fundraising arm of the association that supports a variety of children’s charities.

Get your name out there as a builder. Submit your application today!

SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2022 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show Block.

Making hotel reservations in the block provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.

Shuttle bus service is provided from all hotels in the SEMA Show block.

The following are advantages of booking in the SEMA Show block versus an Airbnb:

Customer Service

Lodging through the SEMA Show block will give you dedicated customer service support for managing your reservation and will still have onsite customer service from the hotel. This includes check-in, housekeeping and concierge services.

Airbnb customer service can be difficult to contact, and is often left to the Airbnb host to manage. Check-in for your lodging can be difficult to navigate with lock boxes, keycodes or having to make a trip to an alternate location to access lodging keys.  Airbnb lodgings often do not include dedicated customer service unless booking through the Airbnb Luxe program.

Proximity to Venue

For larger city venues, such as the Las Vegas Convention Center, proximity should be factored in. Hotels are typically offered within a radius that allows for an event-sponsored shuttle route, walking distance to the convention center or a short and inexpensive ride-share option. With Airbnb, locations tend to be further away from the city center, main attractions or the convention center.  

Booking Lodging for a Large Group?  

Airbnb does tend to lend for a better budget when traveling in large groups; however, this option does not cater to privacy for your group members, and keep an eye out for fees associated with additional guests. You may find the hotel will offer more privacy at a better rate.

Hotel Group reservations (those including multiple rooms) are available for the 2022 SEMA Show. The SEMA Show block online system makes this complex responsibility easy: simply look for the “Group Bookings (2+ Rooms)” option when conducting your initial search and you’ll be all set to make/manage rooms for your whole team with more flexibility than anywhere else.

Hotel Reward Points    

Airbnb currently doesn’t offer loyalty rewards that most major hotels do, which can be utilized for room upgrades, free room nights and more, depending on the hotel loyalty program.

By booking in the SEMA Show block, you can earn rewards points with your preferred hotel chain—simply enter your rewards or frequent guest number when booking through our online system. When we transfer your reservation details to the hotel approximately two weeks prior to the event, your frequent guest number will be included with your information, and you will receive your points.

Transportation to and From the SEMA Show

The SEMA Show block offers convenient access to the Las Vegas Monorail with station stops at the below hotels:

• SAHARA
• Westgate
• Harrah’s/The Linq
• Flamingo/Caesars Palace Station
• Bally’s/Paris
• MGM Grand

Shuttle bus service is provided from all hotels in the SEMA Show block, excluding those located within a quarter-mile distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Book your hotel now!

To reserve your booth for the 2022 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Here’s the ’23 Ford Super Duty XL Dually testing with its front end completely exposed.

The Super Duty has the telltale signs of XL, including black plastic mirrors, fog lights, XL base rims and base headlights. The exposed front end shows off a completely revised design, which includes a new hood, fenders, grille, lower front clip and headlights that are incorporated into the grille design. Ford also carries over the C-clamp corporate look. Around back the changes appear to be minimal, with the addition of LED tail lamps.

Power is still expected to come from a three-engine portfolio: 6.2L V8, 7.3L V8 and the 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel. All engine options are expected to be mated to the TorqShift 10-speed automatic transmission. There should be a slight bump in power when it comes to the 6.7L Turbo Diesel.

Production of the Ford Super Duty will continue at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville. Expect an official debut sometime this fall.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

SEMA has announced a new program that recognizes content creators and social-media influencers who have significantly impacted the automotive industry and car culture. The new SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award will be presented at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet to honor an influencer who has built an engaged audience and uses his or her platform to positively impact car enthusiasts of all ages.

The new SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award will be presented at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet to an influencer who has has made a positive impact on the automotive industry.

The award is a result of the rise and impact of content creators and social-media influencers on the industry. Finalists for the award will be selected based on their presence and influence across social-media channels, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, and will be recognized for the first time at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet.

“So many automotive influencers have built up a tremendous voice to help promote, shape and protect the automotive industry,” said SEMA Chairman James Lawrence. “Each of them has the ability to share their stories and connect with their fans in a unique and impactful way. They also generate tons of excitement and enthusiasm for the automotive industry. They are a big part of being an automotive enthusiast today, and it’s time we recognize them for their contributions.”

Fueled by the SEMA Show’s energy and passion, hundreds of influencers head to Las Vegas each year during the first week of November to connect with manufacturers and builders, learn about new products, witness vehicle unveilings and attend industry gatherings while sharing their experiences for the world to see.

Five finalists for the Automotive Influencer of the Year award will be announced in September and then honored on-stage at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet in November. As part of the Banquet’s celebratory recognition and in front of the industry’s most involved influential leaders, videos will play to highlight each finalists’ positive impact and pay tribute to their unwavering passion for the automotive culture before a final winner is revealed.

“Automotive influencers embody the passion that makes being a car person so special,” continued Lawrence. “The content they create is a great representation of what car culture is all about.”

Finalists and the winner will be based on their creativity of original, entertaining and informative automotive media content. Qualifications also include a loyal and substantial following of passionate and engaged automotive enthusiasts and having used a social-media platform to promote positive automotive content that has benefited the automotive aftermarket and culture.

To submit a recommendation or for more information on the award, visit www.sema.org/influencer-of-the-year.

  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.

  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.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.