By Juan Torres

Dylan Coleman won the Young Guns category at AutoCon Los Angeles, March 26.

Coleman and his ’96 BMW M3 e36 will now travel to Las Vegas to participate in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition during the 2017 SEMA Show, October 31–November 3.

Dylan Coleman of Bel Air, California, became the first beneficiary of SEMA’s efforts this year to promote younger car builders through its 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns initiative when he won the Young Guns category at AutoCon Los Angeles, March 26. Coleman and his ’96 BMW M3 e36 will now travel to Las Vegas to participate in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition during the 2017 SEMA Show, October 31–November 3.

“It’s super sick and super rewarding to win and get the opportunity to compete in Battle of the Builders,” said Coleman. “The car wasn’t running by the time of last year’s SEMA Show, but once I heard SEMA was offering this prize, I was driven to finish the car on time.”

SEMA’s Young Guns program was created to support young builders in their efforts and recognize them as the future of the industry, and this year the association has partnered with regional car shows to highlight builders 27 years old or younger and send six of them to the 2017 SEMA Show.

“We know that there are many amazing and talented young vehicle builders who may not have an exhibitor to sponsor their vehicle at the SEMA Show,” said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, public relations and communications. “By partnering with AutoCon, Bonnier and Goodguys, we hope to recognize and encourage young builders to continue customizing vehicles.”

In addition to the opportunity to compete in the Battle of the Builders program, the SEMA Young Guns prize package includes an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, transportation of the winner’s vehicle and a designated feature spot at the Show.

Battle of the Builders participants also get a chance to be a part of the SEMA Cruise during SEMA Ignited and possibly be featured in the Battle of the Builders TV show. The TV special and SEMA Ignited make it possible for consumers to connect with manufacturers and see the great new products and trends that debut at the trade-only SEMA Show.

“We are excited to be involved with the SEMA Show and SEMA Battle of the Builders this year,” said Justing Fong, president and co-founder of AutoCon. “It will be interesting to see what these Young Guns come up with and their unique builds.”

Coleman, who initially had no real purpose for his car build except to get it done, is looking forward to the 2017 SEMA Show experience.

“Now that I’ve won, I’m focused on ensuring the car is 100% ready for Battle of the Builders at the SEMA Show and generating as much exposure as possible,” he said. “It will be great to help highlight young builders my age and see my car go up against other amazing builds.”

Another Young Guns prize package will be awarded at AutoCon New York on June 10. Event information and details are available at www.autoconevents.com.

For more information about SEMA Battle of the Builders and the SEMA Young Guns regional program, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

SEMA’s Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp talks with Dennis Pittsenbarger on how to incorporate market reports into your business.

SEMA’s Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp talks with Dennis Pittsenbarger on how to incorporate market reports into your business.

This is the Subaru BRZ STI for the United States, caught testing on Subaru’s doorsteps in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Subaru has promised a version of the BRZ STI concept for two years now, and it seems destined for the United States at the end of the current car’s life.

While the car is unlikely to have significant horsepower upgrades, it will get new styling, suspension and brake modifications, along with a huge new wing on the back.

Expect it in 2018 in limited quantities.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the Subaru BRZ STI for the United States, caught testing on Subaru’s doorsteps in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Subaru has promised a version of the BRZ STI concept for two years now, and it seems destined for the United States at the end of the current car’s life.

While the car is unlikely to have significant horsepower upgrades, it will get new styling, suspension and brake modifications, along with a huge new wing on the back.

Expect it in 2018 in limited quantities.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the Subaru BRZ STI for the United States, caught testing on Subaru’s doorsteps in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Subaru has promised a version of the BRZ STI concept for two years now, and it seems destined for the United States at the end of the current car’s life.

While the car is unlikely to have significant horsepower upgrades, it will get new styling, suspension and brake modifications, along with a huge new wing on the back.

Expect it in 2018 in limited quantities.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the Subaru BRZ STI for the United States, caught testing on Subaru’s doorsteps in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Subaru has promised a version of the BRZ STI concept for two years now, and it seems destined for the United States at the end of the current car’s life.

While the car is unlikely to have significant horsepower upgrades, it will get new styling, suspension and brake modifications, along with a huge new wing on the back.

Expect it in 2018 in limited quantities.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the Subaru BRZ STI for the United States, caught testing on Subaru’s doorsteps in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Subaru has promised a version of the BRZ STI concept for two years now, and it seems destined for the United States at the end of the current car’s life.

While the car is unlikely to have significant horsepower upgrades, it will get new styling, suspension and brake modifications, along with a huge new wing on the back.

Expect it in 2018 in limited quantities.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the Subaru BRZ STI for the United States, caught testing on Subaru’s doorsteps in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Subaru has promised a version of the BRZ STI concept for two years now, and it seems destined for the United States at the end of the current car’s life.

While the car is unlikely to have significant horsepower upgrades, it will get new styling, suspension and brake modifications, along with a huge new wing on the back.

Expect it in 2018 in limited quantities.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Chad Simon

At the Exhibitor Summit, Trade show experts, including SEMA’s Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso, will highlight the value-added Show programs available, proven strategies to attract additional buyers and increase business at the Show, and the tools and resources needed to help companies plan ahead.

Time’s running out to register for the eighth-annual SEMA Exhibitor Summit, to be held Monday–Tuesday, June 19–20, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Designed to connect exhibitors with Show programs and services to boost ROI and increase company outreach, the Summit is regarded as the most effective way to prepare for the 2017 SEMA Show, especially for those who are new to the Show.

SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit attendees will work with Show experts to enhance their Show investment through effective planning, marketing and budgeting, as well as minimize costs on services such as material handling and electrical, explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships, and learn proven strategies to drive buyer traffic to their booths.

Trade show experts, including SEMA Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso, will highlight the value-added Show programs available, proven strategies for attracting additional buyers and increasing business at the Show, and the tools and resources needed to help companies plan ahead. Participants will also explore the promotional opportunities available through Show sponsorships.

Gattuso recently shared some of his advice for a successful first-time Show plan with SEMA News’ recently debuted SEMACAST audio production, embedded here.

The Summit will also feature special events that connect companies with buyers in specific markets, show exhibitors how to benefit from early-bird deadlines, and help familiarize them with the layouts of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and Las Vegas Convention Center.

There is no cost to participate in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit. Complimentary hotel rooms are available to exhibitors and staff; however, participants are responsible for travel to and from Las Vegas. Space for the event is limited, so guarantee your spot today.

To secure booth space for the 2017 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.