By Jason Catullo

	The 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report provides insight on the compact performance, street performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom and racing niches.

In the mobile electronics market, connectivity remains a key factor in meeting consumer expectations—whether for their smartphones and tablets or the devices in their vehicles. Integrating smartphones into a vehicle’s interface and on-board Wi-Fi are just some of the latest examples of evolving technologies creating greater opportunities for personalization.

According to SEMA Market Research, the overall accessory and appearance product segment, which contains mobile electronics products, comprises $12.94 billion of the entire $33 billion specialty-equipment market.

Taking a look at the entertainment branch of the mobile electronics market, car audio has changed considerably from its traditional roots of amplifiers, subwoofers, and CD head units to include video players, hard drives and satellite radio. While the market has shifted, there are still plenty of opportunities in audio/entertainment, and this generation of audiophiles has some of the most technologically advanced, feature-rich components available at their fingertips.

As vehicles have become more electronically integrated and computer controlled, drivers have gained new connectivity options beyond the traditional entertainment services. Connectivity now plays into the world of vehicle performance as well. The smartphone that is currently used for streaming music can now also monitor engine diagnostics with an array of new devices being introduced into the industry.

"Mobile electronics was once synonymous with car stereo, however, connectivity has changed the scope of how we interact with our vehicles. Connected entertainment, such as music streaming and hands-free communication, is now the base expectation for head units,” states Gavin Knapp, head of market research for SEMA. “In the performance market, connectivity has created more opportunities for performance enthusiasts to pursue their passion as well.”

According to the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report, traditional entertainment and security mobile electronics categories grew 2% from 2012 to 2013. Connectivity products (cellular/ipod/Bluetooth accessories) have shown sales growth in each of the last five years.

Members: Download a free copy of the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report, which provides detailed insight on the compact-performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom, and racing niches. The SEMA Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. SEMA research reports are available to SEMA members at no cost, and to nonmembers at a nominal fee. SEMA research reports are listed and can be accessed at www.SEMA.org/research.

By Jason Catullo

	The 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report provides insight on the compact performance, street performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom and racing niches.

In the mobile electronics market, connectivity remains a key factor in meeting consumer expectations—whether for their smartphones and tablets or the devices in their vehicles. Integrating smartphones into a vehicle’s interface and on-board Wi-Fi are just some of the latest examples of evolving technologies creating greater opportunities for personalization.

According to SEMA Market Research, the overall accessory and appearance product segment, which contains mobile electronics products, comprises $12.94 billion of the entire $33 billion specialty-equipment market.

Taking a look at the entertainment branch of the mobile electronics market, car audio has changed considerably from its traditional roots of amplifiers, subwoofers, and CD head units to include video players, hard drives and satellite radio. While the market has shifted, there are still plenty of opportunities in audio/entertainment, and this generation of audiophiles has some of the most technologically advanced, feature-rich components available at their fingertips.

As vehicles have become more electronically integrated and computer controlled, drivers have gained new connectivity options beyond the traditional entertainment services. Connectivity now plays into the world of vehicle performance as well. The smartphone that is currently used for streaming music can now also monitor engine diagnostics with an array of new devices being introduced into the industry.

"Mobile electronics was once synonymous with car stereo, however, connectivity has changed the scope of how we interact with our vehicles. Connected entertainment, such as music streaming and hands-free communication, is now the base expectation for head units,” states Gavin Knapp, head of market research for SEMA. “In the performance market, connectivity has created more opportunities for performance enthusiasts to pursue their passion as well.”

According to the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report, traditional entertainment and security mobile electronics categories grew 2% from 2012 to 2013. Connectivity products (cellular/ipod/Bluetooth accessories) have shown sales growth in each of the last five years.

Members: Download a free copy of the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report, which provides detailed insight on the compact-performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom, and racing niches. The SEMA Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. SEMA research reports are available to SEMA members at no cost, and to nonmembers at a nominal fee. SEMA research reports are listed and can be accessed at www.SEMA.org/research.

By SEMA Editors

	SEMA Ignited will take place at The LINQ High Roller Event Lot, adjacent to The LINQ Promenade and The LINQ Hotel.

With thousands of exhibitors, attendees, media and consumers, and hundreds of display vehicles registered for SEMA Ignited, you’re probably wondering what is expected of you and what you can expect from the event. Here are guidelines to make your SEMA Ignited experience easy and enjoyable.

1. If you haven’t extended your SEMA Show hotel block room reservation, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel now.
2. The SEMA Cruise begins following the close of the SEMA Show at 4:00 p.m., Friday, November 7. At the conclusion of the SEMA Cruise, vehicles will follow the parade over to SEMA Ignited at The LINQ High Roller Event Lot, adjacent to The LINQ Promenade and The LINQ Hotel on the corner of Winnick Avenue & Koval Lane.
3. Ample parking is available for spectators adjacent to The LINQ High Roller Event. Parking attendants will direct you at the entrance to The LINQ High Roller Event Lot.
4. If your booth or feature vehicle was confirmed as a SEMA Ignited display vehicle, your vehicle will be guided to the display area by a SEMA Ignited management staff member. Once a display vehicle is parked at SEMA Ignited, the vehicle will not be allowed to relocate or leave until 10:00 p.m.
5. SEMA Ignited exhibitors must be registered 2014 SEMA Show exhibitors to be considered for participation with a vehicle at SEMA Ignited, or approved in advance by SEMA Ignited management. A booth at the 2014 SEMA Show does not guarantee participation with a vehicle at SEMA Ignited. For SEMA Ignited participation information, e-mail info@semaignited.com.
6. As an industry participant, you and your guests will each receive a SEMA Ignited Industry VIP credential good for entry into the VIP area. To receive your credential, present your 2014 SEMA Show badge and a valid photo ID indicating that you and your guests are over 21 years of age.
7. The event will be taped for a national TV program sponsored by SEMA, therefore, in consideration of being allowed to participate in the SEMA Ignited event, the attendee hereby grants SEMA Ignited management, (1) full and unconditional permission to make still or motion pictures and any other type(s) of audio, video or visual recording of attendee's activities and participation in the event and at the site of the event before, during and after the event; and (2) the exclusive, worldwide and perpetual rights to use the same, together, with the name, likenesses and data of, or relating to, attendee's products or display, for publicity, advertising, endorsements, promotion and any other kind or type of exhibition or exploitations, whether or not for profit, in print, audio, video and other communications media by reproduction and sale or other distribution by any and all means now or hereafter developed.

There is still time to register for SEMA Ignited.

By SEMA Editors

	SEMA Ignited will take place at The LINQ High Roller Event Lot, adjacent to The LINQ Promenade and The LINQ Hotel.

With thousands of exhibitors, attendees, media and consumers, and hundreds of display vehicles registered for SEMA Ignited, you’re probably wondering what is expected of you and what you can expect from the event. Here are guidelines to make your SEMA Ignited experience easy and enjoyable.

1. If you haven’t extended your SEMA Show hotel block room reservation, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel now.
2. The SEMA Cruise begins following the close of the SEMA Show at 4:00 p.m., Friday, November 7. At the conclusion of the SEMA Cruise, vehicles will follow the parade over to SEMA Ignited at The LINQ High Roller Event Lot, adjacent to The LINQ Promenade and The LINQ Hotel on the corner of Winnick Avenue & Koval Lane.
3. Ample parking is available for spectators adjacent to The LINQ High Roller Event. Parking attendants will direct you at the entrance to The LINQ High Roller Event Lot.
4. If your booth or feature vehicle was confirmed as a SEMA Ignited display vehicle, your vehicle will be guided to the display area by a SEMA Ignited management staff member. Once a display vehicle is parked at SEMA Ignited, the vehicle will not be allowed to relocate or leave until 10:00 p.m.
5. SEMA Ignited exhibitors must be registered 2014 SEMA Show exhibitors to be considered for participation with a vehicle at SEMA Ignited, or approved in advance by SEMA Ignited management. A booth at the 2014 SEMA Show does not guarantee participation with a vehicle at SEMA Ignited. For SEMA Ignited participation information, e-mail info@semaignited.com.
6. As an industry participant, you and your guests will each receive a SEMA Ignited Industry VIP credential good for entry into the VIP area. To receive your credential, present your 2014 SEMA Show badge and a valid photo ID indicating that you and your guests are over 21 years of age.
7. The event will be taped for a national TV program sponsored by SEMA, therefore, in consideration of being allowed to participate in the SEMA Ignited event, the attendee hereby grants SEMA Ignited management, (1) full and unconditional permission to make still or motion pictures and any other type(s) of audio, video or visual recording of attendee's activities and participation in the event and at the site of the event before, during and after the event; and (2) the exclusive, worldwide and perpetual rights to use the same, together, with the name, likenesses and data of, or relating to, attendee's products or display, for publicity, advertising, endorsements, promotion and any other kind or type of exhibition or exploitations, whether or not for profit, in print, audio, video and other communications media by reproduction and sale or other distribution by any and all means now or hereafter developed.

There is still time to register for SEMA Ignited.

By SEMA Editors

	SEMA Ignited will take place at The LINQ High Roller Event Lot, adjacent to The LINQ Promenade and The LINQ Hotel.

With thousands of exhibitors, attendees, media and consumers, and hundreds of display vehicles registered for SEMA Ignited, you’re probably wondering what is expected of you and what you can expect from the event. Here are guidelines to make your SEMA Ignited experience easy and enjoyable.

1. If you haven’t extended your SEMA Show hotel block room reservation, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel now.
2. The SEMA Cruise begins following the close of the SEMA Show at 4:00 p.m., Friday, November 7. At the conclusion of the SEMA Cruise, vehicles will follow the parade over to SEMA Ignited at The LINQ High Roller Event Lot, adjacent to The LINQ Promenade and The LINQ Hotel on the corner of Winnick Avenue & Koval Lane.
3. Ample parking is available for spectators adjacent to The LINQ High Roller Event. Parking attendants will direct you at the entrance to The LINQ High Roller Event Lot.
4. If your booth or feature vehicle was confirmed as a SEMA Ignited display vehicle, your vehicle will be guided to the display area by a SEMA Ignited management staff member. Once a display vehicle is parked at SEMA Ignited, the vehicle will not be allowed to relocate or leave until 10:00 p.m.
5. SEMA Ignited exhibitors must be registered 2014 SEMA Show exhibitors to be considered for participation with a vehicle at SEMA Ignited, or approved in advance by SEMA Ignited management. A booth at the 2014 SEMA Show does not guarantee participation with a vehicle at SEMA Ignited. For SEMA Ignited participation information, e-mail info@semaignited.com.
6. As an industry participant, you and your guests will each receive a SEMA Ignited Industry VIP credential good for entry into the VIP area. To receive your credential, present your 2014 SEMA Show badge and a valid photo ID indicating that you and your guests are over 21 years of age.
7. The event will be taped for a national TV program sponsored by SEMA, therefore, in consideration of being allowed to participate in the SEMA Ignited event, the attendee hereby grants SEMA Ignited management, (1) full and unconditional permission to make still or motion pictures and any other type(s) of audio, video or visual recording of attendee's activities and participation in the event and at the site of the event before, during and after the event; and (2) the exclusive, worldwide and perpetual rights to use the same, together, with the name, likenesses and data of, or relating to, attendee's products or display, for publicity, advertising, endorsements, promotion and any other kind or type of exhibition or exploitations, whether or not for profit, in print, audio, video and other communications media by reproduction and sale or other distribution by any and all means now or hereafter developed.

There is still time to register for SEMA Ignited.

	SEMA Show Education Days sessions are designed to ensure retailers reach their business potential in the coming year.

Show up early and get yourself a seat for three conference sessions during the SEMA Show Education Days and you’ll have the insight you need to take 2015 by storm.

• Start with economics, the big picture. The world of the Fed and finance doesn’t seem to have much to do with you or your business. Well, it has a lot to do with your business! That’s where Bill Watkins and his "20 Questions in 20 Minutes: Examining the Economic Climate" comes in. An economist for more than 20 years and director of the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting at California Lutheran University, Watkins will be interviewed by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tim Gallagher as the two of them take you on a fast-paced tour of the current economic climate and what it means for you.

• Then move on to a session sure to hit close to home: "What They Buy. Where They Buy: A Consumer Guide to the Specialty-Equipment Market." Do you know how consumers look for the products you make and sell? Where do they buy them? The SEMA Market Research Group has been working on a new project to answer just those kinds of questions. Gavin Knapp, SEMA’s market research manager, will offer some key insights into today’s consumer purchasing patterns: What they’re buying, where they’re buying it and how much they’re spending.

• Finally, focus on one of the hottest parts of the market right now. The new-vehicle market is in full rebound today, and with that rebound comes many opportunities to grow your business. In "Game Changers: New Vehicle Buyers and the Aftermarket," Dan Hall of AutoPacific will take you through a rundown of who the new-vehicle modifiers are and which features they care about most. As an added bonus, Hall will provide a brief peek into the future—five new vehicles headed for the market soon that are sure to be blockbusters.

SEMA Show Education Days will feature more than 60 educational sessions in 12 different tracks, ranging from new-vehicle technology to best business practices to marketing strategies and emerging trends in the industry. To see the complete schedule of SEMA Show Education courses and pre-register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.

	SEMA Show Education Days sessions are designed to ensure retailers reach their business potential in the coming year.

Show up early and get yourself a seat for three conference sessions during the SEMA Show Education Days and you’ll have the insight you need to take 2015 by storm.

• Start with economics, the big picture. The world of the Fed and finance doesn’t seem to have much to do with you or your business. Well, it has a lot to do with your business! That’s where Bill Watkins and his "20 Questions in 20 Minutes: Examining the Economic Climate" comes in. An economist for more than 20 years and director of the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting at California Lutheran University, Watkins will be interviewed by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tim Gallagher as the two of them take you on a fast-paced tour of the current economic climate and what it means for you.

• Then move on to a session sure to hit close to home: "What They Buy. Where They Buy: A Consumer Guide to the Specialty-Equipment Market." Do you know how consumers look for the products you make and sell? Where do they buy them? The SEMA Market Research Group has been working on a new project to answer just those kinds of questions. Gavin Knapp, SEMA’s market research manager, will offer some key insights into today’s consumer purchasing patterns: What they’re buying, where they’re buying it and how much they’re spending.

• Finally, focus on one of the hottest parts of the market right now. The new-vehicle market is in full rebound today, and with that rebound comes many opportunities to grow your business. In "Game Changers: New Vehicle Buyers and the Aftermarket," Dan Hall of AutoPacific will take you through a rundown of who the new-vehicle modifiers are and which features they care about most. As an added bonus, Hall will provide a brief peek into the future—five new vehicles headed for the market soon that are sure to be blockbusters.

SEMA Show Education Days will feature more than 60 educational sessions in 12 different tracks, ranging from new-vehicle technology to best business practices to marketing strategies and emerging trends in the industry. To see the complete schedule of SEMA Show Education courses and pre-register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.

	SEMA Show Education Days sessions are designed to ensure retailers reach their business potential in the coming year.

Show up early and get yourself a seat for three conference sessions during the SEMA Show Education Days and you’ll have the insight you need to take 2015 by storm.

• Start with economics, the big picture. The world of the Fed and finance doesn’t seem to have much to do with you or your business. Well, it has a lot to do with your business! That’s where Bill Watkins and his "20 Questions in 20 Minutes: Examining the Economic Climate" comes in. An economist for more than 20 years and director of the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting at California Lutheran University, Watkins will be interviewed by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tim Gallagher as the two of them take you on a fast-paced tour of the current economic climate and what it means for you.

• Then move on to a session sure to hit close to home: "What They Buy. Where They Buy: A Consumer Guide to the Specialty-Equipment Market." Do you know how consumers look for the products you make and sell? Where do they buy them? The SEMA Market Research Group has been working on a new project to answer just those kinds of questions. Gavin Knapp, SEMA’s market research manager, will offer some key insights into today’s consumer purchasing patterns: What they’re buying, where they’re buying it and how much they’re spending.

• Finally, focus on one of the hottest parts of the market right now. The new-vehicle market is in full rebound today, and with that rebound comes many opportunities to grow your business. In "Game Changers: New Vehicle Buyers and the Aftermarket," Dan Hall of AutoPacific will take you through a rundown of who the new-vehicle modifiers are and which features they care about most. As an added bonus, Hall will provide a brief peek into the future—five new vehicles headed for the market soon that are sure to be blockbusters.

SEMA Show Education Days will feature more than 60 educational sessions in 12 different tracks, ranging from new-vehicle technology to best business practices to marketing strategies and emerging trends in the industry. To see the complete schedule of SEMA Show Education courses and pre-register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.

By Michael Hart

	Jonathan Mill (second right) was last year's inaugural Launch Pad winner and was congratulated by SEMA's Bryan Harrison (left), YEN Select Committee member Lindsay Hubley (second left) and Dan Kahn of Kahn Media.

Who is the hottest, smartest young entrepreneur in the automotive aftermarket business today? You’ll find out Wednesday, November 5. That’s when the showdown takes place as SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) presents the second-annual SEMA Launch Pad business competition.

Matt D'Andria, CEO of Motorator.com and co-host of the top-rated automotive podcast "CarCast" with Adam Carolla, will be the competition's guest host. Five entrepreneurs, inventors and innovators, all under the age of 40, will pitch their new automotive product or service to a panel of five discerning industry leaders who will judge which YEN executive will be the grand-prize winner.

The five entrepreneurs participating in this year's SEMA Launch Pad competition include: Samuel Giles, Intellectual Capital Consulting Ltd.; Ian Lehn, BOOSTane Octane Engineering; Sarah Park, The Hybrid Haven; Roger Peterson, MG Research LLC; and Jack Zampolin, RightPSI Inc.

This is not only a chance to see some of the most imaginative young minds in the industry at work as they try to make the best pitch possible for their product or service, but it’s also an opportunity to pick up tips about how to pitch a product and what it takes to launch a business in the same way.

Earlier this year, YEN members were invited to prepare three-minute videos pitching their companies’ most exciting products and services. A YEN task force looked at all the videos and whittled the competition down to the 10 best.

Those 10 semifinalists’ videos were then uploaded to YouTube and viewers could vote for their favorites on Facebook. The final five top vote getters will make their pitches in person during the 2014 SEMA Show. The entrepreneur who makes the best pitch to the five judges will win a package of prizes all designed to help him or her take their business to the next level.

The package includes:

• A full-page color ad in SEMA News and a booth at the 2015 SEMA Show.
• An ad in either Hot Rod magazine or 4-Wheel & Off Road magazine.
• Consulting sessions with public relations and social media professionals, manufacturers’ representatives, marketing and other industry experts.
• An entry-level sponsorship package to a Family Event property.

SEMA Show Education Days will feature more than 60 educational sessions in 12 different tracks, ranging from new-vehicle technology to best business practices to marketing strategies and emerging trends in the industry. To see the complete schedule of SEMA Show Education courses and pre-register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.

By Michael Hart

	Jonathan Mill (second right) was last year's inaugural Launch Pad winner and was congratulated by SEMA's Bryan Harrison (left), YEN Select Committee member Lindsay Hubley (second left) and Dan Kahn of Kahn Media.

Who is the hottest, smartest young entrepreneur in the automotive aftermarket business today? You’ll find out Wednesday, November 5. That’s when the showdown takes place as SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) presents the second-annual SEMA Launch Pad business competition.

Matt D'Andria, CEO of Motorator.com and co-host of the top-rated automotive podcast "CarCast" with Adam Carolla, will be the competition's guest host. Five entrepreneurs, inventors and innovators, all under the age of 40, will pitch their new automotive product or service to a panel of five discerning industry leaders who will judge which YEN executive will be the grand-prize winner.

The five entrepreneurs participating in this year's SEMA Launch Pad competition include: Samuel Giles, Intellectual Capital Consulting Ltd.; Ian Lehn, BOOSTane Octane Engineering; Sarah Park, The Hybrid Haven; Roger Peterson, MG Research LLC; and Jack Zampolin, RightPSI Inc.

This is not only a chance to see some of the most imaginative young minds in the industry at work as they try to make the best pitch possible for their product or service, but it’s also an opportunity to pick up tips about how to pitch a product and what it takes to launch a business in the same way.

Earlier this year, YEN members were invited to prepare three-minute videos pitching their companies’ most exciting products and services. A YEN task force looked at all the videos and whittled the competition down to the 10 best.

Those 10 semifinalists’ videos were then uploaded to YouTube and viewers could vote for their favorites on Facebook. The final five top vote getters will make their pitches in person during the 2014 SEMA Show. The entrepreneur who makes the best pitch to the five judges will win a package of prizes all designed to help him or her take their business to the next level.

The package includes:

• A full-page color ad in SEMA News and a booth at the 2015 SEMA Show.
• An ad in either Hot Rod magazine or 4-Wheel & Off Road magazine.
• Consulting sessions with public relations and social media professionals, manufacturers’ representatives, marketing and other industry experts.
• An entry-level sponsorship package to a Family Event property.

SEMA Show Education Days will feature more than 60 educational sessions in 12 different tracks, ranging from new-vehicle technology to best business practices to marketing strategies and emerging trends in the industry. To see the complete schedule of SEMA Show Education courses and pre-register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.