By Ashley Reyes

Attendees of the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, will be inspired by the latest cutting-edge trends and innovations in the truck and off-road industry at the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Feature Vehicle Trail located on the walkway outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center, between North Hall and West Hall.  

Presented by the TORA council as part of its feature vehicle program, the trail will showcase nine unique builds competing for the TORA Feature Vehicle Best in Show Award that exemplify the diversity of opportunities in the truck and off-road market. Discover new design concepts--from rugged and robust builds to adventure-ready and versatile creations--and witness the unique ways that aftermarket products and technologies can be used on trucks and off-road builds.  

This year's selected companies and featured vehicles are:

• Berg Performance Inc.: '05 Porsche Cayenne Turbo 
• Custom Auto Air: '73 Jeep J10 
• Custom FN Customs: '72 Chevrolet Blazer     
• Dixie 4 Wheel Drive: '21 Jeep Gladiator       
• Eastern Truck & Accessories: '57 Willys Panel Wagon 
• Front Runner Outfitters: '23 Toyota Tundra  
• Pags Speed Shop/Kehrerco: '74 Ford F-250 Crew Cab    
• Patriot Liner/American Coating Humvee: '85 AM General     
• Southern Off-Road Specialists: '10 Toyota Tacoma 

Attendees of the SEMA Show are encouraged to visit the TORA Feature Vehicle Trail--located on the walkway outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center, between North Hall and West Hall--and be immersed in a variety of customized builds. Attendees are also encouraged to vote for their favorite to win the TORA Feature Vehicle Best in Show Award.  

The TORA Feature Vehicle Best in Show Award winner will be announced at TORA's Reception on Wednesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. PDT inside the West Hall, 3rd Floor Pre-Function Area. All TORA member companies are invited to attend the event to join in on the awards ceremony, network in a relaxed atmosphere and learn about the benefits of being a TORA member. 

To learn more about the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance, visit sema.org/tora.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Business Members can access exclusive membership perks that will help them build their business, grow their network and enhance their attendee experience while at the 2023 SEMA Show. 

Member Lounges

Conveniently located throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center, the member lounges offer a dedicated location for members to relax, refuel and recharge at the SEMA Show. The lounges offer internet access, charging stations, timesaving Grab 'N' Go lunches for purchase and meeting rooms. Secure a meeting room here, or visit the member lounges at:   

• Members Lounge, North Hall, Room N251
• Members Lounge, South Hall, Driven by WTC, Booth #34000
• Members Lounge, West Hall, Fueled by TORA, Booth #58051

Member Central

Meet your SEMA Membership Team and discover how SEMA member benefits and services can help you and your business. Swing by and pick up your SEMA Member Ribbon here or RSVP to attend the SEMA General Membership Meeting.  

Education Sessions

Take advantage of SEMA Education sessions to elevate and strengthen your business. With six education tracks and more than 100 sessions, the education seminars will be your go-to destination to learn from top industry experts as they delve into the most relevant, top-of-mind business issues and ideas impacting the automotive aftermarket industry. Register for sessions here.

General Membership Meeting

Get essential updates on SEMA Association services, year-round member benefits and SEMA's newest initiatives during the General Membership Meeting on Thursday, November 2, 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. in the Members Lounge North (Room N251). The meeting promises to be an informative start to your day and will be led by SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola and Chairman of the Board Kyle Fickler. RSVP here.

Networking Events

Network with like-minded professionals who share common interests or challenges at SEMA Council & Network events. Additionally, gain insights into the wealth of programs and resources tailored to support the growth and prosperity of your specific segment. Explore the event lineup and RSVP here.

For questions on SEMA Show perks for business members, contact your dedicated SEMA Membership Team at members@sema.org or (909) 610-2030. 

For general updates on the SEMA Show, visit SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA News Editors

A SEMA tradition continues at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, as Mothers Polish will once again offer a free wipe-down service to display vehicles. Booth vehicles, sponsored vehicles and featured vehicles are all eligible and will be cleaned up each morning by the Mothers Polish detailing team using some of their finest car care offerings.

If you (or your organization) have a vehicle that will be displayed at the 2023 SEMA Show, and you'd like to be included in the wipe-down service, sign up online here. Entries will be limited to 200 vehicles.

Mothers will also be on-site at the SEMA Show as the presenting sponsor of the 2023 Battle of the Builders--the automotive aftermarket's ultimate vehicle competition. Be sure to check out the Battle of the Builders display (Booth #10967) in North Hall this year.

By SEMA News Editors

Submissions are still open for the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, the world's largest display of new automotive aftermarket products and one of the best ways for exhibitors to generate leads and convert sales at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3.

All SEMA Show exhibitors qualify to submit one New Products Showcase entry at no cost. Additional products can be entered for $150 each. There is no limit to the number of products a company can submit and no official close date for New Product Showcase entries (learn more and get involved at semashow.com/newproducts).

This year, the Showcase is relocating to the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center for even more expanded visibility and foot traffic. Accessible exclusively to SEMA Showgoers, the New Products Showcase is the top buyer and media destination and serves as a one-stop shop to quickly discover thousands of the hottest products in the industry.

Each new product in the Showcase has a dedicated QR code that attendees can scan and learn more about the part and where the exhibitor is located, so getting involved is a great way to attract buyers to your booth. All New Products Showcase entries receive the added benefit of being featured in SEMA News, listed in the SEMA Show app, and possibly winning a Best New Product award, which will be presented in 18 categories, including electric vehicle (EV) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), during the official SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday, October 31.

Attendees looking to get a jump start on their 2023 SEMA Show plan can download the SEMA Show app at semashow.com/app to view new products, find exhibitors and events, get an overview of the floorplan, and much more.

By SEMA News Editors

The 2023 SEMA Show is forecasted to return to historic levels when it returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center, October 31-November 3.

Now in its 56th year, the Show is where the automotive aftermarket industry gathers to discover new products, identify future trends, and make valuable connections that empower the growth of one of the most innovative industries in the country and around the world.

"The SEMA Show is a must-attend event for anyone who wants to set the pace in the automotive aftermarket," said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. "The scope of exhibitors, new product launches, high-quality programs, and opportunities at this year's Show will have attendees well-positioned for success in the coming year."

The growth of the Show underscores the impact the automotive aftermarket has on the American economy. SEMA recently released its first-ever economic impact report, and the data showed that the industry contributes $337 billion to the U.S. economy and creates 1.3 million jobs nationwide. Automotive aftermarket companies also pay more than $24 billion in federal taxes and $16 billion in state and local taxes, and their employees earn more than $104 billion in wages and benefits. And the impact of the Show also reverberates around the globe with attendees expected from more than 140 countries and regions.

Show organizers have curated multiple opportunities for exhibitors, buyers, and media to see what's coming next in the automotive aftermarket:

Spotting Future Product Trends

The discovery of new products remains the heart of the SEMA Show. More than 2,200 exhibitors--including 23% who are first-time exhibitors--will be in attendance, giving buyers and media the first look at new innovative products. 

Highlights include:

• The New Product Showcase: one of the focal points of the Show, the Showcase features hundreds of new products and industry innovations and connects buyers directly with exhibitors via the SEMA Show app.
• FutureTech Studio: This new, immersive experience will highlight "what's next" through live education, product displays, and sponsor vehicles demonstrating technologies that are advancing and redefining the performance aftermarket.

Powering Development Through Education

The Show will offer nearly 100 education programs covering a wide breadth of topics and subjects--ranging from women in the industry to digital marketing and more--designed to help businesses and careers expand and grow. Highlights include:

• The Main Stage Experience Featuring Tim Tebow: the athlete, entrepreneur and philanthropist will be sharing his "Mission-Possible" life message.
• Fireside Chat with Willy T. Ribbs: the American racing champion will join Beth Paretta (Paretta Autosport, Women in Motorsports North America) on the SEMA Show Main Stage to share his story as a pioneer in motorsports.
• The Future of Automotive Fuel Technology hosted by Margaret Hoover: engage with a panel of global industry leaders, subject-matter experts and thought leaders as they discuss decarbonization through alternative fuel technologies.

Experiencing Innovation

The SEMA Show's experiences spotlight future trends, as demonstrated by exhibitors and builders. Highlights include:

• Battle of the Builders, Presented by Mothers: a unique program that helps attendees spot trends and see the latest techniques of some of the industry's most influential builders.
• Shell "Performance Unbound" Experience: the interactive Shell V-Power NiTRO+ booth will feature Shell scientists sharing details about the fuel maker's new and improved premium gasoline.
• Networking Events: hosted by Jarod DeAnda, the kick-off breakfast and awards banquet bring industry professionals together for networking and provide the backdrop for new product award winners, and other honors, including the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement, Manufacturer of the Year, Channel Partner of the Year, SEMA Person of the Year, SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year, and SEMA Content Creator of the Year awards.

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as successful and worthwhile as possible for all. Registration is still available online for $120 through the event date. Badge pick-up will be available on-site at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the West Hall for those who register online. Full-service registration (and badge pick-up) will be open in South Hall for those who still need to register. Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!   

And, it’s never too early to start your SEMA Show plan. Create a customized schedule, view the floorplan and exhibitor list, browse education sessions, keynote addresses and other Show-related events with the SEMA app at SEMAShow.com/app. 

The Featured Products Showcase returns to the 2023 PRI Show, helping manufacturers promote their products to buyers and media throughout the event, December 7-9, at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.

The PRI Show is the epicenter of the motorsports industry and gives race teams, racers, resellers, buyers and media access to the industry's top products and trends. Relocated this year to the ICC Capitol Connector, the Featured Products Showcase highlights the newest and most popular motorsports products. 

In addition to attracting buyers and media at the Show, participation in the Featured Products Showcase includes:

• Access to professional photographs of all Showcase products taken on-site for promotional use.
• Product promotion via PRI social networks and PRI Magazine, the racing industry publication distributed to thousands of industry professionals, many with purchasing influence.
• Access to the Featured Products Awards program.
• Feature listing in the online exhibitor search and exhibitor floorplan listing.

"The Featured Products Showcase provides the highest visibility to the racing industry's newest products," said PRI Trade Show Director Karin Davidson. "It's an exclusive, cost-effective opportunity for our exhibitors to increase product awareness." 

All 2023 PRI Show exhibitors are eligible to participate in the Featured Products Showcase and may enter up to five products. 

Submissions made before the Friday, December 1, early-bird pricing deadline are $50 for the first product and $75 for additional products (five products maximum per exhibitor). After the deadline the cost is $100 for the first item and $125 for each additional product. For more information and to enter, visit here.

The 2023 PRI Show will feature more than 1,000 exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services, machinery, simulation, and testing technologies, and trailers for the racing industry in a single location. PRI encompasses all forms of motorsports and attracts attendees from all 50 states and all over the world, including professional race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers, and media. To register, visit PRI2023.com/Attend.

Keystone Automotive Operations Names Mike Katz VP of Sales

Keystone Automotive Operations, the Exeter, Pennsylvania-based distribution company for the automotive aftermarket, has announced that Specialty Segment Vice President of Sales Fred Petrivelli will retire after 13 years with the company and effective at year's end. 

Mike Katz, a long-time aftermarket industry professional, will join Keystone as vice president of sales, assuming the same responsibilities and reporting relationships of the existing position held by Petrivelli.

Petrivelli served in multiple sales roles throughout his tenure with the company prior to being promoted to vice president in 2015. Over the course of a career spanning more than 40 years, he has held positions with the MSD Performance Group as well as Champion Spark Plug/Cooper Industries before joining Keystone in 2010.

Katz brings an extensive aftermarket industry background that includes a lengthy tenure with Weather Guard/Werner and, most recently, spending six years with HD Supply/Whitecap.

For more information, visit keystoneautomotive.com.

By SEMA Editors

There are five weeks until the aftermarket industry converges in Las Vegas for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3. As exhibitors gear up to connect with a projected 160,000 buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals, here's a list of key deadlines and checklists to keep the industry on track and on budget.

SEMA Show Deadlines List

This all-encompassing checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, which are also detailed below.

View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.

Budget Checklist

This checklist allows exhibitors to keep track of all costs--like exhibit design, booth services, freight/material handling, labor and miscellaneous fees. Simply input the exhibiting company name for a personalized form.

View the SEMA Show budget checklist.

Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines

Placing Freeman orders before the Thursday, September 28 discount deadline, which offers prices up to 40% off regular rates on nearly all services, is one of the best ways to save ahead of the SEMA Show. Our partners at Freeman are here to help answer any questions about preparing for the SEMA Show and maximizing savings. Email sema@freeman.com or call 888-508-5054 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. PDT) to connect directly.

Don't forget that the Exhibitor Services Manual, accessed at semashow.com/esm, is a one-stop shop for all things related to exhibiting at the SEMA Show. It contains everything companies need to know to exhibit like a pro, including the deadline and budget checklists. 

And now that you know these dates, exhibitors can also lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

Be sure to check out the complete list of deadlines for more dates. 

• October 13: Shipping of Carpet to Advance Warehouse--CARPET/PAD only. 
• October 13: After-Hours Events.
• October 13: After-Hours Event--Proof of Security (Required if having an after-hours event). 
• October 13: Meeting/Function space reservation.
• October 16: Booth Catering Order Service--CENTERPLATE.
• October 18: Tents/Canopies--Full Circle Events.
• October 18: Freight--Last day freight will be accepted at the warehouse without penalty.
• October 19: Hanging sign/banner shipments to advance Freeman Warehouse.
• October 19: New Product Showcase advance shipments to Freeman Warehouse.
• October 20: Photography Order--Expo Ease
• October 20: Plant and Floral Order--Expo Ease
• October 26: Freight--1st Day Shipments accepted at LVCC (refer to Target Floor Plan)
• October 27: Vehicle Detailing (Advanced Rate)--ShowFleet
• November 2: Last Day to Pick Up Banquet Tickets--12:00 p.m. deadline
• November 3: Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation by 3 p.m.
• November 3: Online Registration Closes at 2 p.m.

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Battle of the Builders, Presented by Mothers, is gearing up to be one of the best to date. The prestigious competition is judged by industry experts, with awards presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks, SUVs, sport compacts and luxury and exotic builds. And good news for builders: entries are still open for the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders, Presented by Mothers through Friday, October 13.

Entrants of the Battle of the Builders, Presented by Mothers, can:

• Get exposure through media coverage in top publications and online sites.
• Have content generated on your build, your products and your story.
• Grow your notoriety and have your shop stand out on social media.
• Network with top builders from around the globe.
• Be part of the one-hour "Battle of the Builders, Presented by Mothers" TV special.

For more information and to enter, visit semashow.com/botb.

By SEMA News Editors

See the latest news from exhibitors of the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas. 

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as successful and worthwhile as possible for all. Registration is still available online for $120 through the event date. Badge pick-up will be available on-site at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in the West Hall for those who register online. Full-service registration (and badge pick-up) will be open in South Hall for those who still need to register. Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!  

And, it's never too early to start your SEMA Show plan. Create a customized schedule, view the floorplan and exhibitor list, browse education sessions, keynote addresses and other Show-related events with the SEMA app at SEMAShow.com/app. 

TMI Products TRIM Awards Returns to the SEMA Show

The TMI TRIM Awards will return to the SEMA Show following its successful inaugural launch at the 2022 event when the Best of Show Champ title went to Wes and Vivian Rhydell for their impressive '41 Chevy two-door Fleetline, a creation by Rad Rides by Troy. 

The TRIM Awards gained significant momentum after its partnership with Barrett-Jackson, which culminated in the TRIM Awards Road Tour--a nationwide search for the best TMI-equipped vehicles. The judges selected Dana Estes' C10 as the Road Show Champ, earning him a coveted spotlight at the SEMA Show, where his vehicle will be in the TMI Products Booth #V196 in the Central Hall. 

TMI is not just awarding custom trophies to winners. Each recipient will also receive fantastic prizes from esteemed industry partners, including an invitation to the 2024 Barrett-Jackson Cup in Scottsdale, Arizona, courtesy of Barrett-Jackson, as well as prizes from Mothers Polish, FiTech and Optima Batteries. Individual category winners will also be presented with a TMI $500 voucher, while the Best of Show Champion will receive a certificate for a complete TMI interior for their next build, valued at $10,000.   

Expert Panel of Judges 

The TRIM Awards will be presented by a distinguished panel of industry insiders, including:   

• Kevin Oeste: Host of V8 Speed & Resto Shop and the voice of the 2023 SEMA Show.
• Sean Holman: Owner of Use For Adventure Agency and co-host of "The Truck Show Podcast." 
• Sara Morosan: The 2021 SEMA Person of the Year, multi-Ford Design award winner, and owner of LGE/CTS Motorsports. 
• Theresa Contreras: PPG Brand ambassador, Multi Ford Design award winner and owner of Baja Forged. 
• Marcel Venable and Jason Mulligan: Co-owners of Auto Revolution and "Car Guy Confessions," representing the custom automotive video team. 

How to Enter 

To enter your vehicle in this year's TMI TRIM Awards, it must first be on display at the 2023 SEMA Show. Having a TMI Interior in the vehicle is not a requirement as many of the awards are a celebration of creativity and design. Winners must be present during the awards ceremony, 

The awards ceremony will take place at the second TMI Products Booth #24477 in Central Hall at 12:00 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, November 1. Winners must be present during the ceremony to receive their trophies and bask in their well-deserved recognition. Interested applicants can enter at tmiproducts.com/blog/tmi-s-trim-awards-2023.

TRIM Awards Categories 

1. Best Car: Open to any car featuring TMI seats. 
2. Best Truck: Open to any truck featuring TMI seats. 
3. Best Custom SUV or Wagon: Open to any SUV or wagon, whether two-door or four-door. 
4. Best Full Interior: Open to any vehicle running a full TMI interior, including all available components from that model line. 
5. Most Creative: Awarded for the best use of patterns, colors, and overall execution. 
6. Best Color-Matching: Recognizing the best use of patterns, colors, and stitching that matches the vehicle's exterior. 
7. Best Custom Car Interior (open to all Cars at the show): This can be any vehicle with any type of custom interior. 
8. Best Custom Truck Interior (open to all Trucks at the show): This can be any vehicle with any type of custom interior. 
9. Fan Favorite (Chosen on Social Media): Finalists chosen by TRIM Award Judges will be displayed on TMI Social Media channels for audience voting. 
10. Best of Show Champion: Judges will vote on their favorite vehicle at the 2023 SEMA Show, crowning it with the TRIM Award's highest honor. 

The TRIM Awards Rules 

To compete for the TRIM awards, entrants must have their vehicles already registered for display at the SEMA Show before registering for the TMI TRIM Awards here. Judging will begin on Tuesday afternoon, October 31, with the announcement of the top 20 vehicles from TMI's SEMA booth. 

The crowning of the TRIM Champion will take place at TMI Products Booth #24477, on Wednesday, November 1, 12:15 p.m. PDT.

Get the complete details and enter here.

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has named Kirstin Backes, sales and marketing program manager at COBB Tuning, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. Get to know Backes in her interview with SEMA News below.  

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry? 

Kirstin Backes: I grew up in a family that pursued motorsports all over the board, including off-roading and desert racing. While I did have some fun on the dragstrip and worked in the more "traditional" performance/hot-rod space for years, I found myself drawn more towards off-road adventure in my personal life. Ultimately, I want to help make modifying your truck--whether it's on- or off-road--more accessible and fun for other enthusiasts like me. 

SEMA News: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?  

KB: As a long-time industry volunteer, volunteering with TORA was a no-brainer. It's important to keep the voice of both enthusiasts and professionals in different parts of the aftermarket in the ear of the association at the board level and beyond, and working with TORA is a great way to do it. For me, that means keeping the focus of the association (and the Show) on where the aftermarket is going without sacrificing the legacy that got us here. I also think it's a great way to make sure that the interests of truck and off-road-focused enthusiasts and businesses are fairly represented when we're facing legislative challenges in things like land use, which can be missed when our market segments get overlooked. 

SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?  

KB: Don't be afraid to engage with SEMA beyond the Show in October and November. Get to as many networking events as you can, and get to know the people who work in the aftermarket outside the walls of your own company. It's changed my career trajectory entirely, and I've been lucky to make some great friends along the way.

SN: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle?  

KB: I recently purchased a long-time dream truck of mine--a Toyota Tundra--and I'm loving it more and more with every drive. So far, it's only done the long road trip home and some local exploration in the southeast, but I'm looking forward to a week or so in the desert soon! 

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates.