By SEMA News Editors

Exhibiting at the 2026 SEMA Show? Your official handbook for exhibitor success is now available online at exhibitor.semashow.com.
 

The entire Exhibitor Service Manual is the official exhibitor's handbook for success, in addition to the relationships they form with their SEMA sales representative, the SEMA media team and the SEMA Show department.

Exhibiting at the 2026 SEMA Show--November 3-6, Las Vegas--puts brands in front of thousands of qualified domestic and international buyers and the most influential members of the media from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry. (Still need a booth?).

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.   

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Kyle Ebner, collision network manager at Ford Motor Company, as its newest allyship honoree.

Learn how Ebner supports women in the industry and promotes the ally mindset in the SEMA News interview below. 

SEMA News: What do you do to support the ally mentality and women's empowerment?

Kyle Ebner: I hired a woman automotive painter and supported my daughter in her interest in automotive and racing. I like to encourage more knowledge and a deeper dive into the automotive space by women who find the industry interesting. I enjoy watching not only men, but young women increase their knowledge in the space.

SN: Can you share your favorite experience being an ally?  

KE: When I managed my family's auto body shop, I placed a bet on a young woman painter with little experience. She was full of energy and eager to learn as she went. I liked the fact she had a different perspective on things and could pick out things that the rest of us missed. She was interested in other aspects of the business as well, so I taught her how to write estimates. This proved to be a valuable thing for the shop as other women who came into the shop looking for an estimate and didn't know much about vehicles felt more comfortable speaking to another woman.

It felt good to take this young woman under my wing and give her a chance. I was proud that we had the only woman painter in the area, it made our shop stand apart from the others. As SEMA is a community of people that know each other, so are the technicians in shops around our facility. I hope that perhaps our shop being one of the first to hire a woman in this field in that area led the way for more like her.

I am very excited that my daughter is so interested in the automotive industry without any prodding by me. I am a little surprised at how much she wants to try racing, and I want to give her the opportunity, but I am not so sure on where and how to start her. I want to figure this out for her. However, I was able to introduce her and her Girl Scout troop to a female drag race friend of mine, Amy Faulk. Amy was so kind to the girls; she took them around the pits, showed them the trailer, let them sit in her race car, and they got to watch her race. The young ladies were very impressed by Amy as she was a trailblazer in the industry.

SN: Why do you feel that being an ally is important? 

KE: I feel being an ally is important to get more women into the industry. The industry needs the perspective of women, and the industry simply cannot grow effectively without them.

SN: What have you found to be the most important/valuable part of being an ally?

KE: I think it is important and valuable to include women in the auto industry if we want to see it grow and succeed in the future. For me personally, it is rewarding to help women by showing them the ropes in any way possible, whether it be wrenching on a car, teaching my daughter to drive or some basics about how to manage a build for the SEMA Show. Being an ally is also valuable to me because I can gain new perspectives and help me to think of things that I may not have thought of before and it is also simply rewarding.

SN: How long have you been in the industry?

KE: Thirty-five years.

SN: What advice do you have for those that want to become an ally?

KE: What are you waiting for? Just do it! Start offering up your assistance and share your knowledge and experiences to get started. Encourage women to do things that they are not normally encouraged to do and to show them support.

SN: How does someone spread the ally mentality?

KE: By example, I feel if people see me doing it, they can too. We can also spread the mentality by just being there to help support the cause in general and show that women can be just as capable as men in the auto industry.

Fill out an SBN Ally Spotlight form to highlight how you or a colleague is being an ally to women in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on SBN's social media and in SEMA News.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A SEMA-sponsored California bill to reform the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) Executive Order (EO) process for aftermarket emissions-related parts has cleared another legislative hurdle and now includes a long-demanded pathway for companies to bring their products to the California market faster.

SB 1069, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson (D-Concord), passed the Assembly Transportation Committee unanimously and now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for consideration.

The bill has been significantly amended to establish a new conditional approval process for qualifying aftermarket parts.

• Under the amended bill, manufacturers that submit a complete EO application supported by emissions testing and technical documentation may receive conditional approval to sell, advertise and install qualifying products while CARB completes its review. Today, manufacturers often wait months or years for a final EO before they can legally bring a product to market in California.

The new approach allows companies to begin generating revenue while CARB's review is ongoing, helping manufacturers recover development and compliance costs sooner.

To qualify, manufacturers must submit a complete application supported by emissions testing and technical documentation and have a demonstrated track record of compliance through prior participation in CARB's EO program.

The bill also reinforces the value of the SEMA Garage and its SEMA Certified-Emissions program by creating a streamlined pathway for manufacturers that invest upfront in emissions compliance and comprehensive application packages.

Sign up for more advocacy updates at semahq.org.

For more information, contact Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director for state government affairs, at christianr@sema.org.

Lead image background courtesy of Shutterstock | Robert Schlie

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Responding to President Trump's announcement of a presidential memorandum on automotive policies, including freedom-to-fix protections for vehicle owners, Mike Spagnola, CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), issued the following statement:

President Trump's presidential memorandum on Lowering the Cost of Living by Promoting the Freedom to Fix is more bold action in support of vehicle owners and automotive aftermarket industry businesses from across the nation, and an example of federal leadership on behalf of our nation's vibrant car culture. Specifically, Section 3 of today's memorandum acknowledges the need for certainty at the federal level for automotive aftermarket businesses who seek to certify the emissions compliance of their products. We look forward to further details from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin as the agency finalizes its guidance on this memorandum.

BACKGROUND

SEMA, through its Garage program, is the automotive industry’s leader in understanding the impact of aftermarket products on vehicle emissions, along with emerging safety technology on modified vehicles.

For more information, visit sema.org.

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | Sean Pavone

Alternate feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | Artiom Photo
 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Responding to President Trump's announcement of a presidential memorandum on automotive policies, including freedom-to-fix protections for vehicle owners, Mike Spagnola, CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), issued the following statement:

President Trump's presidential memorandum on Lowering the Cost of Living by Promoting the Freedom to Fix is more bold action in support of vehicle owners and automotive aftermarket industry businesses from across the nation, and an example of federal leadership on behalf of our nation's vibrant car culture. Specifically, Section 3 of today's memorandum acknowledges the need for certainty at the federal level for automotive aftermarket businesses who seek to certify the emissions compliance of their products. We look forward to further details from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin as the agency finalizes its guidance on this memorandum.

BACKGROUND

SEMA, through its Garage program, is the automotive industry’s leader in understanding the impact of aftermarket products on vehicle emissions, along with emerging safety technology on modified vehicles.

For more information, visit sema.org.

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | Sean Pavone

Alternate feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | Artiom Photo
 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Responding to President Trump's announcement of a presidential memorandum on automotive policies, including freedom-to-fix protections for vehicle owners, Mike Spagnola, CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), issued the following statement:

President Trump's presidential memorandum on Lowering the Cost of Living by Promoting the Freedom to Fix is more bold action in support of vehicle owners and automotive aftermarket industry businesses from across the nation, and an example of federal leadership on behalf of our nation's vibrant car culture. Specifically, Section 3 of today's memorandum acknowledges the need for certainty at the federal level for automotive aftermarket businesses who seek to certify the emissions compliance of their products. We look forward to further details from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin as the agency finalizes its guidance on this memorandum.

BACKGROUND

SEMA, through its Garage program, is the automotive industry’s leader in understanding the impact of aftermarket products on vehicle emissions, along with emerging safety technology on modified vehicles.

For more information, visit sema.org.

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | Sean Pavone

Alternate feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | Artiom Photo
 

By Ashley Reyes

As part of its mission to serve, engage, and unite the truck and off-road industry, the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is accepting applications for its TORA Feature Vehicle Showcase, taking place November 3-6 at the 2026 SEMA Show.

Open exclusively to TORA members, the Showcase gives builders the opportunity to feature their vehicle in a premier spot located on the outside walkway between North and West Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center––known as the TORA Feature Vehicle Trail––during SEMA Show week. The goal is to showcase the latest trends, products and vehicles driving today’s truck and off-road market while providing builders with a platform to promote their skills to a global audience.

What to expect:

• Placement along a high-traffic outside walkway connecting North and West Halls.
• Continuous foot traffic from qualified industry attendees and media during SEMA Show week.
• Inclusion in SEMA digital coverage before, during and after the Show.
• On-site attendee voting for the TORA Best in Show Award. The winner will be announced during the SEMA Show TORA Reception.

To ensure all segments of truck and off-road are represented, TORA is accepting applications in the areas of SUV, side-by-side, lifted truck, lowered truck, overland, off-road, EV/hybrid and CUV/crossover.

Qualifying companies must be current SEMA and TORA members, and manufacturers must be exhibiting at the SEMA Show. The cost to participate is $1,500, with $500 of that amount benefiting SEMA Cares––the fundraising arm of SEMA that supports a variety of children's charities.  

Read to put your build in the spotlight? Submit your application.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has officially opened entries for the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers at semabotb.com. Now in its 13th year, the competition continues to stand as the automotive aftermarket's premier platform for custom builders exhibiting at the SEMA Show, and for 2026 it will expand to include motorcycles, introducing an additional set of awards recognizing the Top 3 standout bike builders and an overall motorcycle champion.

"It's always exciting to see builders push creative boundaries year after year, and the addition of powersports brings an entirely new level of energy and excitement to the program," said SEMA Vice President of Marketing RJ de Vera. "Battle of the Builders continues to evolve alongside the industry, and we're excited to see how builders push innovation at the 2026 SEMA Show."

For 2026, the SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers will again feature its four core automotive competition classes: Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and BFGoodrich Young Guns. Class winners will advance through the competition, with one ultimately named overall Battle of the Builders champion.

"Mothers High Performance Car Care is proud to continue supporting the SEMA Battle of the Builders and the talented builders who make this competition one of the most anticipated events at the SEMA Show," said Mothers Vice President of Marketing Shane Christman. "Every year, we're inspired by the creativity, craftsmanship and passion these builders bring to their projects. This program celebrates the dedication behind every build and gives the industry an opportunity to recognize the individuals pushing vehicle customization forward."

The 2026 program will also debut a new side to the competition with SEMA Battle of the Builders: Bike Builder Shootout as a dedicated Motorcycle category, expanding the competition to include some of the finest custom two-wheel vehicles in America. Entries will be evaluated separately by motorcycle industry judges based on craftsmanship, design innovation and overall execution, with the Top 10 finalists serving as judges to determine the Top 3 category winners and the overall Bike Builder champion. 

In the automotive categories, a panel of aftermarket industry judges will again review all eligible submissions, evaluating build descriptions and photography before conducting in-person assessments on the SEMA Show floor. Judges will narrow entries to a Top 10 in each category, followed by a Top 3 selection. Those 12 finalists will then serve as judges to determine category winners and the overall champion.

"It's been great to be back at the SEMA Battle of the Builders," said Troy Trepanier of Rad Rides by Troy after winning the overall 2025 Battle of the Builders trophy last November. "It's grown a lot since we first won the event eight years ago. We finally had a car worthy of being back in the competition. There were so many great cars this year. Everybody here is a winner--all 40, all 12, especially the Final Four."

When asked what it’s like to win the SEMA Battle of the Builders for the second time, Trepanier said, "It is always nice to be judged by your peers in the industry and get recognized."

Supporting the Next Generation of Builders

The BFGoodrich Young Guns category highlights emerging talent, open to builders 29 years old and younger at the time of the SEMA Show. Entrants may be selected to participate in virtual Golden Ticket competitions held throughout the summer, with prize packages that include vehicle transportation to Las Vegas, plus travel and hotel accommodations. At the Show, the Top 10 BFGoodrich Young Guns finalists compete within their own field, narrowing to a Top 3. First introduced in 2024, the BFGoodrich Young Guns Top 10 competition format continues to expand opportunity and visibility for rising builders.

"BFGoodrich is proud to support the next generation of builders through the BFGoodrich Young Guns category at the SEMA Battle of the Builders," said BFGoodrich Ultra High Performance Brand Manager TJ Dennis. "Creating opportunities for young builders to showcase their talent, gain industry recognition and compete alongside some of the best in the business is what makes this program so special. We’re excited to continue supporting the innovation, passion and creativity that define the future of vehicle customization."

For more information or to enter the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders, visit semabotb.com.

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.  

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.   

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

From left, future SEMA Hall of Famer Jay Leno, Rep. Shannon Grove and SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola stand with a classic Pontiac Trans Am outside the United States Capitol in support of collector vehicle legislation.

California's "Leno's Law" has cleared another key checkpoint. SEMA-backed SB 1392, authored by Sens. Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove, and sponsored by future SEMA Hall of Famer Jay Leno, passed the California Assembly Transportation Committee with bipartisan support, 13-0. The bill now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Not finished yet, California! Tell the Appropriations Committee to vote YES on Leno's Law (it only takes a minute!)

Leno's Law creates a narrow collector-vehicle smog-check exemption for certain older vehicles, phased in from pre-'81 models to pre-'86 models by 2032. To qualify, owners must either provide proof of collector car insurance or show, through a future DMV process, that the vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. The bill does not change California's existing pre-'76 exemption.

This year's effort continues to gain momentum because enthusiasts, small businesses, lowriders, historians collectors, restorers and community advocates have stayed engaged at every step, helping show lawmakers that Leno's Law is about preserving the vehicles, businesses and culture that make California the center of American car culture.

SEMA will continue working to keep the bill moving, but support from the automotive community remains critical as the bill enters its next stage.

🎞️ VIDEO: Watch Chris Jacobs and Carmen Vera's message on Leno's Law below: 

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and to stay updated on its progress, please contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org. Sign up for SEMA Action updates at semahq.org.

Famed TV host, automotive enthusiast and future SEMA Hall of Famer Jay Leno joins California State Senator Shannon Grove for a drive highlighting support for California's Leno's Law, SB 1392.

This article was originally published on June 30, 2026. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

From left, future SEMA Hall of Famer Jay Leno, Rep. Shannon Grove and SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola stand with a classic Pontiac Trans Am outside the United States Capitol in support of collector vehicle legislation.

California's "Leno's Law" has cleared another key checkpoint. SEMA-backed SB 1392, authored by Sens. Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove, and sponsored by future SEMA Hall of Famer Jay Leno, passed the California Assembly Transportation Committee with bipartisan support, 13-0. The bill now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Not finished yet, California! Tell the Appropriations Committee to vote YES on Leno's Law (it only takes a minute!)

Leno's Law creates a narrow collector-vehicle smog-check exemption for certain older vehicles, phased in from pre-'81 models to pre-'86 models by 2032. To qualify, owners must either provide proof of collector car insurance or show, through a future DMV process, that the vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. The bill does not change California's existing pre-'76 exemption.

This year's effort continues to gain momentum because enthusiasts, small businesses, lowriders, historians collectors, restorers and community advocates have stayed engaged at every step, helping show lawmakers that Leno's Law is about preserving the vehicles, businesses and culture that make California the center of American car culture.

SEMA will continue working to keep the bill moving, but support from the automotive community remains critical as the bill enters its next stage.

🎞️ VIDEO: Watch Chris Jacobs and Carmen Vera's message on Leno's Law below: 

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and to stay updated on its progress, please contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org. Sign up for SEMA Action updates at semahq.org.

Famed TV host, automotive enthusiast and future SEMA Hall of Famer Jay Leno joins California State Senator Shannon Grove for a drive highlighting support for California's Leno's Law, SB 1392.

This article was originally published on June 30, 2026.