By SEMA Editors

(L-R): Joel Ayres, Dennis Gage and Jim Bingham were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2015.

It’s that time of year for SEMA Hall of Fame nominations. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate a person for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame form by March 11.

If you have any questions, contact Marcela Ortega at marcelao@sema.org or 909-978-6744.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities.

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By Linda Spencer

SEMA Australia Business Development Conference attendees will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted buyers from across the region and tour customizing shops.

SEMA has announced Australia as the fourth venue for its popular overseas Business Development Programs. The pilot project will be held May 25–29, 2016, in Melbourne, Australia. Join fellow SEMA members on a four-day visit to learn about this customizing-crazed market.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted buyers from across the region and tour customizing shops, see first-hand what vehicles are on the road and the product opportunities available and participate in a table-top display attended by top pre-vetted Australian trade buyers. SEMA has again partnered with the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration, and awards are available to qualified companies to help defray participation costs.

Exhibitors: register now for the 2016 SEMA Australia Business Development Conference.

For questions or more information, visit the SEMA website or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

SEMA Australia Business Development Conference attendees will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted buyers from across the region and tour customizing shops.

SEMA has announced Australia as the fourth venue for its popular overseas Business Development Programs. The pilot project will be held May 25–29, 2016, in Melbourne, Australia. Join fellow SEMA members on a four-day visit to learn about this customizing-crazed market.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted buyers from across the region and tour customizing shops, see first-hand what vehicles are on the road and the product opportunities available and participate in a table-top display attended by top pre-vetted Australian trade buyers. SEMA has again partnered with the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration, and awards are available to qualified companies to help defray participation costs.

Exhibitors: register now for the 2016 SEMA Australia Business Development Conference.

For questions or more information, visit the SEMA website or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference attendees will have the opportunity to network with pre-vetted buyers from nearly a dozen countries.

There are only a few remaining slots left for exhibiting at the 2016 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 29–April 2, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The event provides SEMA-member manufacturers the opportunity to explore the potential for their products in the UAE and neighboring countries, where consumers seek out the latest and greatest products to personalize their rides. Buyers from throughout the Middle East are eager for the newest American products for classic-car restoration, off-roading and street performance.

The program includes a turnkey booth at the Abu-Dhabi-based Custom Show Emirates, networking events with pre-vetted buyers from nearly a dozen countries, access to vehicles popularly customized overseas but not sold in the United States, visits to UAE-based vehicle modification retailers and installers and a briefing with U.S. Government officials and seasoned exporters on the “do’s and don’ts” of setting up successful distribution in the region. Meals and hotel are included.

Awards to off-set the cost of participating are available from the federal government and several state governments.

Register now! For more information, visit the SEMA website or contact lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference attendees will have the opportunity to network with pre-vetted buyers from nearly a dozen countries.

There are only a few remaining slots left for exhibiting at the 2016 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 29–April 2, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The event provides SEMA-member manufacturers the opportunity to explore the potential for their products in the UAE and neighboring countries, where consumers seek out the latest and greatest products to personalize their rides. Buyers from throughout the Middle East are eager for the newest American products for classic-car restoration, off-roading and street performance.

The program includes a turnkey booth at the Abu-Dhabi-based Custom Show Emirates, networking events with pre-vetted buyers from nearly a dozen countries, access to vehicles popularly customized overseas but not sold in the United States, visits to UAE-based vehicle modification retailers and installers and a briefing with U.S. Government officials and seasoned exporters on the “do’s and don’ts” of setting up successful distribution in the region. Meals and hotel are included.

Awards to off-set the cost of participating are available from the federal government and several state governments.

Register now! For more information, visit the SEMA website or contact lindas@sema.org.

Replacing wheels can create an enormous change in the appearance of any vehicle, and properly selected wheels are also performance parts that reduce unsprung weight and improve handling.

That’s why the wheel segment continues to be among the most robust in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Wheel builders continue to refine manufacturing techniques such as laser cutting for high-quality surface finishes and evolving designs that include deep concaves, mesh spokes and revolving caps. The following pages highlight some of the innovations that were on display in the Wheels & Accessories section of the New Products Showcase at 2015 SEMA Show.

Replacing wheels can create an enormous change in the appearance of any vehicle, and properly selected wheels are also performance parts that reduce unsprung weight and improve handling.

That’s why the wheel segment continues to be among the most robust in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Wheel builders continue to refine manufacturing techniques such as laser cutting for high-quality surface finishes and evolving designs that include deep concaves, mesh spokes and revolving caps. The following pages highlight some of the innovations that were on display in the Wheels & Accessories section of the New Products Showcase at 2015 SEMA Show.