SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference offers manufacturers the opportunity to explore the potential for their products in the UAE and neighboring countries.

By Linda Spencer

A limited number of slots are still available for the fifth SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 29–April 2, 2016, 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, visits to local customizing shops, participation in a measuring session of vehicles featuring popularly customized overseas but not sold in the United States, 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, pre-trip support and a pre-trip briefing on what to bring and what to expect.

For more information on how to exhibit, visit the SEMA website or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org. For a recap of last year’s event, read the SEMA News article or view video highlights of the 2015 and 2014 events.

Register now!

What your peers have to say about the SEMA Middle East Program:

	The Middle East Business Development Conference includes a measuring session of vehicles featuring popularly customized overseas but not sold in the United States.

- “The SEMA Middle East Business Conference was a perfect opportunity for us as a new entrant to the Middle Eastern market,” said Michael Sampson, director of operations and foreign sales for Rock-Slide Engineering. “Attending the SEMA Middle East Business Conference allowed us to find our first customers and begin what should be a long and profitable relationship in the Middle East for Rock-Slide Engineering.”

- “The Middle East continues to prosper for the automotive industry,” said Kevin Floody, director of international sales for aFe Power. “Each year I come, I become more excited about the great opportunities for growth. We are seeing tremendous interest in our products because of their compatibility with the vehicles sold here and the desire to modify them.”

- “We have been doing business in the Middle East for the past 14 or 15 years, and although our brand is very well known and respected in the region, SEMA’s contribution to our success is crucial, and these trips are undeniably beneficial for us,” said Josh Abbott, international sales manager for Borla Performance Industries. “The fact that we are provided with the chance to meet a group of hand-selected, pre-qualified buyers is priceless, and we very much appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this effort of bringing companies and markets together for the greater good of the industry.”

When George Barris, the “King of the Kustomizers,” passed away in November at the age of 89, the stories and obituaries in the mainstream media focused on his television and movie cars—especially the original Batmobile, which he built for the campy ’60s TV show in just 15 days by modifying Ford’s ’55 Lincoln Futura concept car. Lost in much of the reportage was the reason Barris wore that crown in the first place.

When George Barris, the “King of the Kustomizers,” passed away in November at the age of 89, the stories and obituaries in the mainstream media focused on his television and movie cars—especially the original Batmobile, which he built for the campy ’60s TV show in just 15 days by modifying Ford’s ’55 Lincoln Futura concept car. Lost in much of the reportage was the reason Barris wore that crown in the first place.

When George Barris, the “King of the Kustomizers,” passed away in November at the age of 89, the stories and obituaries in the mainstream media focused on his television and movie cars—especially the original Batmobile, which he built for the campy ’60s TV show in just 15 days by modifying Ford’s ’55 Lincoln Futura concept car. Lost in much of the reportage was the reason Barris wore that crown in the first place.

By Becca Butler

In this behind-the-scenes video, meet Tim Palazzolo, owner of Gap Racing, who competed in the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders with his ’69 Ford Mustang.

The 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition featured nearly 300 builders vying for the title as the ultimate vehicle builder. With vehicles showcasing custom modifications and detailed craftsmanship, the second annual competition was fierce and impressive.

Palazzolo's  Mustang, also known as “Stampede,” features a 572 HEMI engine, widened body and interior upholstery with no visible stitching. After four and a half years, Palazzolo’s extreme articulation to detail is what made this build truly unique.

For more details on all the contestants of the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, visit www.semaignited.com, and tune in to world premiere television special, airing on the Velocity Network February 1.

By Becca Butler

In this behind-the-scenes video, meet Tim Palazzolo, owner of Gap Racing, who competed in the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders with his ’69 Ford Mustang.

The 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition featured nearly 300 builders vying for the title as the ultimate vehicle builder. With vehicles showcasing custom modifications and detailed craftsmanship, the second annual competition was fierce and impressive.

Palazzolo's  Mustang, also known as “Stampede,” features a 572 HEMI engine, widened body and interior upholstery with no visible stitching. After four and a half years, Palazzolo’s extreme articulation to detail is what made this build truly unique.

For more details on all the contestants of the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, visit www.semaignited.com, and tune in to world premiere television special, airing on the Velocity Network February 1.

By Becca Butler

In this behind-the-scenes video, meet Tim Palazzolo, owner of Gap Racing, who competed in the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders with his ’69 Ford Mustang.

The 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition featured nearly 300 builders vying for the title as the ultimate vehicle builder. With vehicles showcasing custom modifications and detailed craftsmanship, the second annual competition was fierce and impressive.

Palazzolo's  Mustang, also known as “Stampede,” features a 572 HEMI engine, widened body and interior upholstery with no visible stitching. After four and a half years, Palazzolo’s extreme articulation to detail is what made this build truly unique.

For more details on all the contestants of the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, visit www.semaignited.com, and tune in to world premiere television special, airing on the Velocity Network February 1.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit ETTN's website

Insight Into Becoming An OEM Accessory Supplier

Seeking information on how to become an automotive OEM accessory supplier?  ETTN will host its inaugural Motorsports Tech Roundtable, featuring six roundtables that cover this topic and more, Monday, January 25, during the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference.

Roundtable Topic: Becoming an OEM Motorsports Accessory Supplier

Expert: Erin Gilhuly, TRD business administrator at Toyota Motor Sales

Discussion: Designing, engineering and manufacturing motorsports products with the goal to become an OEM accessory supplier.

When: January 25, 2:00–4:30 p.m., during the MPMC Media Trade Conference, Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North.

RSVP today! Click here for event details, including a full list of table topics and subject matter experts. Questions? Contact Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at BryanH@SEMA.org.

Back to Top

Visit MPMC's website

Media Trade Conference Events

The annual Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference (MTC) is January 26-28, where manufacturers will have the opportunity to have private, one-on-one meetings with media to showcase their new, innovative products. In addition to full days of scheduled meetings, the council is hosting evening events for further networking opportunities.

MPMC Open Meeting

January 25, the MPMC invites you to its open meeting to meet with the select committee, hear about the council’s initiatives for 2016 and to network with fellow motorsports parts manufacturers. The event will take place in the La Jolla room in the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North at 2:00 p.m. You do not have to be attending the Media Trade Conference to attend this meeting. Be sure to stick around for the ETTN Motorsports Tech Roundtable event taking place directly after the meeting.

MPMC Awards Reception

Tuesday evening of MTC, January 26, is the MPMC Awards Reception. The reception provides an added opportunity for exhibitors and media to mingle and network over drinks. One influential individual from the media will be honored and awarded with the Robert E. Petersen award for their outstanding contribution to the motorsports industry and MPMC throughout the year of 2015.

Exclusive VIP TV Preview

January 28, Thursday evening of the Media Trade Conference, MPMC conference participants will be treated to an exclusive VIP Preview Screening of the SEMA Battle of the Builders TV Show. Premiering nationwide on the Velocity Network February 1, the one-hour program features top vehicle builders and footage from the 2015 trade-only SEMA Show. 

ETTN Motorsports Tech Roundtable

The Emerging Trends & Technology (ETTN) Motorsports Tech Roundtable is the must-attend event for staying current with motorsports technology through six small roundtable discussions.

Discussion Topics:

• Motorsports Vehicle Emissions and Compliance
• The Future of Motorsports and Performance Technology
• Advancements in Product Design, From Idea to Prototype
• Becoming an OEM Motorsports Accessory Supplier
• MPMC Membership Table
• The Use of Technology in Competition

RSVP: Must RSVP, free for SEMA members

When: Monday, January 25, 2:00–4:30 p.m.

Where: Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North, La Jolla Room

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website

SBN & YEN Mixer

SBN and YEN will hold their annual automotive industry networking event at the lounge of the Embassy Suites Santa Ana Orange County Airport North, 7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., Thursday, January 28. 

This event is a great opportunity to strengthen your community with new contacts and discuss business in an engaging and relaxed atmosphere.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP with SEMA's Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison, at BryanH@sema.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Thursday, January 28, 2015

Time: 7:30–8:30 p.m. PST

Where: Embassy Suites Santa Ana Orange County Airport North

Address: 1325 East Dyer Road, Santa Ana, California

Attire: Business casual

You don't have to be attending the MPMC Media Trade Conference to attend this networking event.

Back to Top

Visit WTC's website

Attend WTC General Membership Meeting

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion Wednesday, February 10, in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion on Wednesday, February 10, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. This event is a chance for WTC members to work with council members to determine the focus and direction of the group for this year and beyond.

On the agenda are discussions of upcoming retailer education and consumer engagement resources in development by the council, as well as new sources of vehicle technical information available through SEMA. There will also be an open discussion on other challenges and opportunities in the wheel and tire industry.

The meeting will include a continental breakfast and networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Remote members are invited to participate in the discussion through our GoToMeeting portal.
RSVP to save your seat and submit discussion topics: click here.

For more information on WTC, contact Council Liaison Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

Back to Top

Visit YEN's website

SBN & YEN Mixer

SBN and YEN will hold their annual automotive industry networking event at the lounge of the Embassy Suites Santa Ana Orange County Airport North, 7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., Thursday, January 28.

This event is a great opportunity to strengthen your community with new contacts and discuss business in an engaging and relaxed atmosphere.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP with SEMA's Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison, at BryanH@sema.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Thursday, January 28, 2015

Time: 7:30–8:30 p.m. PST

Where: Embassy Suites Santa Ana Orange County Airport North

Address: 1325 East Dyer Road, Santa Ana, California

Attire: Business casual

You don't have to be attending the MPMC Media Trade Conference to attend this networking event.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit ETTN's website

Insight Into Becoming An OEM Accessory Supplier

Seeking information on how to become an automotive OEM accessory supplier?  ETTN will host its inaugural Motorsports Tech Roundtable, featuring six roundtables that cover this topic and more, Monday, January 25, during the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference.

Roundtable Topic: Becoming an OEM Motorsports Accessory Supplier

Expert: Erin Gilhuly, TRD business administrator at Toyota Motor Sales

Discussion: Designing, engineering and manufacturing motorsports products with the goal to become an OEM accessory supplier.

When: January 25, 2:00–4:30 p.m., during the MPMC Media Trade Conference, Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North.

RSVP today! Click here for event details, including a full list of table topics and subject matter experts. Questions? Contact Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at BryanH@SEMA.org.

Back to Top

Visit MPMC's website

Media Trade Conference Events

The annual Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference (MTC) is January 26-28, where manufacturers will have the opportunity to have private, one-on-one meetings with media to showcase their new, innovative products. In addition to full days of scheduled meetings, the council is hosting evening events for further networking opportunities.

MPMC Open Meeting

January 25, the MPMC invites you to its open meeting to meet with the select committee, hear about the council’s initiatives for 2016 and to network with fellow motorsports parts manufacturers. The event will take place in the La Jolla room in the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North at 2:00 p.m. You do not have to be attending the Media Trade Conference to attend this meeting. Be sure to stick around for the ETTN Motorsports Tech Roundtable event taking place directly after the meeting.

MPMC Awards Reception

Tuesday evening of MTC, January 26, is the MPMC Awards Reception. The reception provides an added opportunity for exhibitors and media to mingle and network over drinks. One influential individual from the media will be honored and awarded with the Robert E. Petersen award for their outstanding contribution to the motorsports industry and MPMC throughout the year of 2015.

Exclusive VIP TV Preview

January 28, Thursday evening of the Media Trade Conference, MPMC conference participants will be treated to an exclusive VIP Preview Screening of the SEMA Battle of the Builders TV Show. Premiering nationwide on the Velocity Network February 1, the one-hour program features top vehicle builders and footage from the 2015 trade-only SEMA Show. 

ETTN Motorsports Tech Roundtable

The Emerging Trends & Technology (ETTN) Motorsports Tech Roundtable is the must-attend event for staying current with motorsports technology through six small roundtable discussions.

Discussion Topics:

• Motorsports Vehicle Emissions and Compliance
• The Future of Motorsports and Performance Technology
• Advancements in Product Design, From Idea to Prototype
• Becoming an OEM Motorsports Accessory Supplier
• MPMC Membership Table
• The Use of Technology in Competition

RSVP: Must RSVP, free for SEMA members

When: Monday, January 25, 2:00–4:30 p.m.

Where: Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North, La Jolla Room

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website

SBN & YEN Mixer

SBN and YEN will hold their annual automotive industry networking event at the lounge of the Embassy Suites Santa Ana Orange County Airport North, 7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., Thursday, January 28. 

This event is a great opportunity to strengthen your community with new contacts and discuss business in an engaging and relaxed atmosphere.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP with SEMA's Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison, at BryanH@sema.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Thursday, January 28, 2015

Time: 7:30–8:30 p.m. PST

Where: Embassy Suites Santa Ana Orange County Airport North

Address: 1325 East Dyer Road, Santa Ana, California

Attire: Business casual

You don't have to be attending the MPMC Media Trade Conference to attend this networking event.

Back to Top

Visit WTC's website

Attend WTC General Membership Meeting

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion Wednesday, February 10, in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion on Wednesday, February 10, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. This event is a chance for WTC members to work with council members to determine the focus and direction of the group for this year and beyond.

On the agenda are discussions of upcoming retailer education and consumer engagement resources in development by the council, as well as new sources of vehicle technical information available through SEMA. There will also be an open discussion on other challenges and opportunities in the wheel and tire industry.

The meeting will include a continental breakfast and networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Remote members are invited to participate in the discussion through our GoToMeeting portal.
RSVP to save your seat and submit discussion topics: click here.

For more information on WTC, contact Council Liaison Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

Back to Top

Visit YEN's website

SBN & YEN Mixer

SBN and YEN will hold their annual automotive industry networking event at the lounge of the Embassy Suites Santa Ana Orange County Airport North, 7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., Thursday, January 28.

This event is a great opportunity to strengthen your community with new contacts and discuss business in an engaging and relaxed atmosphere.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP with SEMA's Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison, at BryanH@sema.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Thursday, January 28, 2015

Time: 7:30–8:30 p.m. PST

Where: Embassy Suites Santa Ana Orange County Airport North

Address: 1325 East Dyer Road, Santa Ana, California

Attire: Business casual

You don't have to be attending the MPMC Media Trade Conference to attend this networking event.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit ETTN's website

Insight Into Becoming An OEM Accessory Supplier

Seeking information on how to become an automotive OEM accessory supplier?  ETTN will host its inaugural Motorsports Tech Roundtable, featuring six roundtables that cover this topic and more, Monday, January 25, during the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference.

Roundtable Topic: Becoming an OEM Motorsports Accessory Supplier

Expert: Erin Gilhuly, TRD business administrator at Toyota Motor Sales

Discussion: Designing, engineering and manufacturing motorsports products with the goal to become an OEM accessory supplier.

When: January 25, 2:00–4:30 p.m., during the MPMC Media Trade Conference, Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North.

RSVP today! Click here for event details, including a full list of table topics and subject matter experts. Questions? Contact Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at BryanH@SEMA.org.

Back to Top

Visit MPMC's website

Media Trade Conference Events

The annual Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference (MTC) is January 26-28, where manufacturers will have the opportunity to have private, one-on-one meetings with media to showcase their new, innovative products. In addition to full days of scheduled meetings, the council is hosting evening events for further networking opportunities.

MPMC Open Meeting

January 25, the MPMC invites you to its open meeting to meet with the select committee, hear about the council’s initiatives for 2016 and to network with fellow motorsports parts manufacturers. The event will take place in the La Jolla room in the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North at 2:00 p.m. You do not have to be attending the Media Trade Conference to attend this meeting. Be sure to stick around for the ETTN Motorsports Tech Roundtable event taking place directly after the meeting.

MPMC Awards Reception

Tuesday evening of MTC, January 26, is the MPMC Awards Reception. The reception provides an added opportunity for exhibitors and media to mingle and network over drinks. One influential individual from the media will be honored and awarded with the Robert E. Petersen award for their outstanding contribution to the motorsports industry and MPMC throughout the year of 2015.

Exclusive VIP TV Preview

January 28, Thursday evening of the Media Trade Conference, MPMC conference participants will be treated to an exclusive VIP Preview Screening of the SEMA Battle of the Builders TV Show. Premiering nationwide on the Velocity Network February 1, the one-hour program features top vehicle builders and footage from the 2015 trade-only SEMA Show. 

ETTN Motorsports Tech Roundtable

The Emerging Trends & Technology (ETTN) Motorsports Tech Roundtable is the must-attend event for staying current with motorsports technology through six small roundtable discussions.

Discussion Topics:

• Motorsports Vehicle Emissions and Compliance
• The Future of Motorsports and Performance Technology
• Advancements in Product Design, From Idea to Prototype
• Becoming an OEM Motorsports Accessory Supplier
• MPMC Membership Table
• The Use of Technology in Competition

RSVP: Must RSVP, free for SEMA members

When: Monday, January 25, 2:00–4:30 p.m.

Where: Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North, La Jolla Room

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website

SBN & YEN Mixer

SBN and YEN will hold their annual automotive industry networking event at the lounge of the Embassy Suites Santa Ana Orange County Airport North, 7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., Thursday, January 28. 

This event is a great opportunity to strengthen your community with new contacts and discuss business in an engaging and relaxed atmosphere.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP with SEMA's Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison, at BryanH@sema.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Thursday, January 28, 2015

Time: 7:30–8:30 p.m. PST

Where: Embassy Suites Santa Ana Orange County Airport North

Address: 1325 East Dyer Road, Santa Ana, California

Attire: Business casual

You don't have to be attending the MPMC Media Trade Conference to attend this networking event.

Back to Top

Visit WTC's website

Attend WTC General Membership Meeting

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion Wednesday, February 10, in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion on Wednesday, February 10, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. This event is a chance for WTC members to work with council members to determine the focus and direction of the group for this year and beyond.

On the agenda are discussions of upcoming retailer education and consumer engagement resources in development by the council, as well as new sources of vehicle technical information available through SEMA. There will also be an open discussion on other challenges and opportunities in the wheel and tire industry.

The meeting will include a continental breakfast and networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Remote members are invited to participate in the discussion through our GoToMeeting portal.
RSVP to save your seat and submit discussion topics: click here.

For more information on WTC, contact Council Liaison Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

Back to Top

Visit YEN's website

SBN & YEN Mixer

SBN and YEN will hold their annual automotive industry networking event at the lounge of the Embassy Suites Santa Ana Orange County Airport North, 7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., Thursday, January 28.

This event is a great opportunity to strengthen your community with new contacts and discuss business in an engaging and relaxed atmosphere.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP with SEMA's Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison, at BryanH@sema.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Thursday, January 28, 2015

Time: 7:30–8:30 p.m. PST

Where: Embassy Suites Santa Ana Orange County Airport North

Address: 1325 East Dyer Road, Santa Ana, California

Attire: Business casual

You don't have to be attending the MPMC Media Trade Conference to attend this networking event.