By SEMA Editors

Attendees of the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, will be able to grow their network and develop quality connections with leaders in their aftermarket niche by attending events hosted by SEMA councils and networks.  

While the Show offers a variety of opportunities to elevate and strengthen one's career and business, SEMA council and network events are the premier destination for Show attendees to forge meaningful relationships with peers in their specialized market segment. The diversity in automotive communities ensures an event for everyone: those focused on hot rods and restoration, truck and off-road, automotive technology, automotive restyling, and wheel and tire, plus women and those aged 39 and under. 

"Building a trusted professional network with industry peers is essential to advancing your business and career goals," said Zane Clark, SEMA vice president of membership, education, research and councils and networks. "With the worldwide automotive aftermarket industry coming together at the SEMA Show, there's no better place than these networking events to exchange information with those who share common interests and to gain insight into resources tailored to fit your business needs."   

This year's calendar includes receptions, happy hours, meetings and lunches, each exclusively crafted and planned to help members of each market segment make the most out of their SEMA Show experience. The inclusive environments allow for engaging conversations where attendees can share experiences and exchange ideas with people who understand their industry inside and out.

Explore the event calendar and RSVP at this link.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C. office

The U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce held a hearing this week on "Proposals to Enhance Product Safety and Transparency for Americans." The subcommittee hearing included the review of 14 bills, including H.R. 906, "Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act." The SEMA-supported REPAIR Act is a bipartisan bill that would ensure automotive enthusiasts, aftermarket parts manufacturers, and repair shops have access to the information and tools needed to maintain and personalize vehicles as automotive technology evolves. 

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola submitted a formal statement supporting H.R. 906 and encouraged lawmakers to expand the bill to include similar protections to protect businesses that produce and install parts that modify or customize vehicles. "SEMA strongly supports the REPAIR Act as drafted but also requests that the bill be expanded to clarify that it protects the right to modify vehicles, ensuring that auto manufacturers cannot employ any technological, legal, or cryptographic barriers that impede the ability of an aftermarket parts manufacturer or a vehicle repair facility to produce or install aftermarket parts and software that are custom, upgrade, or modify a vehicle," Spagnola said. Read his letter to the subcommittee.

The REPAIR Act was introduced by U.S. Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Warren Davidson (R-OH), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA). It currently has 42 co-sponsors (21 Republicans and 21 Democrats). Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative asking them to support and expand the REPAIR Act to protect our right to modify vehicles.  

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org or visit sema.org/advocacy/right-to-repair. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C. office

The U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce held a hearing this week on "Proposals to Enhance Product Safety and Transparency for Americans." The subcommittee hearing included the review of 14 bills, including H.R. 906, "Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act." The SEMA-supported REPAIR Act is a bipartisan bill that would ensure automotive enthusiasts, aftermarket parts manufacturers, and repair shops have access to the information and tools needed to maintain and personalize vehicles as automotive technology evolves. 

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola submitted a formal statement supporting H.R. 906 and encouraged lawmakers to expand the bill to include similar protections to protect businesses that produce and install parts that modify or customize vehicles. "SEMA strongly supports the REPAIR Act as drafted but also requests that the bill be expanded to clarify that it protects the right to modify vehicles, ensuring that auto manufacturers cannot employ any technological, legal, or cryptographic barriers that impede the ability of an aftermarket parts manufacturer or a vehicle repair facility to produce or install aftermarket parts and software that are custom, upgrade, or modify a vehicle," Spagnola said. Read his letter to the subcommittee.

The REPAIR Act was introduced by U.S. Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Warren Davidson (R-OH), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA). It currently has 42 co-sponsors (21 Republicans and 21 Democrats). Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative asking them to support and expand the REPAIR Act to protect our right to modify vehicles.  

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org or visit sema.org/advocacy/right-to-repair. 

By SEMA Editors

Industry members and exhibiting companies attending the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, are invited to connect with students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket industry with a table at the Student Program Industry Networking Breakfast. This exclusive event will be held on Thursday, November 2, from 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. PDT in West Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center. 

The networking breakfast is a staple of the SEMA Show Student Program, connecting automotive aftermarket leaders with the industry's future workforce. By hosting a table, industry members will be able to share their company's journey and help guide and inspire the next generation of automotive professionals. It also serves as a great recruitment tool and the chance to create quality connections with students eager to jumpstart their automotive careers. 

Participation is free, and the event simply requires one-and-a-half hours from a company representative. No set-up time or marketing materials are required. Register your company here.

Questions can be directed to Chris Standifer, SEMA manager of recognition programs, at chriss@sema.org or 909-978-6692. 

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has selected 10 unique builds to showcase in its Feature Vehicle Build Program at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas.

A Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 XR was named TORA Best in Show at the 2022 SEMA Show.

The Feature Vehicle Program--reserved for TORA member companies as a membership benefit--highlights the diverse landscape of the truck and off-road industry and the many opportunities the market represents. Through the program, SEMA Show attendees can be inspired by new design concepts and witness the unique ways that truck and off-road aftermarket products and technologies can be used.  

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: '74 Ford F-250 Crew Cab       
• Patriot Liner/American Coating Humvee: '85 AM General        
• Sandy Cats, LLC: '19 Toyota 4Runner  
• 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--to view the vehicles on display. Here, attendees will be immersed in a variety of different builds and be able 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 SEMA Editors

As the aftermarket continues to look at fuel alternatives, biofuels may become the in-between that automobile manufacturers can use for performance internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles alongside their electric vehicle fleet.

Hear from Ian Lehn, founder of BOOSTane, and Bjorn Noack, director at Bosch in a new video linked here (and embedded below), from the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) as they explore where the aftermarket and internal combustion engines (ICE) will be in the next 15 years.

By watching the video, you'll gain insight into legislation supporting and hindering biofuel development, companies currently investing in this technology and whether or not the average enthusiast has access to biofuels. Watch it now! 

Note: The video is a continuation of the ETTN Facebook live chat that covered biofuels in 2021. 

By SEMA Editors

Tickets are now available for SEMA Fest, the inaugural, two-day outdoor festival to be held Friday, November 3-Saturday, November 4, 12:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Las Vegas, and SEMA has officially opened sponsorship opportunities for industry members to get involved and connect with consumers like never before.  

Companies can now secure their part of the exclusive SEMA Fest Marketplace--which is expected to provide access to more than 30,000 music and motorsports enthusiasts (and potential new customers)--across two days in a one-of-a-kind festival setting. Industry businesses wishing to participate in the SEMA Fest Marketplace can submit an Exhibit Space Application here.

In addition, organizers are also providing several types of sponsorship activations. But hurry, space is limited for these unique programs! If you're interested in SEMA Fest sponsorship opportunities, contact our dedicated representative at partnership@semafest.com.

How to Display Your Vehicle at SEMA Fest

Displaying your vehicle at SEMA Fest is another effective way to interact with enthusiasts of various levels and genres. Simply select "Display My Vehicle" in the ticketing options. All vehicles entered will be placed on a waitlist until the car is reviewed and approved. Vehicle displays do not require exhibitor sponsorship and include one (1) general admission ticket to the festival.

Additional key points regarding show vehicles include:  

• Approved vehicle owners will be advised by September 22 when their vehicle will need to arrive for check-in on either Wednesday, November 1, or Thursday, November 2, for placement at SEMA Fest. 
• SEMA Fest management will provide a schedule for when vehicles may depart the festival grounds after the event, Saturday night or Sunday morning, November 5. 
• Vehicles that arrive late for check-in will not be placed. 
• No refunds will be issued to vehicles that arrive late or cancel. 
• Vehicles displayed at SEMA Fest will not be eligible to compete in Battle of the Builders. 
• Vehicles displayed at the SEMA Show will not be able to display at SEMA Fest. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit semafest.com.  

By SEMA Editors

The 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, is only five weeks away, and registration is open at SEMAShow.com/register. Event management is dedicated to making the industry homecoming as cost-effective as possible. Credentials are just $60 through Friday, September 29 and $120 after that date.

Registering early allows attendees to take advantage of the best rates and plan a customized SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that attendees will receive their badges in the mail before this year's event. Otherwise, attendees must pick up their badges on-site at the SEMA Show.

This year's SEMA Show will offer an experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet, where attendees can witness thousands of cutting-edge automotive performance products from 2,200-plus exhibitors, including hundreds of first-timers eager to showcase new innovations and technology. Industry members can also discover the latest vehicle trends while tailoring a professional development plan with best-in-class education programs.

Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!

Download the SEMA Show App

Create a customized schedule, view the floor plan and exhibitor list, browse education sessions, keynote addresses and other Show-related events with the SEMA app at SEMAShow.com/app. 

International Buyers and Attendees

International travelers can request a letter of invitation during the registration process. Unsure if you will require a visa from your country of origin? Use the U.S. Department of State's handy Visa Wizard to determine your needs. In addition, many countries are eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. If you are traveling from any eligible country, register for your Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before your travel.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact customer service at 866-229-3687. International callers dial direct +1-224-563-3154 or email aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com. Service is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. CDT.

By SEMA Editors

According to a recent report in The Auto Wire, the state of California is looking at instituting "zero-emissions zones," which would be similar to the Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) seen in London's boroughs in the United Kingdom, with plate readers fining drivers for violations. 

The announcement aligns with California's net-zero carbon emissions goal set for 2045.

It was previously reported that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) was gathering information from car owners of classic cars (from model-year '78 or earlier) about how those builds are used and stored, where they're driven, and the amount of miles on the odometer.

Read the full report by Steven Symes on The Auto Wire.

By Kenny Wright

SEMA Show management is proud  to present the inaugural SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium, an all-new event designed to provide a resource for women to network, mentor and participate in professional development programs geared toward helping women accelerate and advance in their careers and business. 

With the support of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN), this symposium will also aim to address common challenges faced by women in the automotive industry. Overall, attendees of this program will gain invaluable new tools and learn essential skills to help drive their business and career advancement in a positive direction.

This exciting program will feature an inspiring opening keynote, "A Business Case for Cultivating Purpose," a "Power Networking Luncheon and Fireside Chat," a four-part micro-learning workshop segment and "Driving the Future of Automotive: C-Suite Insights," a panel delivered by iconic industry executives and thought leaders. ​This year's first-ever SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium ​speakers include:

• Melanie White: CEO at Hellwig Products Co. Inc.
• Jacki Lutz: senior manager external communications, global at Sensata Technologies.
• Deanna Singh: managing partner at Uplifting Impact.
• Shaundra Dineen: CEO/founder at Rubyz Global Coaching and Consulting LLC.
• Kim Less: vice president, aftersales, Nissan North America.
• Matilda Johnson: director of business development and chief experience officer, City Classic Cars.
• Julia Landauer: Two-time champion racecar driver, speaker and entrepreneur at Julia Landauer Racing LLC. 
• Carolyn Jackson: vice president of Brand Strategy and chief philanthropy officer at Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. 
• Cheryl Thompson: president and founder at CADIA. 
• Axel Cooley: president at Metallon LLC.
• Jayme Blasiman: founder at Femcanic Garage and founder and co-owner of Women's Motor Fest. 
• Subi Ghosh: executive vice president, marketing and strategic partnerships at Stream Companies. 

There will also be moderated conversations with industry executives, where you will learn what actions leaders are taking to establish gender equity and where they see the greatest challenges and opportunities today. You will also learn what they are personally doing to support women leaders and get the chance to join the SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium for a fireside chat, "Communication Secrets, Secrets of Success and Maintaining a Success Mindset," featuring Barrett-Jackson's vice president of brand strategy Carolyn Jackson. In this interactive fireside chat, FOX News reporter Amanda Busick will interview Jackson and engage the audience with an interactive conversation.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with industry leaders and subject-matter experts representing a variety of different industry segments in 15-minute, rapid-fire-style sessions. Women can also attend the following inspirational micro-seminars: "Becoming Certified Woman-Owned Enterprise"; "Self-Branding: The ACTION Behind Building Your Personal Brand"; "The Power of Mentorship, Sponsorship and Allyship as a Strategy for Success"; and "Make the Jump! Four Steps to Becoming the Authority in Your Industry."

"This great lineup of speakers, panels and workshops presents a truly one-of-a-kind chance for women in the automotive industry to join together and learn from experiences that are similar to their own. This year's SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium is lining up to be a groundbreaking opportunity to prepare for addressing challenges and overcoming adversity. The ultimate goal of this program is to help women elevate, empower and engage themselves with the tools for success, needed to accelerate and advance their business and careers," said Pamela Brown Matthis, SEMA's director of education.

The SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium is free for all 2023 SEMA Show attendees, although online registration for the entire event is encouraged here. Registration for individual sessions is also available at the links below.

2023 SEMA Show Women in Automotive Symposium Schedule

Wednesday, November 1

Room N258

• 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m PDT/Opening Keynote "Drive: How to Gain and Maintain a Competitive Advantage," featuring two-time race champion and entrepreneur Julia Landauer.
• 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. PDT/Power Networking Luncheon and Fireside Chat hosted by FOX Sports Reporter Amanda Busick and featuring Carolyn Jackson, vice president brand strategy, Barrett-Jackson.
• 1:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m. PDT/Micro-Learning Lab (15-minute, rapid-fire-style workshops) featuring Melanie White, CEO and owner of Hellwig Products; Jacki Lutz, senior manager marketing communications, corporate at Sensata Technologies; Deanna Singh, managing partner at Uplifting Impact; and Shaundra Dineen, award-winning motivational speaker and podcaster.
• 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. PDT/"Driving the Future of Automotive: C-Suite Insights" panel, co-hosted by SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) and moderated by Cheryl Thompson, president and founder of Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement. Featuring Axel Cooley, president, Metallon LLC; Kim Less, vice president, aftersales, Nissan North America; Subi Ghosh, executive vice president, marketing and strategic partnerships, Stream Companies; Matilda Johnson, director of business development and chief experience officer, City Classic Cars; Jayme Blasiman, founder, Femcanic Garage and founder and co-owner of Women's Motor Fest.

Stay tuned for more details on the world-class SEMA Education program for 2023, which will be headlined by keynote speaker, world-renowned athlete, entrepreneur and philanthropist Tim Tebow. Register for the SEMA Show at SEMAShow.com/register by September 29 for just $60. After, registration is $120.

Visit the SEMA Businesswoman's Network (SBN) homepage to learn more about related SEMA Show activations.