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

Temecula, California-based EngineLabs, a resource for high-performance engine technology, has announced its 2023 Engine Build Giveaway, which will include a special SEMA Show feature event leading up to the PRI Show, December 7-9, in downtown Indianapolis. 

The giveaway engine is a Whipple supercharged 426ci Gen III Hemi, slated to make 1,200 hp. The engine will be built in real-time at the PRI Show by renowned builders Late Model Engines with support from presenting sponsor Summit Racing Equipment. 

"We are extremely excited to be working with Late Model Engines and Summit Racing once again to build an engine on the PRI Show floor," said Greg Acosta, editor of EngineLabs. "While we're sticking with our friends (LME) for the build, we're shaking things up this year by building a Gen-III Hemi with a Whipple twin-screw supercharger. That's three totally different engine combinations with three totally different power adders in three years, for anyone keeping score."

Once live, entries for the giveaway will be accepted online at enginelabsgiveaway.com. In addition, each initial entry received at the trade shows will earn participants $5 Summit Bucks for use online at SummitRacing.com.

"Summit Racing Equipment is pleased to once again partner with Power Automedia in this engine giveaway. The iconic Hemi is the perfect powerplant for this big horsepower build, and we look forward to watching it all come together live at PRI," explained Al Noe, Summit Racing Equipment's chief marketing officer. "Summit Racing Equipment carries a full range of parts and accessories for the Gen 3 Hemi, which includes our Summit Racing Pro Hemi performance parts. We look forward to meeting the winner and being a trusted source for parts, installation tools and anything else needed to maintain the engine for years to come." 

The winner will be announced in April 2024. To stay up-to-date with the giveaway, follow along at EngineLabs.com and the Power + Performance YouTube channel for content on the build, dyno test and giveaway.  

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence through the exclusive Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program. Apply here.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list features SEMA Show exhibitor product offers and contact information for builders looking to collaborate.

Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2023 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2023 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2023 Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, as it is updated when submissions come in.

Note: Submissions appear on a first-come, first-served basis. For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2023 SEMA Show.

By the SEMA D.C. office

In a joint letter to the Los Angeles and Long Beach mayors, SEMA and a coalition of industry and labor organizations have strongly opposed the South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) proposed Indirect Source Rule (ISR). The proposed ISR aims to impose volume caps on port activities, thereby limiting the import and export of goods from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. This rule would cause substantial damage to the local and national economy by hampering the delivery of crucial goods, like auto parts.  

The ISR, if implemented, would also have significant repercussions on various fronts, including jobs, supply chains, the economy, emissions reduction efforts, and the competitiveness of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. 

Click here to read a copy of the letter from SEMA to the Los Angeles and Long Beach mayors. 

For more information, contact SEMA Senior Director, State Government Affairs & Grassroots Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) is hosting a free online networking event on Thursday, September 7, at 9:00 a.m. PDT/12:00 p.m. EDT to help industry members establish valuable business connections in the wheel and tire market.

All SEMA business members are invited to attend the Coffee and Conversation, where the aftermarket's hottest topics and issues will be discussed. During the meeting, participants will meet the "who's who" of the wheel and tire market, discuss current opportunities and challenges and gain insight from experts who can benefit your business.

"I certainly learned a lot from those that contributed," said Jeff Wade of Aftermarket Sales, who attended a previous session. "It was interesting to hear the points of view from various individuals from different segments within the industry."

A discussion topic will be introduced to start the conversation; however, attendees are welcome to bring a topic that impacts their wheel and tire business personally.

Register here!

By Ashley Reyes

With advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) becoming standard on most new vehicles today, the aftermarket industry must be aware of how parts and accessories may affect the safety systems. But just how much do parts manufacturers need to know, and what are manufacturers responsible for?

SEMA members are invited to the webinar "A Modified Vehicle and the Effects on ADAS Functionality--A Case Study" on Wednesday, September 13, 1:00 p.m. PDT, to find out what parts manufacturers need to know about ADAS and the federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS). During the session, presented by the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technolgy Network (ETTN) and SEMA Garage, engineers and legal experts will explain what responsibilities manufacturers have when developing products that may affect the ADAS, including:

• How to determine what aftermarket parts may impact ADAS.
• If the manufacturer is liable for a vehicle's ADAS after it has been modified.
• What the FMVSS says in relation to ADAS.
• The actions manufacturers can begin taking today to protect the company.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) has released a new video on Facebook highlighting electric vehicles (EVs) and the changing landscape of the automotive aftermarket.

Featuring Bob Morreale of The Tuning School and Karen Salvaggio of Scorpion EV, the video features an insightful discussion that will help SEMA members understand how OEMs are moving forward with electrification via hybrids or battery electric vehicles (BEVs), how this has sparked an entirely new industry of electric aftermarket vehicles and products and most importantly, how you can tap into it. 

Plus, learn insight into current and anticipated legislation adoption that will develop over the next 10 years and the pros and cons of EVs and aftermarket opportunities. Don't miss out--watch the video and join the conversation in the comments here.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Businesswomen Network (SBN) members are invited to a General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, September 20, at 1:00 p.m. PDT/4:00 p.m. EDT, in which SBN leadership will discuss the network's five-year plan for enhancing the careers of women in the automotive aftermarket.

Taking place online, the meeting will provide details on networking, education and recognition opportunities to support women in the specialty-equipment industry.

As the SBN continues to create awareness and build community for women in automotive, the meeting will be a great chance for current and prospective members to provide their feedback on current initiatives, get their questions answered and learn how to get more involved in the industry.

RSVP here.

By SEMA Editors

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

Registering early allows attendees to take advantage of the best rates and receive all the necessary information for planning their SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that attendees will receive their badges in the mail before this year's event. 

This year's SEMA Show will offer an experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet, where attendees can witness thousands of the newest and most innovative automotive performance products from 2,200-plus exhibitors. 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!

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

Exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

Securing a room today is the best way to ensure a successful Show experience with ample time to plan ahead for travel and getting around the Las Vegas strip.

For those who can drive to the SEMA Show, several properties are offering complimentary parking spaces for SEMA Show attendees. Look for the hotels listed below when booking your SEMA Show housing through OnPeak.

In addition, several available properties are connected to the Las Vegas Monorail, the quick and reliable transportation alternative for travelers on the Las Vegas Strip. Directly connected to the SEMA Show in the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Monorail is the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to get from one end of the Strip to the other in just minutes.

Trains are scheduled every few minutes from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Monday; 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday; and 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday, at each of the following sessions: 

• MGM Grand Station
• Horseshoe/Paris Las Vegas Station
• Flamingo/Caesars Palace Station
• Harrah’s/The LINQ Station
• Boingo Station at Las Vegas Convention Center
• Westgate Las Vegas Station
• SAHARA Las Vegas Station

View the map of the Las Vegas Monorail.

Exclusive Las Vegas Monorail Discount for SEMA Showgoers

Be prepared for the most convenient transportation option during SEMA Week with 24-hour to 7-day passes available, and let your mobile phone be your ticket to ride. And, even better news: Las Vegas Monorail is offering SEMA Show attendees exclusive fare discounts. Purchase your discounted passes at tix.lvmonorail.com/SEMA23. Skip the line and scan your phone right at the gate. Paper tickets are also available at ticket vending machines and customer service desks at the station for full price.

Take Advantage of Monorail discounts for the 2023 SEMA Show! Purchase your discounted tickets here for the best rates available.

Register for the SEMA Show Before Price Increase

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date. 

Registering early allows attendees to take advantage of the best rates and receive all the necessary information for planning their SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that attendees will receive their badges in the mail before this year's event. 

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