Thu, 08/15/2019 - 13:21

By Zane Clark

SEMA Education
With the vast majority of educations seminars being offered at no additional expense, SEMA Show Education offers employers a value-rich program by which to invest in professional development for their employees.

SEMA Show attendees and exhibitors can take advantage of more than 100 professional development and industry-focused seminars. The Show serves as the perfect venue to not only showcase new and innovative products, but to also provide the industry with relevant and convenient programming that will help businesses succeed and advance careers. With the vast majority of education seminars being offered at no additional expense, SEMA Show Education offers employers a value-rich program by which to invest in professional development for their employees.

Featured below are five sessions sure to keep your business on track:

5 Tips to Creating the Most Effective Pricing Policy
Monday, November 4, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., in LVCC Room N252

The Daily Post: Content Creation Strategies that Win Attention, Fuel Engagement, and Drive Results
Tuesday, November 5, from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in LVCC N258

Entrepreneurship in the Automotive Aftermarket
Wednesday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., in LVCC N253

How to Respond to Online Reviews: Best Practices
Thursday, November 7, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., in LVCC N256

Selling on Marketplace Platforms—A Recipe for Success
Thursday, November 7, from 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., in LVCC N254

Sign Up. Show Up. Preview and register for the 2019 seminars.

Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.

Like Research? Check out these seminars:

Thu, 08/15/2019 - 13:14

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative announced that the imposition of 10% tariffs on some Chinese goods scheduled to take effect on September 1 would be postponed until December 15, 2019.  Products include cell phones, laptops, computer monitors, video game consoles, and certain toys, footwear and clothing. The tariffs were postponed based on health, safety, national security and other factors. View the complete lists of tariffs imposed on September 1 and December 15:

•    List 4A (Effective September 1, 2019)
•    List 4B (Effective December 15, 2019)

The United States has already imposed 25% tariffs on three separate groups of Chinese imports. The so-called “List 3” imports cover about $200 billion worth of goods including most auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires and brake pads. “List 1” and “List 2” goods are valued at $50 billion and include some miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools and measurement devices.  

The USTR is currently accepting exclusion requests for List 3 products. Requests must be submitted by September 30, 2019. View additional information about List 3 extension requests.  

U.S. and Chinese officials are attempting to negotiate six separate trade documents covering agriculture, services, non-tariff barriers, currency, intellectual property rights and forced technology transfers, and cybersecurity. The most recent trade talks did not yield significant results.  

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Thu, 08/15/2019 - 13:14

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative announced that the imposition of 10% tariffs on some Chinese goods scheduled to take effect on September 1 would be postponed until December 15, 2019.  Products include cell phones, laptops, computer monitors, video game consoles, and certain toys, footwear and clothing. The tariffs were postponed based on health, safety, national security and other factors. View the complete lists of tariffs imposed on September 1 and December 15:

•    List 4A (Effective September 1, 2019)
•    List 4B (Effective December 15, 2019)

The United States has already imposed 25% tariffs on three separate groups of Chinese imports. The so-called “List 3” imports cover about $200 billion worth of goods including most auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires and brake pads. “List 1” and “List 2” goods are valued at $50 billion and include some miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools and measurement devices.  

The USTR is currently accepting exclusion requests for List 3 products. Requests must be submitted by September 30, 2019. View additional information about List 3 extension requests.  

U.S. and Chinese officials are attempting to negotiate six separate trade documents covering agriculture, services, non-tariff barriers, currency, intellectual property rights and forced technology transfers, and cybersecurity. The most recent trade talks did not yield significant results.  

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Thu, 08/15/2019 - 13:14

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative announced that the imposition of 10% tariffs on some Chinese goods scheduled to take effect on September 1 would be postponed until December 15, 2019.  Products include cell phones, laptops, computer monitors, video game consoles, and certain toys, footwear and clothing. The tariffs were postponed based on health, safety, national security and other factors. View the complete lists of tariffs imposed on September 1 and December 15:

•    List 4A (Effective September 1, 2019)
•    List 4B (Effective December 15, 2019)

The United States has already imposed 25% tariffs on three separate groups of Chinese imports. The so-called “List 3” imports cover about $200 billion worth of goods including most auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires and brake pads. “List 1” and “List 2” goods are valued at $50 billion and include some miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools and measurement devices.  

The USTR is currently accepting exclusion requests for List 3 products. Requests must be submitted by September 30, 2019. View additional information about List 3 extension requests.  

U.S. and Chinese officials are attempting to negotiate six separate trade documents covering agriculture, services, non-tariff barriers, currency, intellectual property rights and forced technology transfers, and cybersecurity. The most recent trade talks did not yield significant results.  

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Thu, 08/15/2019 - 13:01

By Linda Spencer

The U.S. government is hosting two upcoming seminars on protecting your intellectual property. The STOPfakes Roadshows features experts from multiple government agencies that deal with intellectual property issues. Participants will learn how to identify and protect the various intellectual property assets they have and the mechanisms for obtaining IP protection in overseas markets as well as strategies for determining where they should seek protection. Additional topics covered include how to record their mark with customs to exclude counterfeit goods from entering the United States and how to combat counterfeits on international e-commerce sites. There are minimal fees to participate. Follow the links below for more details:

Thu, 08/15/2019 - 11:11

By Rachel Tatum

Battle of the BuildersThe “SEMA Battle of the Builders” TV special re-airs Friday, August 16, on MotorTrend TV.

Set a reminder! The “SEMA Battle of the Builders” TV special re-airs tomorrow, August 16, on MotorTrend TV.

Find out what it takes to compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders by tuning in to MotorTrend TV’s “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” airing tomorrow, August 16, at 2:00 p.m. (PDT)/5:00 p.m. (EDT). You’ll see interviews with builders as they prepare to debut their vehicles in front of more than 140,000 industry professionals, how to stand out among hundreds of the most unique vehicle builds and go inside the halls of the exclusive trade-only SEMA Show.

The competition, which features some of the world’s best vehicle builders, honors and recognizes the talent and craftsmanship of those with vehicles displayed at the 2018 SEMA Show. To tune in, check your local cable or satellite providers for times and details, or visit www.semashow.com/botb.

Visit the SEMA Show YouTube Channel for more Battle of the Builder interviews, and subscribe so you don’t miss new videos leading up to the 2019 SEMA Show.

Thu, 08/15/2019 - 11:11

By Rachel Tatum

Battle of the BuildersThe “SEMA Battle of the Builders” TV special re-airs Friday, August 16, on MotorTrend TV.

Set a reminder! The “SEMA Battle of the Builders” TV special re-airs tomorrow, August 16, on MotorTrend TV.

Find out what it takes to compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders by tuning in to MotorTrend TV’s “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” airing tomorrow, August 16, at 2:00 p.m. (PDT)/5:00 p.m. (EDT). You’ll see interviews with builders as they prepare to debut their vehicles in front of more than 140,000 industry professionals, how to stand out among hundreds of the most unique vehicle builds and go inside the halls of the exclusive trade-only SEMA Show.

The competition, which features some of the world’s best vehicle builders, honors and recognizes the talent and craftsmanship of those with vehicles displayed at the 2018 SEMA Show. To tune in, check your local cable or satellite providers for times and details, or visit www.semashow.com/botb.

Visit the SEMA Show YouTube Channel for more Battle of the Builder interviews, and subscribe so you don’t miss new videos leading up to the 2019 SEMA Show.

Thu, 08/15/2019 - 10:53

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show
With just 12 weeks until the 2019 SEMA Show kicks off, exhibitors should use the Exhibitor Services Manual to stay on top of their deadlines.

The 2019 SEMA Show is about 12 weeks away. Here’s a rundown of key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

Complete Deadlines Checklist - Take advantage of Early-bird rates—order before the deadlines!

The Deadlines Checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.

Budget Checklist Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensures that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show. 

Upcoming Exhibitor Deadlines – Take advantage of discounts by acting before the deadlines.

More information on the 2019 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Thu, 08/15/2019 - 10:53

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show
With just 12 weeks until the 2019 SEMA Show kicks off, exhibitors should use the Exhibitor Services Manual to stay on top of their deadlines.

The 2019 SEMA Show is about 12 weeks away. Here’s a rundown of key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

Complete Deadlines Checklist - Take advantage of Early-bird rates—order before the deadlines!

The Deadlines Checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.

Budget Checklist Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensures that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show. 

Upcoming Exhibitor Deadlines – Take advantage of discounts by acting before the deadlines.

More information on the 2019 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Thu, 08/15/2019 - 10:50

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation to Host 29th Annual Golf Outing During Industry Week in Las Vegas

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation will host its annual, all-industry golf outing to kick off Industry Week in Las Vegas, just prior to the start of the AAPEX/SEMA Shows. The event will take place at the Spanish Trail Country Club, Monday, November 4, with a “shotgun” start at 8:30 a.m. All proceeds help fund the Foundation’s work toward helping aftermarket industry workers at their most critical time of need. In addition to the golf tournament, the event also includes a continental breakfast and award luncheon just prior to and after the golf outing. There is also a pre-event reception, held Sunday evening, November 3, from 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., also at the Spanish Trail Country Club. The golf outing and all event sponsorship opportunities are open to all industry participants. If you do not golf, consider becoming an event sponsor. For more information on being an event sponsor or entering a golf foursome, contact Joel Ayres or Misty Walker.

Bestop
Bestop has partnered with Buy It Installed.

Bestop Partners With Buy It Installed to Provide Consumers With Home Installation

Bestop has partnered with Buy It Installed, which leverages technology that enables customers to simultaneously purchase a product and home installation. Installation is provided by a certified member of Craftsman Republic, a national network of professional installers and subsidiary of Buy It Installed Inc. The customer adds the “Buy It Installed” option to their cart on Bestop.com, and upon completion of the purchase, an independent contractor from Craftsman Republic will reach out via phone to set up an appointment. The Buy It Installed capability is now up and running on the Bestop website.

Kahn Media Named One of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America

Kahn Media has announced that it has been listed on Inc. magazine’s 38th annual Inc. 5000 list—a ranking for the fastest-growing private companies in America. This is the second year that Kahn Media has made the list and appears as number 2,715 after an initial placement at number 2,848 in 2018. In addition to the recognition by Inc. magazine, Kahn Media has also recently been ranked as the top public-relations firm in the region for the second consecutive year by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.

Brian Prior
Brian Prior

Thermo-Tec Welcomes New Sales and Marketing Director

Thermo-Tec has welcomed Brian “BP” Prior to its team in the role of director of sales and marketing. Prior has more than two decades in the business, previously serving as a lead account sales manager and merchandiser for more than a decade. He specializes in research and data analysis, which helps him identify and stay ahead of consumer and industry trends. He’s also well versed in strategic product planning and developing long-term development strategies for product prosperity.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.