By Linda Spencer

SEMA’s Export Workshop—designed for both experienced exporters and those new to selling to customers outside the United States—includes everything from China market developments by senior U.S. government officials to intellectual property rights protections online and at the SEMA Show.

Come network and gain some useful takeaways at the half-day Export Workshop, to be held July 17, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. SEMA is offering scholarships worth $50 to the first 25 members who sign up. The workshop is complimentary to those receiving the scholarship.  

This program—designed for both experienced exporters and those new to selling to customers outside the United States—includes everything from China market developments by senior U.S. government officials to intellectual property rights protections online and at the SEMA Show. Attendees will also hear from experts on the new European laws with an outline of the steps U.S. companies need to take to protect their European contacts data (such as emails and phone numbers). 

The workshop’s featured speaker is Alan Turley, Commerce Department deputy assistant secretary for China. He will be joined by a number of other experts providing practical workshops on the opportunities and challenge of exporting. This session will focus on two markets—China and Europe—as well as some practical information on exporting in general. A networking lunch is included. 

Among the topics covered:

• Commerce official Turley will provide insight into the opportunities that continue to draw small U.S. firms to China. He will also provide an update on the tariff wars between the United States and China and what they might mean for you.
• Best practices for protecting your intellectual property rights year-round, and what to do if you find counterfeits or knock-offs of your products online or in overseas brick-and-motor shops. In addition, learn more about the process for SEMA Show exhibitors to follow if they suspect a fellow exhibitor is displaying a counterfeit or knock-off of their product.
• Best practices from a legal expert for SEMA-member companies doing business in the European Union who must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR is a new privacy and security regulation that requires businesses (including those based in the United States) to adopt procedures for processing personal data of European Union citizens.
• Hear from European experts (based in the Netherlands) on the regulations, opportunities and challenges of selling specialty-equipment products in Europe.

To register, contact Kristin Atwan, and provide the names of up to three attendees, their titles, companies, emails and cell phone numbers. You will receive a confirmation email and further details about the event. For more information, contact Linda Spencer.

By Linda Spencer

SEMA’s Export Workshop—designed for both experienced exporters and those new to selling to customers outside the United States—includes everything from China market developments by senior U.S. government officials to intellectual property rights protections online and at the SEMA Show.

Come network and gain some useful takeaways at the half-day Export Workshop, to be held July 17, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. SEMA is offering scholarships worth $50 to the first 25 members who sign up. The workshop is complimentary to those receiving the scholarship.  

This program—designed for both experienced exporters and those new to selling to customers outside the United States—includes everything from China market developments by senior U.S. government officials to intellectual property rights protections online and at the SEMA Show. Attendees will also hear from experts on the new European laws with an outline of the steps U.S. companies need to take to protect their European contacts data (such as emails and phone numbers). 

The workshop’s featured speaker is Alan Turley, Commerce Department deputy assistant secretary for China. He will be joined by a number of other experts providing practical workshops on the opportunities and challenge of exporting. This session will focus on two markets—China and Europe—as well as some practical information on exporting in general. A networking lunch is included. 

Among the topics covered:

• Commerce official Turley will provide insight into the opportunities that continue to draw small U.S. firms to China. He will also provide an update on the tariff wars between the United States and China and what they might mean for you.
• Best practices for protecting your intellectual property rights year-round, and what to do if you find counterfeits or knock-offs of your products online or in overseas brick-and-motor shops. In addition, learn more about the process for SEMA Show exhibitors to follow if they suspect a fellow exhibitor is displaying a counterfeit or knock-off of their product.
• Best practices from a legal expert for SEMA-member companies doing business in the European Union who must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR is a new privacy and security regulation that requires businesses (including those based in the United States) to adopt procedures for processing personal data of European Union citizens.
• Hear from European experts (based in the Netherlands) on the regulations, opportunities and challenges of selling specialty-equipment products in Europe.

To register, contact Kristin Atwan, and provide the names of up to three attendees, their titles, companies, emails and cell phone numbers. You will receive a confirmation email and further details about the event. For more information, contact Linda Spencer.

By Linda Spencer

SEMA’s Export Workshop—designed for both experienced exporters and those new to selling to customers outside the United States—includes everything from China market developments by senior U.S. government officials to intellectual property rights protections online and at the SEMA Show.

Come network and gain some useful takeaways at the half-day Export Workshop, to be held July 17, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. SEMA is offering scholarships worth $50 to the first 25 members who sign up. The workshop is complimentary to those receiving the scholarship.  

This program—designed for both experienced exporters and those new to selling to customers outside the United States—includes everything from China market developments by senior U.S. government officials to intellectual property rights protections online and at the SEMA Show. Attendees will also hear from experts on the new European laws with an outline of the steps U.S. companies need to take to protect their European contacts data (such as emails and phone numbers). 

The workshop’s featured speaker is Alan Turley, Commerce Department deputy assistant secretary for China. He will be joined by a number of other experts providing practical workshops on the opportunities and challenge of exporting. This session will focus on two markets—China and Europe—as well as some practical information on exporting in general. A networking lunch is included. 

Among the topics covered:

• Commerce official Turley will provide insight into the opportunities that continue to draw small U.S. firms to China. He will also provide an update on the tariff wars between the United States and China and what they might mean for you.
• Best practices for protecting your intellectual property rights year-round, and what to do if you find counterfeits or knock-offs of your products online or in overseas brick-and-motor shops. In addition, learn more about the process for SEMA Show exhibitors to follow if they suspect a fellow exhibitor is displaying a counterfeit or knock-off of their product.
• Best practices from a legal expert for SEMA-member companies doing business in the European Union who must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR is a new privacy and security regulation that requires businesses (including those based in the United States) to adopt procedures for processing personal data of European Union citizens.
• Hear from European experts (based in the Netherlands) on the regulations, opportunities and challenges of selling specialty-equipment products in Europe.

To register, contact Kristin Atwan, and provide the names of up to three attendees, their titles, companies, emails and cell phone numbers. You will receive a confirmation email and further details about the event. For more information, contact Linda Spencer.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media.

SEMA News is currently compiling exhibitor press releases for use in the October pre-Show issue. Exhibitors may benefit from this free added exposure opportunity by posting new-product releases or other announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Those releases that are posted prior to the August 1 deadline will be considered for publication on a first-come, first-served basis.

Exhibitors are also encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media. The first product entered is free; all additional entries are $75 per product category before October 5 and $150 per entry thereafter.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media.

SEMA News is currently compiling exhibitor press releases for use in the October pre-Show issue. Exhibitors may benefit from this free added exposure opportunity by posting new-product releases or other announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Those releases that are posted prior to the August 1 deadline will be considered for publication on a first-come, first-served basis.

Exhibitors are also encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media. The first product entered is free; all additional entries are $75 per product category before October 5 and $150 per entry thereafter.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media.

SEMA News is currently compiling exhibitor press releases for use in the October pre-Show issue. Exhibitors may benefit from this free added exposure opportunity by posting new-product releases or other announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Those releases that are posted prior to the August 1 deadline will be considered for publication on a first-come, first-served basis.

Exhibitors are also encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media. The first product entered is free; all additional entries are $75 per product category before October 5 and $150 per entry thereafter.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media.

SEMA News is currently compiling exhibitor press releases for use in the October pre-Show issue. Exhibitors may benefit from this free added exposure opportunity by posting new-product releases or other announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Those releases that are posted prior to the August 1 deadline will be considered for publication on a first-come, first-served basis.

Exhibitors are also encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media. The first product entered is free; all additional entries are $75 per product category before October 5 and $150 per entry thereafter.

By SEMA Editors

Nominations are now open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards, to be presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show.

Nominations are still open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards, to be presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show. The awards are Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, Representative Agency of the Year, Warehouse Distributor of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. All SEMA members are invited to nominate individuals and companies who have made a significant impact on the specialty-equipment market.

The 2018 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet takes place Thursday, November 1, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the Westgate Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas.

Nominate now!

Person of the Year: The SEMA Person of the Year Award was established in 1969 to honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to the association and the automotive aftermarket as a whole. During the selection process, the task force takes into consideration the nominees’ service beyond their normal job functions over the past year. Full criteria is available on the SEMA Awards webpage, along with a listing of past honorees. In order to assist the Person of the Year Task Force in making its selection, a brief statement, including the nominee’s accomplishments, is required at the time of submission.

Manufacturer of the Year: The SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Award has been established to honor a manufacturer for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018.

GEN-III Innovator of the Year: SEMA is also seeking nominations to recognize young innovators who exhibit the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders, and whose work is changing the way the automotive aftermarket does business. He or she may have been the first to act on a new trend, invented an original product or devised and implemented ideas that better suit the current marketplace. Qualifying nominees must be younger than 40 as of December 31, 2018.

Rep Agency of the Year: The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award honors a manufacturers’ rep agency for its contribution to the industry for the past 12 months. Considerations include product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets and continuous training and education programs.

Warehouse Distributor of the Year: The SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year Award recognizes a warehouse distributor that operates with the integrity and business practices that set the company apart as an industry leader. Over the last year, the ideal candidate will have been involved in industry events, serviced and communicated with suppliers and resellers with excellence and provided development opportunities for clients and staff.

All SEMA members are invited to nominate the companies and individuals that conduct business in a way that furthers the interests of the entire industry. The SEMA awards website provides photos from previous banquets and information regarding the rich history of award winners, award criteria and how to nominate industry leaders for awards in multiple categories.

For questions regarding the SEMA Awards program, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

Nominations are now open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards, to be presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show.

Nominations are still open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards, to be presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show. The awards are Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, Representative Agency of the Year, Warehouse Distributor of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. All SEMA members are invited to nominate individuals and companies who have made a significant impact on the specialty-equipment market.

The 2018 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet takes place Thursday, November 1, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the Westgate Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas.

Nominate now!

Person of the Year: The SEMA Person of the Year Award was established in 1969 to honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to the association and the automotive aftermarket as a whole. During the selection process, the task force takes into consideration the nominees’ service beyond their normal job functions over the past year. Full criteria is available on the SEMA Awards webpage, along with a listing of past honorees. In order to assist the Person of the Year Task Force in making its selection, a brief statement, including the nominee’s accomplishments, is required at the time of submission.

Manufacturer of the Year: The SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Award has been established to honor a manufacturer for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018.

GEN-III Innovator of the Year: SEMA is also seeking nominations to recognize young innovators who exhibit the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders, and whose work is changing the way the automotive aftermarket does business. He or she may have been the first to act on a new trend, invented an original product or devised and implemented ideas that better suit the current marketplace. Qualifying nominees must be younger than 40 as of December 31, 2018.

Rep Agency of the Year: The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award honors a manufacturers’ rep agency for its contribution to the industry for the past 12 months. Considerations include product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets and continuous training and education programs.

Warehouse Distributor of the Year: The SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year Award recognizes a warehouse distributor that operates with the integrity and business practices that set the company apart as an industry leader. Over the last year, the ideal candidate will have been involved in industry events, serviced and communicated with suppliers and resellers with excellence and provided development opportunities for clients and staff.

All SEMA members are invited to nominate the companies and individuals that conduct business in a way that furthers the interests of the entire industry. The SEMA awards website provides photos from previous banquets and information regarding the rich history of award winners, award criteria and how to nominate industry leaders for awards in multiple categories.

For questions regarding the SEMA Awards program, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

Nominations are now open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards, to be presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show.

Nominations are still open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards, to be presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show. The awards are Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, Representative Agency of the Year, Warehouse Distributor of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. All SEMA members are invited to nominate individuals and companies who have made a significant impact on the specialty-equipment market.

The 2018 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet takes place Thursday, November 1, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the Westgate Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas.

Nominate now!

Person of the Year: The SEMA Person of the Year Award was established in 1969 to honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to the association and the automotive aftermarket as a whole. During the selection process, the task force takes into consideration the nominees’ service beyond their normal job functions over the past year. Full criteria is available on the SEMA Awards webpage, along with a listing of past honorees. In order to assist the Person of the Year Task Force in making its selection, a brief statement, including the nominee’s accomplishments, is required at the time of submission.

Manufacturer of the Year: The SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Award has been established to honor a manufacturer for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018.

GEN-III Innovator of the Year: SEMA is also seeking nominations to recognize young innovators who exhibit the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders, and whose work is changing the way the automotive aftermarket does business. He or she may have been the first to act on a new trend, invented an original product or devised and implemented ideas that better suit the current marketplace. Qualifying nominees must be younger than 40 as of December 31, 2018.

Rep Agency of the Year: The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award honors a manufacturers’ rep agency for its contribution to the industry for the past 12 months. Considerations include product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets and continuous training and education programs.

Warehouse Distributor of the Year: The SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year Award recognizes a warehouse distributor that operates with the integrity and business practices that set the company apart as an industry leader. Over the last year, the ideal candidate will have been involved in industry events, serviced and communicated with suppliers and resellers with excellence and provided development opportunities for clients and staff.

All SEMA members are invited to nominate the companies and individuals that conduct business in a way that furthers the interests of the entire industry. The SEMA awards website provides photos from previous banquets and information regarding the rich history of award winners, award criteria and how to nominate industry leaders for awards in multiple categories.

For questions regarding the SEMA Awards program, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.