By Katie Carson

Award winners are announced and honored at the council and network receptions at the 2018 SEMA Show.

SEMA’s councils and networks awards nominations are now open! This is an opportunity for your company or an outstanding person at your company to be recognized at the SEMA Show for their amazing accomplishments during the past year. If you’re a SEMA council or network member, or know someone who is, we want to hear from you. All you have to do is fill out a quick nomination form.

The winners will be announced and honored at the SEMA council and network receptions, taking place Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at the 2018 SEMA Show. The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council Hall of Fame winner(s) will be honored at the PRI Trade Show in December.

Nominate for the following segments:

• Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
• Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)
• Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
• Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
• Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN)
• Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)
• Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
• Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
• SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)
• Young Executives Network (YEN)

View the awards, criteria and past winners on the new SEMA council and network awards website and nominate a worthy candidate! The nomination period ends July 9.

Note: Nominees must be a member of the council or network they are being nominated for. If you are unsure, please contact our SEMA customer service specialist at 909-610-2030 for assistance.

By Linda Spencer

“Chinese enthusiasts crave American-made parts,” said Robert Scheid (second left), director of business development for McLeod Racing LLC. “Knowing what they are looking for and finding credible distribution takes participating in this huge market in person.”

Meet with pre-vetted resellers (distributors, retailers and installers) of specialty products in China’s market of 1.3 billion people, August 15–19, in Shanghai.

Five $1,500 grants are available from the state of California (in addition to $800 from the federal government) to attend the 2018 SEMA China Business Development Program, bringing the cost down to $2,000. The trip includes a turnkey booth, car and driver, interpreter, hotel and meals.

Register now!

Where?

This year, SEMA is moving to downtown Shanghai, and will exhibit for the first time in the new centrally located National Convention and Expo Center (NCEC), as the China Auto Salon (CAS) has outgrown the space in Anting.

Stay at the Intercontinental Hotel

SEMA will stay at the brand-new Intercontinental Hotel (on the grounds of the expo center).

Car, Driver and Interpreter

On August 16, attendees can explore specialty-equipment shops at their leisure with a list of recommended shops provided by SEMA with their own driver, car and interpreter. On August 17–18, participating companies will exhibit in a turnkey booth with their interpreters.

Grants

In addition to $800 in federal funds available to defray the costs, a number of states also have funds. For example, qualified California companies are eligibile for an additional $1,500 in state funds to participate in the 2018 SEMA China program. North Carolina, Ohio and Connecticut are making funds available to qualified businesses.  

Register now!

By Linda Spencer

“Chinese enthusiasts crave American-made parts,” said Robert Scheid (second left), director of business development for McLeod Racing LLC. “Knowing what they are looking for and finding credible distribution takes participating in this huge market in person.”

Meet with pre-vetted resellers (distributors, retailers and installers) of specialty products in China’s market of 1.3 billion people, August 15–19, in Shanghai.

Five $1,500 grants are available from the state of California (in addition to $800 from the federal government) to attend the 2018 SEMA China Business Development Program, bringing the cost down to $2,000. The trip includes a turnkey booth, car and driver, interpreter, hotel and meals.

Register now!

Where?

This year, SEMA is moving to downtown Shanghai, and will exhibit for the first time in the new centrally located National Convention and Expo Center (NCEC), as the China Auto Salon (CAS) has outgrown the space in Anting.

Stay at the Intercontinental Hotel

SEMA will stay at the brand-new Intercontinental Hotel (on the grounds of the expo center).

Car, Driver and Interpreter

On August 16, attendees can explore specialty-equipment shops at their leisure with a list of recommended shops provided by SEMA with their own driver, car and interpreter. On August 17–18, participating companies will exhibit in a turnkey booth with their interpreters.

Grants

In addition to $800 in federal funds available to defray the costs, a number of states also have funds. For example, qualified California companies are eligibile for an additional $1,500 in state funds to participate in the 2018 SEMA China program. North Carolina, Ohio and Connecticut are making funds available to qualified businesses.  

Register now!

By Zane Clark

The proceeds from the auction of the ’15 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will help fund the next vehicle build for the purpose of creating a self-sustaining program.

The live auction benefiting the students of the Santa Fe Early College Opportunities Auto Tech School (Santa Fe ECO)—a magnet high school located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, that provides applied sciences and tech training along with traditional academic classes—is set to close Tuesday, June 26, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

The fully customized ’15 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is being auctioned through Bring-A-Trailer (BaT), an online auction marketplace for buying and selling special vehicles.

“We at Bring-a-Trailer are very excited to partner with SEMA to auction this special Jeep build,” said Randy Nonnenberg, BaT co-founder and CEO. “We also know that young enthusiasts are key to the future of the automotive hobby, and we applaud SEMA for investing in this program and these students. We are very happy to also be donating our entire 5% auction fee on this Jeep to the same great cause."

During the last two minutes of the BaT auction, the clock resets to two minutes after every bid. This happens until no more bids are placed and the auction ends, giving everyone a chance to place their bids and allowing sellers an opportunity to sell to the true high bidder.

Visit Bring-A-Trailer now to support high school auto shops. Bid now!

About the Student Build:

This ’15 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was a collaboration between SEMA and the Santa Fe ECO. Twenty-three automotive aftermarket companies contributed parts to the build making it truly a one-of-a-kind customized Jeep. SEMA will donate 100% of the winning bid on this no-reserve auction to the school to fund another custom student build.

“The industry has really supported this project,” said Zane Clark, SEMA senior director of education. “Their generosity has elevated the build beyond our expectations and created a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience for the students.”

A special thanks to all of our sponsors.

By SEMA Editors

Builders can enter the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition at www.semashow.com/botb.

Builders who have a car or truck displayed at the 2018 SEMA Show can bring added exposure to their vehicles and the products that make their builds unique by entering the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition at www.semashow.com/botb.

The fifth annual contest shines a spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders who have already proven themselves by being a part of the premier automotive trade event in the world.

New for 2018 is the recognition of a winner in each of the four different categories—Hot Rod, Truck/Off-Road, Sport Compact and Young Guns. In addition, SEMA has expanded the Young Guns regional program, which will award 14 builders age 27 and younger the opportunity to participate in SEMA Battle of the Builders.

This year, SEMA has partnered with AutoCon, Bonnier Corp. and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association to award a SEMA prize package at select regional car shows. Designated regional winners will receive a prize package that includes an all-expenses paid trip for two to the 2018 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, and a designated feature spot at the 2018 SEMA Show. To find a full list of the participating regional car events, log onto www.semashow.com/botb.

“The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition allows us to showcase to the world the talented builders who display their extraordinary vehicles at the SEMA Show every year,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “The Young Guns regional program enables us to bring attention to younger car builders, and this year’s expansion will provide more up-and-coming designers and builders the opportunity for national exposure.”

As in previous years, one builder will be named the contest’s overall top winner during the SEMA Show, and all competitors could be featured in a one-hour, nationwide television special that will air on the Velocity Network.

To enter or for more information on how you can showcase your car and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, log on to www.semashow.com/botb.

By SEMA Editors

Builders can enter the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition at www.semashow.com/botb.

Builders who have a car or truck displayed at the 2018 SEMA Show can bring added exposure to their vehicles and the products that make their builds unique by entering the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition at www.semashow.com/botb.

The fifth annual contest shines a spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders who have already proven themselves by being a part of the premier automotive trade event in the world.

New for 2018 is the recognition of a winner in each of the four different categories—Hot Rod, Truck/Off-Road, Sport Compact and Young Guns. In addition, SEMA has expanded the Young Guns regional program, which will award 14 builders age 27 and younger the opportunity to participate in SEMA Battle of the Builders.

This year, SEMA has partnered with AutoCon, Bonnier Corp. and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association to award a SEMA prize package at select regional car shows. Designated regional winners will receive a prize package that includes an all-expenses paid trip for two to the 2018 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, and a designated feature spot at the 2018 SEMA Show. To find a full list of the participating regional car events, log onto www.semashow.com/botb.

“The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition allows us to showcase to the world the talented builders who display their extraordinary vehicles at the SEMA Show every year,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “The Young Guns regional program enables us to bring attention to younger car builders, and this year’s expansion will provide more up-and-coming designers and builders the opportunity for national exposure.”

As in previous years, one builder will be named the contest’s overall top winner during the SEMA Show, and all competitors could be featured in a one-hour, nationwide television special that will air on the Velocity Network.

To enter or for more information on how you can showcase your car and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, log on to www.semashow.com/botb.

By SEMA Editors

Builders can enter the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition at www.semashow.com/botb.

Builders who have a car or truck displayed at the 2018 SEMA Show can bring added exposure to their vehicles and the products that make their builds unique by entering the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition at www.semashow.com/botb.

The fifth annual contest shines a spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders who have already proven themselves by being a part of the premier automotive trade event in the world.

New for 2018 is the recognition of a winner in each of the four different categories—Hot Rod, Truck/Off-Road, Sport Compact and Young Guns. In addition, SEMA has expanded the Young Guns regional program, which will award 14 builders age 27 and younger the opportunity to participate in SEMA Battle of the Builders.

This year, SEMA has partnered with AutoCon, Bonnier Corp. and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association to award a SEMA prize package at select regional car shows. Designated regional winners will receive a prize package that includes an all-expenses paid trip for two to the 2018 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, and a designated feature spot at the 2018 SEMA Show. To find a full list of the participating regional car events, log onto www.semashow.com/botb.

“The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition allows us to showcase to the world the talented builders who display their extraordinary vehicles at the SEMA Show every year,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “The Young Guns regional program enables us to bring attention to younger car builders, and this year’s expansion will provide more up-and-coming designers and builders the opportunity for national exposure.”

As in previous years, one builder will be named the contest’s overall top winner during the SEMA Show, and all competitors could be featured in a one-hour, nationwide television special that will air on the Velocity Network.

To enter or for more information on how you can showcase your car and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, log on to www.semashow.com/botb.

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 now 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 now 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 now 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.