SEMA News recently caught up to Bruiser Conversions in Tampa, Florida, for a sneak peek at their LS3-powered 6x6 Jeep Wrangler.

SEMA News recently caught up to Bruiser Conversions in Tampa, Florida, for a sneak peek at their LS3-powered 6x6 Jeep Wrangler.

By SEMA Editors

Todd Tracy

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has created two events that will put SEMA Show attendees in the room with Todd Tracy, lead counsel for the plaintiffs in Seebachan vs. John Eagle Collision.

The first session, “The Anatomy of a Lawsuit: The Crucial Details of the $42 Million Verdict,” has been newly added to the agenda as a result of the trial’s results. It will be held Wednesday, November 1, from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in Ballrooms D–E in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino. A registration link will soon be announced for this session.

For those in the collision-repair industry, there is perhaps no bigger news story right now than the October 1 verdict, when a Texas jury found a Dallas-based collision-repair center liable for incorrect repairs that led to increased severity in the crash of a ’10 Honda Fit. The jury awarded the vehicle’s owners a $42 million verdict for injuries sustained as a result of the couple being trapped inside the burning vehicle. The collision-repair facility was found responsible for 75% of the damages, and the details of Seebachan vs. John Eagle Collision are likely to have rippling impacts across the collision-repair landscape.

In “The Anatomy of a Lawsuit: The Crucial Details of the $42 Million Verdict,” Tracy will recount crucial details of the depositions, the trial and the decision-making information presented to the jury that led to the precedent-setting verdict. Those details can:

• Help collision-repair businesses avoid their own “$42 million verdict.”
• Help clarify the facts that led a jury to conclude that OEM procedures were paramount.
• Define how business decisions made in the course of repair can have dramatic effect on both the repair outcome and ultimate responsibility.

Above understanding the intricacies of the case, understanding the liability implications is significant to collision-repair business owners and operations.

Additionally, on Thursday, November 2, from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., SCRS will host a panel during the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit that specifically addresses repairer liability concerns and realities.

“The Hidden Dangers of Vehicle Technology, Improper Repair Methodology and Your Liabilities” will be moderated by technologist and author John Ellis, and will feature Tracy, and Attorney Erica Eversman (Vehicle Information Services), Mark Allen (Audi of America) and Aaron Clark (former shop owner.)

The panel will specifically address:

• An industry that is grappling with following manufacturer repair procedure requirements that are expected to be performed on every occasion.
• Insurance claims positioning that leans toward case-by-case approval.
• The implication of business decisions that can directly impact repair facility liability.

As the litigation in Texas exposes flaws in the rationale for deviating from OEM repair procedures, this discussion is critical for today’s collision-repair operator. Register today while space is available!

Registration for all Repairer Driven Education sessions during the SEMA Show can be secured at www.scrs.com/rde, or onsite outside the education classrooms.

For more information about SCRS, or to join as a member, visit www.scrs.com, call toll free 877-841-0660 or email info@scrs.com.

By SEMA Editors

Todd Tracy

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has created two events that will put SEMA Show attendees in the room with Todd Tracy, lead counsel for the plaintiffs in Seebachan vs. John Eagle Collision.

The first session, “The Anatomy of a Lawsuit: The Crucial Details of the $42 Million Verdict,” has been newly added to the agenda as a result of the trial’s results. It will be held Wednesday, November 1, from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in Ballrooms D–E in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino. A registration link will soon be announced for this session.

For those in the collision-repair industry, there is perhaps no bigger news story right now than the October 1 verdict, when a Texas jury found a Dallas-based collision-repair center liable for incorrect repairs that led to increased severity in the crash of a ’10 Honda Fit. The jury awarded the vehicle’s owners a $42 million verdict for injuries sustained as a result of the couple being trapped inside the burning vehicle. The collision-repair facility was found responsible for 75% of the damages, and the details of Seebachan vs. John Eagle Collision are likely to have rippling impacts across the collision-repair landscape.

In “The Anatomy of a Lawsuit: The Crucial Details of the $42 Million Verdict,” Tracy will recount crucial details of the depositions, the trial and the decision-making information presented to the jury that led to the precedent-setting verdict. Those details can:

• Help collision-repair businesses avoid their own “$42 million verdict.”
• Help clarify the facts that led a jury to conclude that OEM procedures were paramount.
• Define how business decisions made in the course of repair can have dramatic effect on both the repair outcome and ultimate responsibility.

Above understanding the intricacies of the case, understanding the liability implications is significant to collision-repair business owners and operations.

Additionally, on Thursday, November 2, from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., SCRS will host a panel during the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit that specifically addresses repairer liability concerns and realities.

“The Hidden Dangers of Vehicle Technology, Improper Repair Methodology and Your Liabilities” will be moderated by technologist and author John Ellis, and will feature Tracy, and Attorney Erica Eversman (Vehicle Information Services), Mark Allen (Audi of America) and Aaron Clark (former shop owner.)

The panel will specifically address:

• An industry that is grappling with following manufacturer repair procedure requirements that are expected to be performed on every occasion.
• Insurance claims positioning that leans toward case-by-case approval.
• The implication of business decisions that can directly impact repair facility liability.

As the litigation in Texas exposes flaws in the rationale for deviating from OEM repair procedures, this discussion is critical for today’s collision-repair operator. Register today while space is available!

Registration for all Repairer Driven Education sessions during the SEMA Show can be secured at www.scrs.com/rde, or onsite outside the education classrooms.

For more information about SCRS, or to join as a member, visit www.scrs.com, call toll free 877-841-0660 or email info@scrs.com.

By SEMA Editors

Todd Tracy

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has created two events that will put SEMA Show attendees in the room with Todd Tracy, lead counsel for the plaintiffs in Seebachan vs. John Eagle Collision.

The first session, “The Anatomy of a Lawsuit: The Crucial Details of the $42 Million Verdict,” has been newly added to the agenda as a result of the trial’s results. It will be held Wednesday, November 1, from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in Ballrooms D–E in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino. A registration link will soon be announced for this session.

For those in the collision-repair industry, there is perhaps no bigger news story right now than the October 1 verdict, when a Texas jury found a Dallas-based collision-repair center liable for incorrect repairs that led to increased severity in the crash of a ’10 Honda Fit. The jury awarded the vehicle’s owners a $42 million verdict for injuries sustained as a result of the couple being trapped inside the burning vehicle. The collision-repair facility was found responsible for 75% of the damages, and the details of Seebachan vs. John Eagle Collision are likely to have rippling impacts across the collision-repair landscape.

In “The Anatomy of a Lawsuit: The Crucial Details of the $42 Million Verdict,” Tracy will recount crucial details of the depositions, the trial and the decision-making information presented to the jury that led to the precedent-setting verdict. Those details can:

• Help collision-repair businesses avoid their own “$42 million verdict.”
• Help clarify the facts that led a jury to conclude that OEM procedures were paramount.
• Define how business decisions made in the course of repair can have dramatic effect on both the repair outcome and ultimate responsibility.

Above understanding the intricacies of the case, understanding the liability implications is significant to collision-repair business owners and operations.

Additionally, on Thursday, November 2, from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., SCRS will host a panel during the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit that specifically addresses repairer liability concerns and realities.

“The Hidden Dangers of Vehicle Technology, Improper Repair Methodology and Your Liabilities” will be moderated by technologist and author John Ellis, and will feature Tracy, and Attorney Erica Eversman (Vehicle Information Services), Mark Allen (Audi of America) and Aaron Clark (former shop owner.)

The panel will specifically address:

• An industry that is grappling with following manufacturer repair procedure requirements that are expected to be performed on every occasion.
• Insurance claims positioning that leans toward case-by-case approval.
• The implication of business decisions that can directly impact repair facility liability.

As the litigation in Texas exposes flaws in the rationale for deviating from OEM repair procedures, this discussion is critical for today’s collision-repair operator. Register today while space is available!

Registration for all Repairer Driven Education sessions during the SEMA Show can be secured at www.scrs.com/rde, or onsite outside the education classrooms.

For more information about SCRS, or to join as a member, visit www.scrs.com, call toll free 877-841-0660 or email info@scrs.com.

By SEMA Editors

Todd Tracy

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has created two events that will put SEMA Show attendees in the room with Todd Tracy, lead counsel for the plaintiffs in Seebachan vs. John Eagle Collision.

The first session, “The Anatomy of a Lawsuit: The Crucial Details of the $42 Million Verdict,” has been newly added to the agenda as a result of the trial’s results. It will be held Wednesday, November 1, from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in Ballrooms D–E in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino. A registration link will soon be announced for this session.

For those in the collision-repair industry, there is perhaps no bigger news story right now than the October 1 verdict, when a Texas jury found a Dallas-based collision-repair center liable for incorrect repairs that led to increased severity in the crash of a ’10 Honda Fit. The jury awarded the vehicle’s owners a $42 million verdict for injuries sustained as a result of the couple being trapped inside the burning vehicle. The collision-repair facility was found responsible for 75% of the damages, and the details of Seebachan vs. John Eagle Collision are likely to have rippling impacts across the collision-repair landscape.

In “The Anatomy of a Lawsuit: The Crucial Details of the $42 Million Verdict,” Tracy will recount crucial details of the depositions, the trial and the decision-making information presented to the jury that led to the precedent-setting verdict. Those details can:

• Help collision-repair businesses avoid their own “$42 million verdict.”
• Help clarify the facts that led a jury to conclude that OEM procedures were paramount.
• Define how business decisions made in the course of repair can have dramatic effect on both the repair outcome and ultimate responsibility.

Above understanding the intricacies of the case, understanding the liability implications is significant to collision-repair business owners and operations.

Additionally, on Thursday, November 2, from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., SCRS will host a panel during the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit that specifically addresses repairer liability concerns and realities.

“The Hidden Dangers of Vehicle Technology, Improper Repair Methodology and Your Liabilities” will be moderated by technologist and author John Ellis, and will feature Tracy, and Attorney Erica Eversman (Vehicle Information Services), Mark Allen (Audi of America) and Aaron Clark (former shop owner.)

The panel will specifically address:

• An industry that is grappling with following manufacturer repair procedure requirements that are expected to be performed on every occasion.
• Insurance claims positioning that leans toward case-by-case approval.
• The implication of business decisions that can directly impact repair facility liability.

As the litigation in Texas exposes flaws in the rationale for deviating from OEM repair procedures, this discussion is critical for today’s collision-repair operator. Register today while space is available!

Registration for all Repairer Driven Education sessions during the SEMA Show can be secured at www.scrs.com/rde, or onsite outside the education classrooms.

For more information about SCRS, or to join as a member, visit www.scrs.com, call toll free 877-841-0660 or email info@scrs.com.

By SEMA Editors

Bob Cook

Robert (Bob) F. Cook Sr. has passed away. A 2008 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee, Cook founded Bob Cook Sales in June 1979. His résumé included three consecutive terms on the SEMA Board of Directors and chairmanships of the WD of the Year Committee, Rep Committee and Dues Review Committee. 

Cook grew up in west Georgia and moved to Atlanta when he was 8 years old. His mother raised four children on her own, and he found a mentor and surrogate father in his older brother, who shared his fondness for cars and racing.

“I’d always liked cars,” Cook recalled, “and when my brother got out of the Navy, he came home with a primered ’51 Mercury that we took to the drag races. Of course, a Flathead Ford engine with a two-barrel carburetor was not very fast, but it got us started. My job at the time was to take the street tires off and put the slicks on. I was the pit crew.”

After graduating from high school, Cook studied to become an attorney at John Marshall Law School in Atlanta with the intention of getting into politics at some point, but that never materialized. Instead, he parlayed his day jobs and passion for cars into one of the most honored careers in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. He began as a delivery boy for a NAPA store called Redman Auto Parts. He moved from deliveries to stock clerking and eventually to the counter. When two of his fellow countermen left Redman to open their own parts store down the street, they lured him away.

From there, Cook went to work at a warehouse that dealt primarily with small-engine ignitions and carburetion. The carburetion link was further strengthened when he went to work for Holley Carburetor. The Holley factory team also represented the Edelbrock line and, in 1974, Cook joined several of the crew in breaking away to form a national rep firm called Performance Marketers Inc.

With a few years of the rep experience under his belt, Cook started his own agency in June of 1979. In those first years, Bob Cook Sales struggled to stay afloat. A few key people provided Cook with opportunities that helped his fledgling company survive. Vic Edelbrock and Bob Vandergriff were Cook’s first two clients.

As his company grew from just himself to a two-man and finally a 14-rep business, Cook began to help foster the industry by giving his time and his company’s sponsorships to SEMA and PWA events and functions over the years. Additional accolades included serving on the Long-Range Planning Committee, the New Products Judging Committee and the Person of the Year Committee. With his leadership, Bob Cook Sales has been honored six times with the SEMA Rep of the Year award. Cook was also a finalist for the PWA Person of the Year award nine times.

Cook retired in 2008, and enjoyed working on his farm in Georgia and spending time with his two sons, Robby and Jeffrey.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 20, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., and the funeral will be held Saturday, October 21, at 11:00 a.m., at Lord & Stephens East, 4355 Lexington Rd., Athens, GA 30605.

By Katie Carson

All SEMA council and network members and industry professionals are encouraged to attend the following events to network, advance their industry knowledge and learn about the latest initiatives:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

ARMO Reception

Join ARMO at its awards reception, Tuesday, October 31, at 5:15 p.m., to celebrate the membership and leading companies and individuals in the automotive restoration industry. All ARMO members are encouraged to attend to enjoy dinner, beverages and networking. During an awards presentation, winners of the 2017 ARMO Person of the Year and ARMO Business of the Year will be announced. The New Products award winners from the ARMO Hot Products Showcase will also be recognized during the reception. The event will start after the close of the first day of the SEMA Show in Westgate Conference Rooms 7–14. Register now.

Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)

ETTN TecHub

ETTN will host a networking lunch immediately prior to its “Connected and Autonomous Vehicles; Smart, Cool and Connected” education session. The ETTN TecHub, to be held Thursday, November 2, from 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m., in LVCC room N261, is geared toward automotive technical, engineering and design professionals, and will feature food, beverages, networking, presentations and opportunities to discuss the latest automotive technology. During an awards ceremony, leading professionals will be recognized and celebrated with the network’s three annual awards that are presented to those who embody core ETTN values. ETTN select committee members and SEMA staff will be in on hand to talk about the network’s initiatives, resources available to members and opportunities to get more involved. Following lunch, attendees will walk over to N258 for John Waraniak’s previously mentioned vehicle technology session. Register now.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

HRIA Reception

Join HRIA as it gathers for an evening of networking, appetizers, beverages and celebrating individuals and companies that have led and continue to lead the hot-rod industry. The much-anticipated event kicks off after the close of the SEMA Show, Wednesday, November 1, from 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m., located in the Westgate Paradise Center. Mix and mingle with industry friends in a relaxed environment off the Show floor. Grab a drink, a plate of snacks and settle in at a table to watch the show. Rick Love of Vintage Air will emcee the event as industry leaders are awarded and recognized for their outstanding achievements.

Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind hot rod from the HRIA Builder’s Challenge. Visit the silent auction table during the event or get competitive during the live auction later in the evening. All proceeds will go toward SEMA Cares children’s charities.

Companies may purchase reserved tables for the best seats in the house by contacting Jim Skelly. All proceeds from table reservations benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Act fast; these tables sell out quickly. Register now.

Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

TORA Reception—New Location!  

All light-truck accessory industry professionals are encouraged to attend the annual TORA reception, which will take place Wednesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. The reception will be held near the SCORE off-road tent outside of the South Hall. Join the council for beverages, appetizers and an evening of networking with industry friends. The iconic Pinewood Drag Races will also take place at the reception. Sponsor a vehicle by donating to SEMA Cares children’s charities and watch your pinewood compete against the others. There will also be a raffle for door prizes; all proceeds go to the charities. An awards ceremony will be held to honor leading companies and individuals in the light-truck industry. Register now.

Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN)

Manufacturers Rep Roundup and Awards Program

SEMA Show manufacturers’ reps are invited to attend a networking event, Thursday, November 2, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in SEMA Central, located in the Grand Lobby of the LVCC. This event is a great opportunity to network and learn more about the industry while enjoying appetizers and beverages. Vic Bennett, MRN chair, will provide an update on the network’s latest initiatives and discuss the state of the industry. The MRN will also recognize and celebrate leading professionals and companies during the awards portion of the event. MRN members, select committee members and SEMA staff will be onsite to discuss membership and the resources and benefits available through the MRN. Register now.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

PRO Reception

Join PRO and fellow restylers for an evening of networking, celebration, food, beverages, a live band and door prizes on the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino pool deck, Tuesday, October 31, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Enjoy the close of the first day of the 2017 SEMA Show by catching up with industry friends as the sun sets over the Las Vegas Strip. PRO holds its annual reception as a means of celebrating its members and the advancement of the restyling industry as a whole. Leading individuals and companies in the restyling segment will be honored during an awards ceremony. Register now.

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)

SBN Reception

Join SBN for an evening of celebration and networking at its annual reception during the SEMA Show, Wednesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Ballroom D. There is no better way to close out the second day of the Show than by mingling with fellow industry women while enjoying finger foods and beverages. SBN select committee members will work the room networking with members and those who are interested in joining. These women are great resources for any questions you may have about the network. They will also be able to tell attendees how to become more involved in volunteering. Register now.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

WTC Reception

Join the WTC and hundreds of wheel and tire industry members, Tuesday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., for an evening of celebration and networking in a relaxed atmosphere by the Renaissance Hotel pool. Enjoy connecting with industry professionals and catching up with friends over food and beverages. Discuss all that is happening in the wheel and tire industry and exchange special moments and must-see attractions from the 2017 SEMA Show. During an awards presentation, a wheel and tire industry pioneer will be inducted into the WTC Hall of Fame. Register now.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

YEN Reception

YEN is hosting its annual reception, Tuesday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., in the Westgate Paradise Event Center. This dynamic event is a great networking opportunity and is highly anticipated among the industry’s young professionals. YEN select committee members will be on hand to discuss opportunities to get more involved in the network’s initiatives, and the event will honor top young professionals for their outstanding accomplishments within the industry. The network names one leading professional as Young Executive of the Year and celebrates an individual who actively supports young people in the industry by presenting them the YEN Vanguard Award. Register now.

By Katie Carson

All SEMA council and network members and industry professionals are encouraged to attend the following events to network, advance their industry knowledge and learn about the latest initiatives:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

ARMO Reception

Join ARMO at its awards reception, Tuesday, October 31, at 5:15 p.m., to celebrate the membership and leading companies and individuals in the automotive restoration industry. All ARMO members are encouraged to attend to enjoy dinner, beverages and networking. During an awards presentation, winners of the 2017 ARMO Person of the Year and ARMO Business of the Year will be announced. The New Products award winners from the ARMO Hot Products Showcase will also be recognized during the reception. The event will start after the close of the first day of the SEMA Show in Westgate Conference Rooms 7–14. Register now.

Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)

ETTN TecHub

ETTN will host a networking lunch immediately prior to its “Connected and Autonomous Vehicles; Smart, Cool and Connected” education session. The ETTN TecHub, to be held Thursday, November 2, from 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m., in LVCC room N261, is geared toward automotive technical, engineering and design professionals, and will feature food, beverages, networking, presentations and opportunities to discuss the latest automotive technology. During an awards ceremony, leading professionals will be recognized and celebrated with the network’s three annual awards that are presented to those who embody core ETTN values. ETTN select committee members and SEMA staff will be in on hand to talk about the network’s initiatives, resources available to members and opportunities to get more involved. Following lunch, attendees will walk over to N258 for John Waraniak’s previously mentioned vehicle technology session. Register now.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

HRIA Reception

Join HRIA as it gathers for an evening of networking, appetizers, beverages and celebrating individuals and companies that have led and continue to lead the hot-rod industry. The much-anticipated event kicks off after the close of the SEMA Show, Wednesday, November 1, from 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m., located in the Westgate Paradise Center. Mix and mingle with industry friends in a relaxed environment off the Show floor. Grab a drink, a plate of snacks and settle in at a table to watch the show. Rick Love of Vintage Air will emcee the event as industry leaders are awarded and recognized for their outstanding achievements.

Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind hot rod from the HRIA Builder’s Challenge. Visit the silent auction table during the event or get competitive during the live auction later in the evening. All proceeds will go toward SEMA Cares children’s charities.

Companies may purchase reserved tables for the best seats in the house by contacting Jim Skelly. All proceeds from table reservations benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Act fast; these tables sell out quickly. Register now.

Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

TORA Reception—New Location!  

All light-truck accessory industry professionals are encouraged to attend the annual TORA reception, which will take place Wednesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. The reception will be held near the SCORE off-road tent outside of the South Hall. Join the council for beverages, appetizers and an evening of networking with industry friends. The iconic Pinewood Drag Races will also take place at the reception. Sponsor a vehicle by donating to SEMA Cares children’s charities and watch your pinewood compete against the others. There will also be a raffle for door prizes; all proceeds go to the charities. An awards ceremony will be held to honor leading companies and individuals in the light-truck industry. Register now.

Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN)

Manufacturers Rep Roundup and Awards Program

SEMA Show manufacturers’ reps are invited to attend a networking event, Thursday, November 2, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in SEMA Central, located in the Grand Lobby of the LVCC. This event is a great opportunity to network and learn more about the industry while enjoying appetizers and beverages. Vic Bennett, MRN chair, will provide an update on the network’s latest initiatives and discuss the state of the industry. The MRN will also recognize and celebrate leading professionals and companies during the awards portion of the event. MRN members, select committee members and SEMA staff will be onsite to discuss membership and the resources and benefits available through the MRN. Register now.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

PRO Reception

Join PRO and fellow restylers for an evening of networking, celebration, food, beverages, a live band and door prizes on the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino pool deck, Tuesday, October 31, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Enjoy the close of the first day of the 2017 SEMA Show by catching up with industry friends as the sun sets over the Las Vegas Strip. PRO holds its annual reception as a means of celebrating its members and the advancement of the restyling industry as a whole. Leading individuals and companies in the restyling segment will be honored during an awards ceremony. Register now.

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)

SBN Reception

Join SBN for an evening of celebration and networking at its annual reception during the SEMA Show, Wednesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Ballroom D. There is no better way to close out the second day of the Show than by mingling with fellow industry women while enjoying finger foods and beverages. SBN select committee members will work the room networking with members and those who are interested in joining. These women are great resources for any questions you may have about the network. They will also be able to tell attendees how to become more involved in volunteering. Register now.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

WTC Reception

Join the WTC and hundreds of wheel and tire industry members, Tuesday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., for an evening of celebration and networking in a relaxed atmosphere by the Renaissance Hotel pool. Enjoy connecting with industry professionals and catching up with friends over food and beverages. Discuss all that is happening in the wheel and tire industry and exchange special moments and must-see attractions from the 2017 SEMA Show. During an awards presentation, a wheel and tire industry pioneer will be inducted into the WTC Hall of Fame. Register now.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

YEN Reception

YEN is hosting its annual reception, Tuesday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., in the Westgate Paradise Event Center. This dynamic event is a great networking opportunity and is highly anticipated among the industry’s young professionals. YEN select committee members will be on hand to discuss opportunities to get more involved in the network’s initiatives, and the event will honor top young professionals for their outstanding accomplishments within the industry. The network names one leading professional as Young Executive of the Year and celebrates an individual who actively supports young people in the industry by presenting them the YEN Vanguard Award. Register now.

By Katie Carson

All SEMA council and network members and industry professionals are encouraged to attend the following events to network, advance their industry knowledge and learn about the latest initiatives:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

ARMO Reception

Join ARMO at its awards reception, Tuesday, October 31, at 5:15 p.m., to celebrate the membership and leading companies and individuals in the automotive restoration industry. All ARMO members are encouraged to attend to enjoy dinner, beverages and networking. During an awards presentation, winners of the 2017 ARMO Person of the Year and ARMO Business of the Year will be announced. The New Products award winners from the ARMO Hot Products Showcase will also be recognized during the reception. The event will start after the close of the first day of the SEMA Show in Westgate Conference Rooms 7–14. Register now.

Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)

ETTN TecHub

ETTN will host a networking lunch immediately prior to its “Connected and Autonomous Vehicles; Smart, Cool and Connected” education session. The ETTN TecHub, to be held Thursday, November 2, from 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m., in LVCC room N261, is geared toward automotive technical, engineering and design professionals, and will feature food, beverages, networking, presentations and opportunities to discuss the latest automotive technology. During an awards ceremony, leading professionals will be recognized and celebrated with the network’s three annual awards that are presented to those who embody core ETTN values. ETTN select committee members and SEMA staff will be in on hand to talk about the network’s initiatives, resources available to members and opportunities to get more involved. Following lunch, attendees will walk over to N258 for John Waraniak’s previously mentioned vehicle technology session. Register now.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

HRIA Reception

Join HRIA as it gathers for an evening of networking, appetizers, beverages and celebrating individuals and companies that have led and continue to lead the hot-rod industry. The much-anticipated event kicks off after the close of the SEMA Show, Wednesday, November 1, from 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m., located in the Westgate Paradise Center. Mix and mingle with industry friends in a relaxed environment off the Show floor. Grab a drink, a plate of snacks and settle in at a table to watch the show. Rick Love of Vintage Air will emcee the event as industry leaders are awarded and recognized for their outstanding achievements.

Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind hot rod from the HRIA Builder’s Challenge. Visit the silent auction table during the event or get competitive during the live auction later in the evening. All proceeds will go toward SEMA Cares children’s charities.

Companies may purchase reserved tables for the best seats in the house by contacting Jim Skelly. All proceeds from table reservations benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Act fast; these tables sell out quickly. Register now.

Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

TORA Reception—New Location!  

All light-truck accessory industry professionals are encouraged to attend the annual TORA reception, which will take place Wednesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. The reception will be held near the SCORE off-road tent outside of the South Hall. Join the council for beverages, appetizers and an evening of networking with industry friends. The iconic Pinewood Drag Races will also take place at the reception. Sponsor a vehicle by donating to SEMA Cares children’s charities and watch your pinewood compete against the others. There will also be a raffle for door prizes; all proceeds go to the charities. An awards ceremony will be held to honor leading companies and individuals in the light-truck industry. Register now.

Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN)

Manufacturers Rep Roundup and Awards Program

SEMA Show manufacturers’ reps are invited to attend a networking event, Thursday, November 2, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in SEMA Central, located in the Grand Lobby of the LVCC. This event is a great opportunity to network and learn more about the industry while enjoying appetizers and beverages. Vic Bennett, MRN chair, will provide an update on the network’s latest initiatives and discuss the state of the industry. The MRN will also recognize and celebrate leading professionals and companies during the awards portion of the event. MRN members, select committee members and SEMA staff will be onsite to discuss membership and the resources and benefits available through the MRN. Register now.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

PRO Reception

Join PRO and fellow restylers for an evening of networking, celebration, food, beverages, a live band and door prizes on the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino pool deck, Tuesday, October 31, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Enjoy the close of the first day of the 2017 SEMA Show by catching up with industry friends as the sun sets over the Las Vegas Strip. PRO holds its annual reception as a means of celebrating its members and the advancement of the restyling industry as a whole. Leading individuals and companies in the restyling segment will be honored during an awards ceremony. Register now.

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)

SBN Reception

Join SBN for an evening of celebration and networking at its annual reception during the SEMA Show, Wednesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Ballroom D. There is no better way to close out the second day of the Show than by mingling with fellow industry women while enjoying finger foods and beverages. SBN select committee members will work the room networking with members and those who are interested in joining. These women are great resources for any questions you may have about the network. They will also be able to tell attendees how to become more involved in volunteering. Register now.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

WTC Reception

Join the WTC and hundreds of wheel and tire industry members, Tuesday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., for an evening of celebration and networking in a relaxed atmosphere by the Renaissance Hotel pool. Enjoy connecting with industry professionals and catching up with friends over food and beverages. Discuss all that is happening in the wheel and tire industry and exchange special moments and must-see attractions from the 2017 SEMA Show. During an awards presentation, a wheel and tire industry pioneer will be inducted into the WTC Hall of Fame. Register now.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

YEN Reception

YEN is hosting its annual reception, Tuesday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., in the Westgate Paradise Event Center. This dynamic event is a great networking opportunity and is highly anticipated among the industry’s young professionals. YEN select committee members will be on hand to discuss opportunities to get more involved in the network’s initiatives, and the event will honor top young professionals for their outstanding accomplishments within the industry. The network names one leading professional as Young Executive of the Year and celebrates an individual who actively supports young people in the industry by presenting them the YEN Vanguard Award. Register now.