By Juan Torres

“SEMA: Battle of the Builders” takes viewers behind the scenes of the 2016 SEMA Show, where more than 140,000 industry professionals gathered to discover new products and trends.

Viewers can re-live all the action of the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, held at the exclusive, trade-only SEMA Show in Las Vegas when the Velocity Network begins re-airing the one-hour “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special, October 16.

Hosted by industry personalities Chris Jacobs and Adrienne “AJ” Janic, the program takes viewers behind the scenes of the 2016 SEMA Show, where more than 140,000 industry professionals gathered to discover new products and trends. Viewers can watch and join the journey of top builders as they battle around the clock to create and finish one-of-a-kind vehicles to be displayed at the annual event.

Re-airs of the TV special begin October 16, at 6:00 p.m. (EDT) and continue until the end of October. Visit www.semashow.com/botb for the complete television schedule, and tune in to the Velocity Channel to re-live the action.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Data Co-op is offering free data management consultations during the 2017 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) team will be out in full force Show week to offer free data-management consultations in booth #20679.

“We are very excited about this year’s SEMA Show,” said Craig Schmutzler, SDC vice president of operations. “For the first time, we will have a presence in two booths. We have our original location in Central Hall and, new for 2017, we will have a booth in the Business Services section of the South Hall. We are also pleased to announce the release of our new UI, which matches impressive technical sophistication with the easy-to-use, web-based dashboard our members expect. Please stop by one of our booths to see first-hand how our new UI operates, and let one of our staff give you an overview of SEMA Data Co-op’s data services.”

The SDC is scheduling meetings every hour from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. during the Show (until Friday at 4:00 p.m.). The SDC booth is located behind the Ford display in Central Hall, in the raised meeting room #20679.

Request a meeting time now!

“The SEMA Data Co-op is the only industry-owned and -operated product-data repository with a brand-new user dashboard we call SDC 2.0, and expert assistance to get your data in order,” said Jim Graven, director of membership. “We really enjoy the opportunity to meet with companies that have struggled with their data, or just don’t know where to start. And data receivers love our program, which provides unlimited data exports at no charge to SEMA members.”

For more information, contact Allen Horwitz at allenh@semadatacoop.org or call 888-958-6698, ext. 9.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Data Co-op is offering free data management consultations during the 2017 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) team will be out in full force Show week to offer free data-management consultations in booth #20679.

“We are very excited about this year’s SEMA Show,” said Craig Schmutzler, SDC vice president of operations. “For the first time, we will have a presence in two booths. We have our original location in Central Hall and, new for 2017, we will have a booth in the Business Services section of the South Hall. We are also pleased to announce the release of our new UI, which matches impressive technical sophistication with the easy-to-use, web-based dashboard our members expect. Please stop by one of our booths to see first-hand how our new UI operates, and let one of our staff give you an overview of SEMA Data Co-op’s data services.”

The SDC is scheduling meetings every hour from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. during the Show (until Friday at 4:00 p.m.). The SDC booth is located behind the Ford display in Central Hall, in the raised meeting room #20679.

Request a meeting time now!

“The SEMA Data Co-op is the only industry-owned and -operated product-data repository with a brand-new user dashboard we call SDC 2.0, and expert assistance to get your data in order,” said Jim Graven, director of membership. “We really enjoy the opportunity to meet with companies that have struggled with their data, or just don’t know where to start. And data receivers love our program, which provides unlimited data exports at no charge to SEMA members.”

For more information, contact Allen Horwitz at allenh@semadatacoop.org or call 888-958-6698, ext. 9.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Data Co-op is offering free data management consultations during the 2017 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) team will be out in full force Show week to offer free data-management consultations in booth #20679.

“We are very excited about this year’s SEMA Show,” said Craig Schmutzler, SDC vice president of operations. “For the first time, we will have a presence in two booths. We have our original location in Central Hall and, new for 2017, we will have a booth in the Business Services section of the South Hall. We are also pleased to announce the release of our new UI, which matches impressive technical sophistication with the easy-to-use, web-based dashboard our members expect. Please stop by one of our booths to see first-hand how our new UI operates, and let one of our staff give you an overview of SEMA Data Co-op’s data services.”

The SDC is scheduling meetings every hour from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. during the Show (until Friday at 4:00 p.m.). The SDC booth is located behind the Ford display in Central Hall, in the raised meeting room #20679.

Request a meeting time now!

“The SEMA Data Co-op is the only industry-owned and -operated product-data repository with a brand-new user dashboard we call SDC 2.0, and expert assistance to get your data in order,” said Jim Graven, director of membership. “We really enjoy the opportunity to meet with companies that have struggled with their data, or just don’t know where to start. And data receivers love our program, which provides unlimited data exports at no charge to SEMA members.”

For more information, contact Allen Horwitz at allenh@semadatacoop.org or call 888-958-6698, ext. 9.

By Katie Carson

The MPMC Hall of Fame class of 2016 includes (L-R): Arnie Kuhns, Smokey Yunick and Jim Hairston.

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Hall of Fame—established in 2010 to permanently acknowledge those individuals who have made significant contributions to MPMC and/or this segment of the automotive aftermarket—is now accepting nominations from its membership. Nominations are reviewed by a Hall of Fame task force, which makes the final selection(s) for induction. Selections are based on a rigorous review of the nominations against the qualifying criteria. Inductions are performed at the MPMC Hall of Fame reception, Friday evening, December 8, at the PRI Show.

If you know a colleague, mentor or industry friend who belongs in the MPMC Hall of Fame, please take just a moment to nominate someone. Nominations close Friday, October 6, 2017.

Current MPMC Hall of Fame includes:

2010: Amy Faulk, Scooter Brothers, Jeep Worthan, John Menzler
2011: Chuck Blum, Todd Gartshore, Rick Rollins, Nate Shelton
2012: Jim Cozzie, Keith Dorton, Ron Funfar, Chris Thomson
2013: Earl Gaerte, Dennis Overholser, Bob Ritzman
2014: Steve Lewis, Jim McFarland, Joe Moriarty
2015: Ron Johnson, Dick Berggren
2016: Jim Hairston, Arnie Kuhns, Smokey Yunick

For more information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

By Katie Carson

The MPMC Hall of Fame class of 2016 includes (L-R): Arnie Kuhns, Smokey Yunick and Jim Hairston.

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Hall of Fame—established in 2010 to permanently acknowledge those individuals who have made significant contributions to MPMC and/or this segment of the automotive aftermarket—is now accepting nominations from its membership. Nominations are reviewed by a Hall of Fame task force, which makes the final selection(s) for induction. Selections are based on a rigorous review of the nominations against the qualifying criteria. Inductions are performed at the MPMC Hall of Fame reception, Friday evening, December 8, at the PRI Show.

If you know a colleague, mentor or industry friend who belongs in the MPMC Hall of Fame, please take just a moment to nominate someone. Nominations close Friday, October 6, 2017.

Current MPMC Hall of Fame includes:

2010: Amy Faulk, Scooter Brothers, Jeep Worthan, John Menzler
2011: Chuck Blum, Todd Gartshore, Rick Rollins, Nate Shelton
2012: Jim Cozzie, Keith Dorton, Ron Funfar, Chris Thomson
2013: Earl Gaerte, Dennis Overholser, Bob Ritzman
2014: Steve Lewis, Jim McFarland, Joe Moriarty
2015: Ron Johnson, Dick Berggren
2016: Jim Hairston, Arnie Kuhns, Smokey Yunick

For more information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

By Katie Carson

In addition to the Members Lounge North located above the Grand Lobby, the Members Lounge South will offer a place to relax and network with fellow SEMA members.

A Members Lounge location has been added in the east end of the Lower South Hall lobby for the 2017 SEMA Show. Now, no matter where you are at the Show, a Members Lounge is close by.

The Members Lounge South features the following benefits:

• Private meeting spaces—reserve yours now!
• “Grab ‘N’ Go” lunch available during Show hours.
• A place to relax and network with fellow SEMA members.
• Charging stations.

Plan on spending most of your time in North Hall? Don’t worry, Members Lounge North remains in the same location (N251) above the Grand Lobby.

The Members Lounges are convenient places to grab lunch, network with other SEMA members, access a computer with a printer and internet service, or charge your cell phone. Both Members Lounges are open during Show hours. A hot lunch is available in Members Lounge North from 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. daily, and a cold “grab-n’-go” meal can be purchased in both lounges any time during Show hours.

Questions about the Members Lounge North or South? Contact AJ Carney or 909-978-6697.

By Katie Carson

In addition to the Members Lounge North located above the Grand Lobby, the Members Lounge South will offer a place to relax and network with fellow SEMA members.

A Members Lounge location has been added in the east end of the Lower South Hall lobby for the 2017 SEMA Show. Now, no matter where you are at the Show, a Members Lounge is close by.

The Members Lounge South features the following benefits:

• Private meeting spaces—reserve yours now!
• “Grab ‘N’ Go” lunch available during Show hours.
• A place to relax and network with fellow SEMA members.
• Charging stations.

Plan on spending most of your time in North Hall? Don’t worry, Members Lounge North remains in the same location (N251) above the Grand Lobby.

The Members Lounges are convenient places to grab lunch, network with other SEMA members, access a computer with a printer and internet service, or charge your cell phone. Both Members Lounges are open during Show hours. A hot lunch is available in Members Lounge North from 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. daily, and a cold “grab-n’-go” meal can be purchased in both lounges any time during Show hours.

Questions about the Members Lounge North or South? Contact AJ Carney or 909-978-6697.

By Katie Carson

In addition to the Members Lounge North located above the Grand Lobby, the Members Lounge South will offer a place to relax and network with fellow SEMA members.

A Members Lounge location has been added in the east end of the Lower South Hall lobby for the 2017 SEMA Show. Now, no matter where you are at the Show, a Members Lounge is close by.

The Members Lounge South features the following benefits:

• Private meeting spaces—reserve yours now!
• “Grab ‘N’ Go” lunch available during Show hours.
• A place to relax and network with fellow SEMA members.
• Charging stations.

Plan on spending most of your time in North Hall? Don’t worry, Members Lounge North remains in the same location (N251) above the Grand Lobby.

The Members Lounges are convenient places to grab lunch, network with other SEMA members, access a computer with a printer and internet service, or charge your cell phone. Both Members Lounges are open during Show hours. A hot lunch is available in Members Lounge North from 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. daily, and a cold “grab-n’-go” meal can be purchased in both lounges any time during Show hours.

Questions about the Members Lounge North or South? Contact AJ Carney or 909-978-6697.

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 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 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 day, 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 to watch the show. After the colors are presented by the color guard and the national anthem is sung, 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 Pinewood Builders 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 truck accessory and off-road industry professionals are encouraged to attend the annual TORA reception, which will take place Wednesday, November 1, at 5:00 p.m. The reception will be held in the SCORE off-road tent in front 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. 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 network. 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 wine tasting. 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 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. Come out for an evening of food, drinks, activity stations and connecting with leading young professionals in the industry. 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 with the YEN Vanguard Award. Register now.