Register for the 2017 SEMA Show
Thu, 09/14/2017 - 09:04

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

Industry Jobs
Thu, 09/14/2017 - 09:03

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

ETTN Member Spotlight—Joseph Mills
Mon, 09/11/2017 - 14:02

By SEMA Editors

Mills
Joseph Mills

SEMA’s Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) recently had a chance to speak with Joseph Mills, director of marketing and customer experience for AutoMeter Products Inc.

How did you get into the automotive aftermarket?

I grew up around cars. One day my uncle bought a Corvette and gave me a ride in it. At that point, I knew that I wanted to do something related to making cars look cool and go fast.

What is your role with AutoMeter Products?

I am responsible for marketing our brand and product and making sure that our customers have a world-class experience when they deal with us. We encourage our team to follow the Nordstrom policy, which is “use good judgement in all situations.”

How did you become interested in sales and marketing?

I like to solve problems and create solutions, and sales and marketing is a natural fit for those skills. Prior to working for AutoMeter, I worked for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, and I was exposed to great sales and marketing teams at both.

What do you love about your company?

We have great employees who have been with us for many years. The average tenure of our hourly employees is 11 years. We are not stiff and rigid like some companies are. Everyone’s feedback is important and taken into consideration. Our entire team is constantly working on improving everything that we do. I also appreciate the fact that I know everyone who works here.

How important are technology trends to you?

I have always been a bit of a “techno guy,” so I am always interested in what is happening with technology. As technology has changed, so has AutoMeter, in order to keep up with the times. Examples of changes over the years are digital dashes, Wi-Fi gauges, the ability to show data on mobile devices and providing data that the OEMs rarely display. We are committed to being a leader in our space. An example of this is that we have more engineers than we do sales people.

How do you see the performance aftermarket evolving over the next 10–15 years?

It definitely will continue to evolve. I see more integration in components and systems. Vehicles will continue to go faster, produce fewer emissions and become more powerful. I think it is a given to say that vehicles of the future will have more electronics. Due to technology, vehicles will become more expensive. The performance aftermarket has great companies that will continue to rise to the challenge.

What is your daily driver?

A ’14 Mitsubishi Lancer GSR, rather modified.

What is your favorite vehicle coming off the assembly line these days and why?

The C7 6.2L LT1 seven-speed. It is world-class, a great value, looks great standing still or going down the road and it is made in the United States.

ETTN Member Spotlight—Joseph Mills
Mon, 09/11/2017 - 14:02

By SEMA Editors

Mills
Joseph Mills

SEMA’s Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) recently had a chance to speak with Joseph Mills, director of marketing and customer experience for AutoMeter Products Inc.

How did you get into the automotive aftermarket?

I grew up around cars. One day my uncle bought a Corvette and gave me a ride in it. At that point, I knew that I wanted to do something related to making cars look cool and go fast.

What is your role with AutoMeter Products?

I am responsible for marketing our brand and product and making sure that our customers have a world-class experience when they deal with us. We encourage our team to follow the Nordstrom policy, which is “use good judgement in all situations.”

How did you become interested in sales and marketing?

I like to solve problems and create solutions, and sales and marketing is a natural fit for those skills. Prior to working for AutoMeter, I worked for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, and I was exposed to great sales and marketing teams at both.

What do you love about your company?

We have great employees who have been with us for many years. The average tenure of our hourly employees is 11 years. We are not stiff and rigid like some companies are. Everyone’s feedback is important and taken into consideration. Our entire team is constantly working on improving everything that we do. I also appreciate the fact that I know everyone who works here.

How important are technology trends to you?

I have always been a bit of a “techno guy,” so I am always interested in what is happening with technology. As technology has changed, so has AutoMeter, in order to keep up with the times. Examples of changes over the years are digital dashes, Wi-Fi gauges, the ability to show data on mobile devices and providing data that the OEMs rarely display. We are committed to being a leader in our space. An example of this is that we have more engineers than we do sales people.

How do you see the performance aftermarket evolving over the next 10–15 years?

It definitely will continue to evolve. I see more integration in components and systems. Vehicles will continue to go faster, produce fewer emissions and become more powerful. I think it is a given to say that vehicles of the future will have more electronics. Due to technology, vehicles will become more expensive. The performance aftermarket has great companies that will continue to rise to the challenge.

What is your daily driver?

A ’14 Mitsubishi Lancer GSR, rather modified.

What is your favorite vehicle coming off the assembly line these days and why?

The C7 6.2L LT1 seven-speed. It is world-class, a great value, looks great standing still or going down the road and it is made in the United States.

SEMA Show Exhibitor Update—54 Days 'Til Showtime
Thu, 09/07/2017 - 16:18

By SEMA Editors

2016 Show Floor
Both the Deadline and Budget Checklists help exhibitors stay ahead of Show planning and save money while doing so.

With the 2017 SEMA Show about eight weeks away, Show management’s exhibitor update provides companies with the latest news and key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

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

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

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The Budget Checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensure that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show.

Enter the New Products Showcase - Reach out to more business.

B2B Show Floor
The New Products Showcase is the No. 1 destination for buyers, providing exhibitors the opportunity to attract new business by highlighting their new products and best-sellers in a designated area away from their booth.

The SEMA Show New Products Showcase puts the spotlight on new and signature products from exhibitors representing the segments of the specialty-equipment industry.

The area serves as an extra avenue for exhibitors to reach new customers, and remains the No. 1 destination for buyers and media seeking the latest product advancements and innovations. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed, featured in SEMA News and hosted on the SEMA website, www.SEMAphotos.com. The images are also promoted to the media and used for the product information available to buyers at the Show.

The first entry in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product category if received by Friday, October 6, $150 thereafter. Entries submitted on-site will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Reserve Hotel Rooms - Lock-in your guaranteed low rate.

Exhibitors who have not yet secured hotels for the 2017 SEMA Show can take advantage of the guaranteed low rates offered at www.SEMAShow.com/travel. SEMA Show management works with one official hotel provider, OnPeak, to ensure that all Showgoers receive guaranteed low rates and an extra level of service.

There are still several properties available that accommodate the style and budget of all business types making the trip to Vegas for the Show. Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to book rooms now—space is limited and available on a first come, first-served basis.

SEMA Show management encourages exhibitors, attendees and media to be vigilant if approached by any company or service other than OnPeak that claims to be a housing provider for the SEMA Show or AAPEX. Leading up to the Show, Showgoers might be contacted by other travel agencies or housing companies to book guest rooms. SEMA has no affiliation with these organizations and cannot vouch for their services in any way.

For booking assistance, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Companies with existing reservations need to have their OnPeak attendance/group ID number handy.

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

More information on the 2017 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA Show Exhibitor Update—54 Days 'Til Showtime
Thu, 09/07/2017 - 16:18

By SEMA Editors

2016 Show Floor
Both the Deadline and Budget Checklists help exhibitors stay ahead of Show planning and save money while doing so.

With the 2017 SEMA Show about eight weeks away, Show management’s exhibitor update provides companies with the latest news and key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

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

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

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The Budget Checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensure that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show.

Enter the New Products Showcase - Reach out to more business.

B2B Show Floor
The New Products Showcase is the No. 1 destination for buyers, providing exhibitors the opportunity to attract new business by highlighting their new products and best-sellers in a designated area away from their booth.

The SEMA Show New Products Showcase puts the spotlight on new and signature products from exhibitors representing the segments of the specialty-equipment industry.

The area serves as an extra avenue for exhibitors to reach new customers, and remains the No. 1 destination for buyers and media seeking the latest product advancements and innovations. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed, featured in SEMA News and hosted on the SEMA website, www.SEMAphotos.com. The images are also promoted to the media and used for the product information available to buyers at the Show.

The first entry in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product category if received by Friday, October 6, $150 thereafter. Entries submitted on-site will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Reserve Hotel Rooms - Lock-in your guaranteed low rate.

Exhibitors who have not yet secured hotels for the 2017 SEMA Show can take advantage of the guaranteed low rates offered at www.SEMAShow.com/travel. SEMA Show management works with one official hotel provider, OnPeak, to ensure that all Showgoers receive guaranteed low rates and an extra level of service.

There are still several properties available that accommodate the style and budget of all business types making the trip to Vegas for the Show. Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to book rooms now—space is limited and available on a first come, first-served basis.

SEMA Show management encourages exhibitors, attendees and media to be vigilant if approached by any company or service other than OnPeak that claims to be a housing provider for the SEMA Show or AAPEX. Leading up to the Show, Showgoers might be contacted by other travel agencies or housing companies to book guest rooms. SEMA has no affiliation with these organizations and cannot vouch for their services in any way.

For booking assistance, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Companies with existing reservations need to have their OnPeak attendance/group ID number handy.

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

More information on the 2017 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

More Companies Join SEMA Show’s 2nd Annual Student Career Day
Thu, 09/07/2017 - 14:59

By SEMA Editors

For the 2nd consecutive year, the SEMA Show will host a Student Career Day. In 2016, the inaugural event experienced tremendous industry support with 42 companies introducing their businesses to more than 650 high-school and college students from across the United States. The event serves to highlight the diversity of career opportunities in the automotive industry and promote brand awareness, while addressing the immediate employment needs of the participating companies.

Kimberly Johnson from ididit LLC, who participated last year “highly recommends that all SEMA member companies participate in SEMA Career Day!” Johnson continues, “It was exciting to meet the next generation of our industry and see their enthusiasm for what we do. They were all well prepared, confident and educated about our companies.”

Event Details

When:  Monday, October 30, 2017
Where: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Ballrooms D and E
Time: 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

SEMA will provide each company with a table, chairs and basic signage. To register your company, email SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark.

Join the companies already signed up below and register today!

  • BASF Corporation
  • Bob Cook Sales
  • Bonnier Corp.
  • BOOSTane
  • BRANDMOTION
  • BridgeStone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
  • Comp Performance Group
  • Cool Hand Customs
  • DeeZee
  • E3 Spark Plugs
  • Eaton Performance
  • Edelbrock LLC
  • Eibach Springs
  • Equalizer
  • Grypmat
  • Hypertech
  • Insignia Group
  • J.E. Pistons / Race Winning Brands
  • K&N Engineering
  • Katzkin Leather
  • LGE*CTS Motorsports
  • Magnaflow Exhaust Products
  • Motor State Distributing
  • Myers Tire Supply
  • PerTronix Performance Products
  • Pilot Automotive/Rolling Big Power
  • Power Automedia
  • Randys Worldwide
  • Ridetech
  • Roush Yates Engines
  • Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS)
  • Sparta Evolution
  • Steele Rubber
  • Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of American
  • Transamerican Auto Parts/4 Wheel Parts
  • Truck Hero
More Companies Join SEMA Show’s 2nd Annual Student Career Day
Thu, 09/07/2017 - 14:59

By SEMA Editors

For the 2nd consecutive year, the SEMA Show will host a Student Career Day. In 2016, the inaugural event experienced tremendous industry support with 42 companies introducing their businesses to more than 650 high-school and college students from across the United States. The event serves to highlight the diversity of career opportunities in the automotive industry and promote brand awareness, while addressing the immediate employment needs of the participating companies.

Kimberly Johnson from ididit LLC, who participated last year “highly recommends that all SEMA member companies participate in SEMA Career Day!” Johnson continues, “It was exciting to meet the next generation of our industry and see their enthusiasm for what we do. They were all well prepared, confident and educated about our companies.”

Event Details

When:  Monday, October 30, 2017
Where: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Ballrooms D and E
Time: 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

SEMA will provide each company with a table, chairs and basic signage. To register your company, email SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark.

Join the companies already signed up below and register today!

  • BASF Corporation
  • Bob Cook Sales
  • Bonnier Corp.
  • BOOSTane
  • BRANDMOTION
  • BridgeStone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
  • Comp Performance Group
  • Cool Hand Customs
  • DeeZee
  • E3 Spark Plugs
  • Eaton Performance
  • Edelbrock LLC
  • Eibach Springs
  • Equalizer
  • Grypmat
  • Hypertech
  • Insignia Group
  • J.E. Pistons / Race Winning Brands
  • K&N Engineering
  • Katzkin Leather
  • LGE*CTS Motorsports
  • Magnaflow Exhaust Products
  • Motor State Distributing
  • Myers Tire Supply
  • PerTronix Performance Products
  • Pilot Automotive/Rolling Big Power
  • Power Automedia
  • Randys Worldwide
  • Ridetech
  • Roush Yates Engines
  • Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS)
  • Sparta Evolution
  • Steele Rubber
  • Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of American
  • Transamerican Auto Parts/4 Wheel Parts
  • Truck Hero
More Companies Join SEMA Show’s 2nd Annual Student Career Day
Thu, 09/07/2017 - 14:59

By SEMA Editors

For the 2nd consecutive year, the SEMA Show will host a Student Career Day. In 2016, the inaugural event experienced tremendous industry support with 42 companies introducing their businesses to more than 650 high-school and college students from across the United States. The event serves to highlight the diversity of career opportunities in the automotive industry and promote brand awareness, while addressing the immediate employment needs of the participating companies.

Kimberly Johnson from ididit LLC, who participated last year “highly recommends that all SEMA member companies participate in SEMA Career Day!” Johnson continues, “It was exciting to meet the next generation of our industry and see their enthusiasm for what we do. They were all well prepared, confident and educated about our companies.”

Event Details

When:  Monday, October 30, 2017
Where: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Ballrooms D and E
Time: 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

SEMA will provide each company with a table, chairs and basic signage. To register your company, email SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark.

Join the companies already signed up below and register today!

  • BASF Corporation
  • Bob Cook Sales
  • Bonnier Corp.
  • BOOSTane
  • BRANDMOTION
  • BridgeStone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
  • Comp Performance Group
  • Cool Hand Customs
  • DeeZee
  • E3 Spark Plugs
  • Eaton Performance
  • Edelbrock LLC
  • Eibach Springs
  • Equalizer
  • Grypmat
  • Hypertech
  • Insignia Group
  • J.E. Pistons / Race Winning Brands
  • K&N Engineering
  • Katzkin Leather
  • LGE*CTS Motorsports
  • Magnaflow Exhaust Products
  • Motor State Distributing
  • Myers Tire Supply
  • PerTronix Performance Products
  • Pilot Automotive/Rolling Big Power
  • Power Automedia
  • Randys Worldwide
  • Ridetech
  • Roush Yates Engines
  • Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS)
  • Sparta Evolution
  • Steele Rubber
  • Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of American
  • Transamerican Auto Parts/4 Wheel Parts
  • Truck Hero
New Ready-to-Run AI Business Tools
Thu, 09/07/2017 - 14:15

While it’ll be awhile before we can all have an IBM Watson supercomputer sitting atop our desktops, there are a number of artificial intelligence (AI) business tools you can use right now that will help you run smarter, faster and ahead of the competition. Essentially, these next-generation wonders tap into artificial intelligence’s ability to do a lot of the thinking and strategizing for you.

Of course, it’s always your call if you want to trust an entity whose heart literally beats with all the warmth of an Intel or similar multiprocessor. But if you’re curious about what the future of business software will look like, here’s a sampling of what’s coming down the pike.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/09/not-your-fathers-toolbox