By Della Domingo

High Impact Television (HIT) and FOX Sports are returning to Las Vegas to produce a one-hour television special covering the 2017 SEMA Show.

SEMA is pleased to announce that High Impact Television (HIT) and FOX Sports are returning to the SEMA Show to produce a one-hour television special covering the 2017 Show. Last year’s FOX Sports SEMA Show television special was a huge success and has aired 16 times to date. 

“SEMA is an incredible automotive event, and we are very excited to be returning in 2017 to produce another television special for FOX Sports. Our show gives viewers an insiders’ look at all that SEMA has to offer,” says Tore Dietrich, host of Fox Sports’ one-hour SEMA special.

The 2017 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas.

“We are extremely pleased and excited to be working again with FOX Sports and High Impact Television for the second consecutive year. The SEMA Show is a trade show that is not open to the public, so it’s great that the Fox Sports Television Special is able to share the excitement, the new products and the trends with television viewers,” said Della Domingo, SEMA public relations director.

For more information about the 2017 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By Linda Spencer

SEMA-member Injen Technology has participated in a number of SEMA overseas busi­ness programs, including multiple trips to China. Represented this time by President Ron Delgado (far right) and Business Development Manager Jay Crouch (second from right), the firm manufactures performance air-intake systems and exhaust systems for cars and trucks in its California facility. “The performance aftermarket in China continues to surge every year, and with the help of SEMA’s annual Business Development Program, Injen Technology continues to be on the fast-track for growth in the Asian marketplace. The Chinese enthu­siasts love American brands, and they continue to welcome our industry with open arms and are eager to modify their vehicles with American-made products,” commented Crouch. Injen has already signed up for the 2017 SEMA China trip.

Participate in the SEMA China Business Development Program, September 6–10, 2017, in Shanghai, where attendees will have the opportunity to explore their product sales potential in a market with 1.3 billion consumers. China—the world’s largest vehicle market—has a rising middle class, a strong and growing demand for light trucks and a love for American products. Note: Free booth graphics, courtesy of Freeman, for the next 10 exhibitors.

During the subsidized trip, SEMA China Business Development Program participants will exhibit at the China Auto Salon (CAS), visit retailers, take part in networking events and learn about the specialty-equipment market at an exclusive briefing with U.S. government officials and top Chinese buyers.

Program fees include hotels, meals, a reception, exhibition space, a turnkey booth, an interpreter and local transportation. Register now for the SEMA China Business Development Program, or contact Linda Spencer for more information.

Five Chinese market facts:

• China is already the world’s largest passenger-vehicle market.
• American vehicles are popular in China. The new global Mustang is a big hit, and fullsize pickups and Jeeps are in demand. The Ford Raptor is now officially sold in China with the first performance F-150s, built in Grand Rapids, Michigan, departing for China this past February.
• A rapidly growing Chinese middle class, now estimated at up to 300 million people, is expected to fuel a strong future demand for cars and specialty equipment.
• Chinese consumers are increasingly seeking out foreign products. They associate U.S. and other Western luxury brands with quality. With growing incomes, these consumers have the ability to purchase sought-after brands.
• SUVs and other light trucks are the market leaders in Chinese passenger vehicle sales, with vehicles in this segment growing more rapidly than the rest of the market. 

By Linda Spencer

SEMA-member Injen Technology has participated in a number of SEMA overseas busi­ness programs, including multiple trips to China. Represented this time by President Ron Delgado (far right) and Business Development Manager Jay Crouch (second from right), the firm manufactures performance air-intake systems and exhaust systems for cars and trucks in its California facility. “The performance aftermarket in China continues to surge every year, and with the help of SEMA’s annual Business Development Program, Injen Technology continues to be on the fast-track for growth in the Asian marketplace. The Chinese enthu­siasts love American brands, and they continue to welcome our industry with open arms and are eager to modify their vehicles with American-made products,” commented Crouch. Injen has already signed up for the 2017 SEMA China trip.

Participate in the SEMA China Business Development Program, September 6–10, 2017, in Shanghai, where attendees will have the opportunity to explore their product sales potential in a market with 1.3 billion consumers. China—the world’s largest vehicle market—has a rising middle class, a strong and growing demand for light trucks and a love for American products. Note: Free booth graphics, courtesy of Freeman, for the next 10 exhibitors.

During the subsidized trip, SEMA China Business Development Program participants will exhibit at the China Auto Salon (CAS), visit retailers, take part in networking events and learn about the specialty-equipment market at an exclusive briefing with U.S. government officials and top Chinese buyers.

Program fees include hotels, meals, a reception, exhibition space, a turnkey booth, an interpreter and local transportation. Register now for the SEMA China Business Development Program, or contact Linda Spencer for more information.

Five Chinese market facts:

• China is already the world’s largest passenger-vehicle market.
• American vehicles are popular in China. The new global Mustang is a big hit, and fullsize pickups and Jeeps are in demand. The Ford Raptor is now officially sold in China with the first performance F-150s, built in Grand Rapids, Michigan, departing for China this past February.
• A rapidly growing Chinese middle class, now estimated at up to 300 million people, is expected to fuel a strong future demand for cars and specialty equipment.
• Chinese consumers are increasingly seeking out foreign products. They associate U.S. and other Western luxury brands with quality. With growing incomes, these consumers have the ability to purchase sought-after brands.
• SUVs and other light trucks are the market leaders in Chinese passenger vehicle sales, with vehicles in this segment growing more rapidly than the rest of the market. 

By Amelia Zwecher

The SEMA Career Center’s goal is to continue to help enhance business’ recruitment efforts so they can find top talent in the automotive industry.

In addition to the recruitment tips periodically found in SEMA eNews, watch for a monthly listing of five career fairs focused specifically on the automotive aftermarket industry. The SEMA Career Center’s goal is to continue to help enhance business’ recruitment efforts so they can find top talent in the automotive industry. The SEMA Career Center serves as a resource to help lessen the burden of researching new recruiting ideas and initiatives.

Notable Upcoming Events:

Georgia Tech Virtual Career Fair

Event Date: July 12, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (EDT)
City, State: online/virtual (log on from anywhere globally).

WyoTech Career Fair

Event Date: August 24, 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (EDT)
City, State: Blairsville, Pennsylvania

Virginia Tech Engineering Expo

Event Date: September 12–13, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (EDT)
City, State: Blacksburg, Virginia
Note: Special discounted pricing if booked through SEMA (contact Amelia Zwecher at 909-378-4859 or ameliaz@sema.org for more information). There will be 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students and more than 280 premier companies in attendance.

2017 Cars, Careers, & Celebrities Expo

Event Date: September 15, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (CDT)
City, State: Joliet, Illinois
Note: Hosted by Collision Repair Education Foundation.

Lincoln Tech Career Fair

Event Date: September 20, 5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. (EDT)
City, State: Indianapolis, Indiana

*Not hiring right now? Remember—these events offer a great opportunity for bringing awareness to your company and to the automotive aftermarket industry.

SEMA Career Services Manager Amelia Zwecher, PhD, PHR, will offer step-by-step guidance for registering for the career fair. For more information, contact her at ameliaz@sema.org.

Complete this form to receive specific event information relevant to your company’s needs.

By Amelia Zwecher

The SEMA Career Center’s goal is to continue to help enhance business’ recruitment efforts so they can find top talent in the automotive industry.

In addition to the recruitment tips periodically found in SEMA eNews, watch for a monthly listing of five career fairs focused specifically on the automotive aftermarket industry. The SEMA Career Center’s goal is to continue to help enhance business’ recruitment efforts so they can find top talent in the automotive industry. The SEMA Career Center serves as a resource to help lessen the burden of researching new recruiting ideas and initiatives.

Notable Upcoming Events:

Georgia Tech Virtual Career Fair

Event Date: July 12, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (EDT)
City, State: online/virtual (log on from anywhere globally).

WyoTech Career Fair

Event Date: August 24, 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (EDT)
City, State: Blairsville, Pennsylvania

Virginia Tech Engineering Expo

Event Date: September 12–13, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (EDT)
City, State: Blacksburg, Virginia
Note: Special discounted pricing if booked through SEMA (contact Amelia Zwecher at 909-378-4859 or ameliaz@sema.org for more information). There will be 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students and more than 280 premier companies in attendance.

2017 Cars, Careers, & Celebrities Expo

Event Date: September 15, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (CDT)
City, State: Joliet, Illinois
Note: Hosted by Collision Repair Education Foundation.

Lincoln Tech Career Fair

Event Date: September 20, 5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. (EDT)
City, State: Indianapolis, Indiana

*Not hiring right now? Remember—these events offer a great opportunity for bringing awareness to your company and to the automotive aftermarket industry.

SEMA Career Services Manager Amelia Zwecher, PhD, PHR, will offer step-by-step guidance for registering for the career fair. For more information, contact her at ameliaz@sema.org.

Complete this form to receive specific event information relevant to your company’s needs.

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.

http://bcove.video/2qxPZM2

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.

http://bcove.video/2qxPZM2

By Jason Catullo

WeatherTech was named the 2016 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year and was recognized on stage at the 2016 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet.

Nominations are now being accepted for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards: 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 winners will be honored and celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 2, during the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Nominate Now!

• Manufacturer of the Year
• Person of the Year
• Rep Agency of the Year
• Warehouse Distributor of the Year
• GEN-III Innovator of the Year

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 to win awards in multiple categories.

By Jason Catullo

WeatherTech was named the 2016 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year and was recognized on stage at the 2016 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet.

Nominations are now being accepted for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards: 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 winners will be honored and celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 2, during the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Nominate Now!

• Manufacturer of the Year
• Person of the Year
• Rep Agency of the Year
• Warehouse Distributor of the Year
• GEN-III Innovator of the Year

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 to win awards in multiple categories.

By Linda Spencer

The International Happy Hour provides an opportunity to network with international buyers, distributors and media at the close of the Show day.

The SEMA International Happy Hour is an event open exclusively to exhibitors to meet with top international buyers and global media. Attendance at the November 1 event is complimentary for exhibitors, but registration is required. The link to register is below.

• “We Export” sign: Let international buyers know that you are interested in doing business with them by using this complimentary multilingual sign.
• International Happy Hour (IHH): Wednesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., Upper North Hall, Room N255. The 2016 International Happy Hour will be the largest annual international specialty-equipment trade gathering. Network with international buyers, distributors and media at the close of the Show day. More than 1,000 companies are expected to attend this year’s networking party. Exhibitors: register now for free!
• International Roundtables: Monday, October 30, Upper North Hall, Room N259. Attend roundtable discussions with top international buyers from emerging markets in the Middle East (11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.), Australia (12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.) and China (3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.) who will speak about the opportunities and challenges U.S. manufacturers face in doing business in their home markets.
• Do you create products with interna­tional applications? Don’t forget sig­nage in your booth highlighting any product applications that would fit vehicles that may not be found in the United States. For exam­ple, if you created products for global vehicles popularly customized abroad but not sold in the United States—such as the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger T6, Mitsubishi L200 or UAZ Hunter—be sure to let visitors to your booth know.
• Center for International Commerce (CIC): Located in LVCC room N255, the CIC offers complimentary pri­vate meeting space and interpreters to facilitate meetings between exhibitors and international buyers. A team of interpreters will be on hand to assist in bilingual communication in key languages, such as German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. All international buyers and exhibitors are welcome to use these export-oriented services