By SEMA Editors

SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger.

For the fifth consecutive year, SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2017—whether they’re in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—SEMA News would like to hear from you.

It is very likely that SEMA members are currently working with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. They’re also the ones who have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas that include marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they’ll have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. These are people who know what’s going on at the ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that may be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Winners will be chosen based on their business successes, contributions to their organizations, industry knowledge and community involvement. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2017 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31, 2017.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• YEN Regional Networking Event at the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals, May 19, 2017, Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, Ohio

• 2017 SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference, May 23–27, 2017, Melbourne, Australia

• SEMA Virtual Career Fair, June 1, 2017, 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT)

• Jeep Heritage Expo, June 3, 2017, Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge Headquarters, Suwanee, Georgia

• HRIA General Membership Meeting, July 6, 2017, Goodguys PPG Nationals, Columbus, Ohio

• TORA General Membership Meeting, June 9, 2017, Ontario Truck & Jeep Fest, Ontario, California

• PRO General Membership Meeting, June 15, 2017, Detroit Metro Airport Marriott, Detroit

• SEMA Measuring Session, June 15, 2017, Mazda Technical Research Facility, Irvine, California

• Alex Xydias 95th Birthday Bash, June 17, 2017, Petersen Garage at Fairplex, Pomona, California

• SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 19–20, 2017, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, July 11, 2017, Competition Specialties, Auburn, Washington

• Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 14, 2017

• 2017 SEMA Export Fair, July 25–26, 2017, SEMA Garage, Diamond Bar, California

• SEMA Installation Gala, July 28, 2017, Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center, Pomona, California

• HRIA General Membership Meeting, August 24, 2017, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Pleasanton, California

• 2017 SEMA China Business Development Program, September 6–10, 2017, Shanghai, China

• Manufacturing Day, October 6, 2017

• 2017 SEMA Show, October 31–November 3, 2017, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

• 2017 PRI Trade Show, December 7–9, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

The SEMA Show is the largest annual gathering of small businesses on the planet. It's the place where more than 130,000 industry professionals connect to do business. The SEMA Show drives the automotive industry; it's where all the latest specialty automotive products are introduced. More than 2,500 new and featured products will be displayed in the New Products Showcase to a global audience of buyers and media. The sales exposure and brand-building visibility you will gain is sure to boost your business.

The SEMA Show is the largest annual gathering of small businesses on the planet. It's the place where more than 130,000 industry professionals connect to do business. The SEMA Show drives the automotive industry; it's where all the latest specialty automotive products are introduced. More than 2,500 new and featured products will be displayed in the New Products Showcase to a global audience of buyers and media. The sales exposure and brand-building visibility you will gain is sure to boost your business.

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.

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.

By Chad Simon

At the Exhibitor Summit, Trade show experts, including SEMA’s Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso, will highlight the value-added Show programs available, proven strategies to attract additional buyers and increase business at the Show, and the tools and resources needed to help companies plan ahead.

There’s still time to register for the eighth-annual SEMA Exhibitor Summit, to be held Monday–Tuesday, June 19–20, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Designed to connect exhibitors with Show programs and services to boost ROI and increase company outreach, the Summit is regarded as the most effective way to prepare for the 2017 SEMA Show, especially for those who are new to the Show.

SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit attendees will work with Show experts to enhance their Show investment through effective planning, marketing and budgeting, as well as minimize costs on services such as material handling and electrical, explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships, and learn proven strategies to drive buyer traffic to their booths.

Trade show experts, including SEMA Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso, will highlight the value-added Show programs available, proven strategies for attracting additional buyers and increasing business at the Show, and the tools and resources needed to help companies plan ahead. Participants will also explore the promotional opportunities available through Show sponsorships.

The Summit will also feature special events that connect companies with buyers in specific markets, show exhibitors how to benefit from early-bird deadlines, and help familiarize them with the layouts of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and Las Vegas Convention Center.

There is no cost to participate in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit. Complimentary hotel rooms are available to exhibitors and staff; however, participants are responsible for travel to and from Las Vegas. Space for the event is limited, so guarantee your spot today.

To secure booth space for the 2017 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

By Chad Simon

At the Exhibitor Summit, Trade show experts, including SEMA’s Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso, will highlight the value-added Show programs available, proven strategies to attract additional buyers and increase business at the Show, and the tools and resources needed to help companies plan ahead.

There’s still time to register for the eighth-annual SEMA Exhibitor Summit, to be held Monday–Tuesday, June 19–20, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Designed to connect exhibitors with Show programs and services to boost ROI and increase company outreach, the Summit is regarded as the most effective way to prepare for the 2017 SEMA Show, especially for those who are new to the Show.

SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit attendees will work with Show experts to enhance their Show investment through effective planning, marketing and budgeting, as well as minimize costs on services such as material handling and electrical, explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships, and learn proven strategies to drive buyer traffic to their booths.

Trade show experts, including SEMA Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso, will highlight the value-added Show programs available, proven strategies for attracting additional buyers and increasing business at the Show, and the tools and resources needed to help companies plan ahead. Participants will also explore the promotional opportunities available through Show sponsorships.

The Summit will also feature special events that connect companies with buyers in specific markets, show exhibitors how to benefit from early-bird deadlines, and help familiarize them with the layouts of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and Las Vegas Convention Center.

There is no cost to participate in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit. Complimentary hotel rooms are available to exhibitors and staff; however, participants are responsible for travel to and from Las Vegas. Space for the event is limited, so guarantee your spot today.

To secure booth space for the 2017 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

By Chad Simon

At the Exhibitor Summit, Trade show experts, including SEMA’s Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso, will highlight the value-added Show programs available, proven strategies to attract additional buyers and increase business at the Show, and the tools and resources needed to help companies plan ahead.

There’s still time to register for the eighth-annual SEMA Exhibitor Summit, to be held Monday–Tuesday, June 19–20, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Designed to connect exhibitors with Show programs and services to boost ROI and increase company outreach, the Summit is regarded as the most effective way to prepare for the 2017 SEMA Show, especially for those who are new to the Show.

SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit attendees will work with Show experts to enhance their Show investment through effective planning, marketing and budgeting, as well as minimize costs on services such as material handling and electrical, explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships, and learn proven strategies to drive buyer traffic to their booths.

Trade show experts, including SEMA Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso, will highlight the value-added Show programs available, proven strategies for attracting additional buyers and increasing business at the Show, and the tools and resources needed to help companies plan ahead. Participants will also explore the promotional opportunities available through Show sponsorships.

The Summit will also feature special events that connect companies with buyers in specific markets, show exhibitors how to benefit from early-bird deadlines, and help familiarize them with the layouts of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and Las Vegas Convention Center.

There is no cost to participate in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit. Complimentary hotel rooms are available to exhibitors and staff; however, participants are responsible for travel to and from Las Vegas. Space for the event is limited, so guarantee your spot today.

To secure booth space for the 2017 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

By Jason Catullo

To view an updated floorplan of the 2017 Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/floorplan and click on any section to view the layout.

The 2017 SEMA Show Priority Selection Process, which began on May 1, is now complete and purported to be the most successful to date. To see the selection results and an updated floorplan of the 2017 Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/floorplan and click on any section to view the layout.

“Ideally, the SEMA Show mirrors the specialty equipment marketplace and I believe the record level of participation we experienced at our space selection is an excellent indicator of the state of the industry and the Show’s importance to manufacturers across all market segments,” said SEMA director of trade shows Tom Gattuso. “We are excited to take this momentum and continue to build the Show over the next several months into the ultimate environment to showcase the best of the industry.”

Manufacturers that were not part of the space selection but would still like to participate in the 2017 Show are encouraged to visit www.semashow.com/buyabooth.

For exhibitors who have secured booth space and selected a Show-floor location, Show Management suggests to start shaping your Show experience by reviewing the Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM), reserving hotel rooms, registering company staff and attending the Exhibitor Summit.

Known as the go-to resource for all things Show-related, the ESM includes all the forms, instructions and deadlines needed for companies to enhance ROI and execute their Show plan. The ESM is available at www.SEMAShow.com/esm. Forms such as the Budget Checklist and Deadline Checklist are quick reference guides that will help exhibitors save money and stay on track with Show planning.

Exhibitors that have not yet reserved rooms for the week of the Show should visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel and see the deals available. Booking through OnPeak, the Show’s Official Housing Partner, means that exhibitors receive guaranteed low rates and benefit from added perks, such as no booking or cancellation fees and simple tools to manage group bookings. This week, new hotels were added to list.

In addition to locking-in hotel reservations, exhibitors are also encouraged to register their staff for the Show. Completing registration early allows companies to ensure staff members have the credentials needed prior to the Show's opening and helps to avoid registration lines on site.   Register for the SEMA Show at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

The most effective way to prepare for the SEMA Show is to participate in the Exhibitor Summit, and let trade show experts outline money-saving programs and time-saving planning tips. Now in its eighth year, the Exhibitor Summit remains the most direct, cost-effective way to prepare for the SEMA Show.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com for complete Show information.